Latest News from BPCA

30 August 2018

Top 5 Avian Pests

Technical | PPC92 September 2018

With the help of Mark Wenman from Pelsis, we’ve put together our own set of ‘top trumps’ cards with all the vital statistics and fun facts on the most common nuisance birds you’re most likely to encounter in the UK.

Feral pigeon Columba livia

Related to the rock dove, this bird is a very common pest bird found in all areas of the UK. Harbours a large variety of diseases and insects on the body. Its nests and fouling are also public health concerns. The feral pigeon has no distress call.

Herring gull Larus argentatus

A large, aggressive gull that causes many issues to people and buildings. It will attack when nesting and peck roofs, causing damage. Its nests often block gutters. Juveniles return to the same roof every year. Usually, more of a pest during the breeding season. Moved inland due to the availability of food, shelter and nesting sites.

House sparrow Passer Domesticus

Small, agile, intelligent bird, resident in the UK. The house sparrow is mainly a pest of the food industry. They may never leave a factory if they have food and water. Their fouling contaminates.

Lesser black backed gull Larus fuscus

A large, aggressive gull that causes many issues to people and buildings. As belligerent as the herring gull. It has a distress call like the herring gull. Juveniles return to the same roof every year. Usually, more of a pest during the breeding season. Moved inland due to the availability of food, shelter and nesting sites.

European starling Sturnus vulgaris

This bird runs rather than hopping. It is a noisy bird with a loud distress call. They loudly chatter when roosting, and leave large amounts of fouling. The UK has a resident all-year population, plus Britain is used as a winter home for millions from North European and Russian starlings. This is why the population swells between September and March. The flocks, also known as murmurations, can number up to 100,000.

Special interest in bird management?

Mark Wenman is part of the BPCA special interest group - Birdwise. Birdwise gets together to talk about bird control issues and helps create guidance for BPCA members and PPC readers. If you think you could contribute to the Birdwise special interest group, contact us today.

hello@bpca.org.uk

< Contents Next article >

Source: PPC92

Highlights View all news

27 March 2025

Latest news

PPC Live 2025 review: a showcase of pest control expertise

PPC Live returned to Harrogate on 19 March 2025, once again bringing together the UK pest industry for a day of networking, learning and expert insights. 

Read more

13 March 2025

Latest news

Hantavirus and the role of pest control in preventing its spread

Following news of a high profile Hantavirus death recently, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading.

Read more

29 January 2025

Latest news

Sticky situation: Met Police caught unprepared on Glue Trap law

In December, BPCA received a Freedom of Information (FOI) response from the Metropolitan Police, which revealed that no training had been provided to officers on glue trap protocols. 

Read more
Latest View all news

02 April 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: BPCA Annual Report 2024

Watch our video round-up of the BPCA Annual Report, feat. the President's Report, Treasurer's Report and Committee updates.

Read more

01 April 2025

Latest news

HSE: Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month and HSE has put together some tips and webinars on managing stress in the workplace.

Read more

27 March 2025

Latest news

PPC Live 2025 review: a showcase of pest control expertise

PPC Live returned to Harrogate on 19 March 2025, once again bringing together the UK pest industry for a day of networking, learning and expert insights. 

Read more