Bird Welfare and Nuisance Birds

There are a range of techniques that are available to deal with nuisance caused by birds.

• Noise deterrents or audible scarers, such as the birds' own alarm call or loud bangs.
• Using a scarecrow or other visual scarer.
• Using netting or bird-spikes, also known as 'proofing'. This prevents the birds landing or accessing areas where they're known to cause problems.
• Restricting food access, such as cleaning up food spills immediately and keeping rubbish in secure bins.

The RSPB has further advice on deterring birds that are seen as pests, including pigeons and gulls.

Feeding birds in public areas can cause birds to expect food from people. This may also cause large breeds, such as gulls, to swoop and can cause injury.

Feeding can also greatly increase populations of birds like waterfowl and pigeons.

Deterrents for bird nuisance are not always long lasting. The law recognises that in some circumstance you may need take action that would otherwise be seen as illegal. You would therefore need a licence to carry out the following, which are available under certain conditions. These are:

• to kill or take certain birds to preserve public health or safety. 
• to prevent serious damage to crops, vegetables and fruit.

You cannot use this licence to kill birds because they are damaging your property, or are being a nuisance.

View the range of bird licences available and how to apply for them.