Par, St Austell, CornwallOpen 24 hours, 7 days a week

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# Pigeon Control &amp; Proofingfor St Austell Homes &amp; Businesses
Fouling on ledges and shopfronts, roosting in roof voids, and the slip and health risks that come with it — sorted with proofing that lasts.

Call 07974 278830Request an estimate

Paul assesses the building, identifies every entry and roosting point, and quotes a proofing job before any work starts.

- 15 years' hands-on experience◆
- Bees rehomed — never exterminated◆
- Poison-free methods used wherever possible◆
- Humane &amp; legal techniques — live-trapping specialists◆
- Rats, mice, wasps, moles, squirrels, rabbits &amp; pigeons◆
- Sub-12 ft/lb air rifle control on grounds, farms &amp; estates◆
- Gull &amp; bird proofing — netting, spikes &amp; deterrents◆
- Homes &amp; businesses — pubs, restaurants, farms, holiday lets &amp; landlords◆
- One-off call-outs &amp; ongoing prevention plans◆
- Locally owned &amp; run by Paul Clarke◆
- Covering St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Bodmin, Fowey &amp; across mid-Cornwall◆
- 15 years' hands-on experience◆
- Bees rehomed — never exterminated◆
- Poison-free methods used wherever possible◆
- Humane &amp; legal techniques — live-trapping specialists◆
- Rats, mice, wasps, moles, squirrels, rabbits &amp; pigeons◆
- Sub-12 ft/lb air rifle control on grounds, farms &amp; estates◆
- Gull &amp; bird proofing — netting, spikes &amp; deterrents◆
- Homes &amp; businesses — pubs, restaurants, farms, holiday lets &amp; landlords◆
- One-off call-outs &amp; ongoing prevention plans◆
- Locally owned &amp; run by Paul Clarke◆
- Covering St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Bodmin, Fowey &amp; across mid-Cornwall◆

## Experience
15 years assessing roofs, ledges and roof voids

## Approach
Cleaning and proofing, not just a one-off scare

## Client base
Homes, shops, pubs and landlords across Cornwall

## Availability
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

The service

## Pigeon control and proofing across St Austell and Cornwall

Feral pigeons are one of the most persistent problems on commercial frontages and older roof spaces across St Austell, Truro and the surrounding towns. They roost on ledges, ridge tiles and signage, and given the chance they'll get into roof voids through gaps around soffits, broken tiles or old vent covers — often going unnoticed until droppings, feathers or noise in the loft give it away.

Pest Management Cornwall deals with pigeon problems in two parts: sorting out the immediate mess and access, then fitting proofing that stops it happening again. Paul's restoration building background means he can look at a roofline or shopfront and see exactly how pigeons are getting in and where they're likely to try next, rather than just netting the obvious spot and hoping.

This work covers everything from a single homeowner dealing with droppings under a bedroom window ledge, through to shop and restaurant frontages where fouling on signage and pavements is putting customers off, to landlords managing roof voids across several rental properties. One-off call-outs and ongoing preventative checks are both available depending on what suits the property.

### Who it's for

- Homeowners with pigeons roosting on window ledges, porches or roof valleys
- Shop, café and restaurant owners with fouling on frontages, signage and pavements putting off customers
- Landlords with pigeons getting into roof voids through broken tiles, gaps or old vents
- Businesses with loading bays, warehouses or industrial units where pigeons roost on beams and ledges
- Anyone hearing scratching, cooing or movement in a loft space that suggests pigeons have got in
- Holiday let owners who need roosting and fouling issues resolved before the next bookingCall 07974 278830

Left alone

## Why pigeon fouling and roosting is more than a mess to hose off
Pigeon droppings aren't just unsightly — accumulated fouling on ledges, pavements and fire escapes becomes genuinely slippery, and outside a shop or restaurant that's a real slip hazard for customers and staff alike. Droppings are also acidic and will eat into stonework, render and roofing materials over time if left to build up, which turns a cleaning job into a repair bill.

Once pigeons get into a roof void, the problem moves from cosmetic to structural. Nesting material blocks vents, droppings build up on insulation and ceiling boards, and the ammonia smell from accumulated droppings can be picked up in rooms below. There are also recognised health risks associated with pigeon droppings, particularly when disturbed as dust during cleaning, which is why access points need sealing before — not after — any clean-up.

### Slip hazards on commercial premises
Fouling on shop entrances, fire escapes and pavements becomes slippery, particularly when wet, creating a real risk for customers, staff and delivery drivers.

### Damage to stonework and roofing
Pigeon droppings are acidic and, left to accumulate on ledges, render or roof coverings, will gradually degrade the surface underneath, adding to repair costs.

### Roof void contamination
Droppings and nesting material inside a loft space build up on insulation and ceiling boards, and can produce a noticeable smell in rooms below if the problem isn't caught early.

### Reputational cost for businesses
A frontage covered in droppings, or pigeons roosting above outdoor seating, is enough to put customers off — particularly for cafés, pubs and restaurants relying on passing trade.

### Common mistakes worth avoiding

- Cleaning up fouling without sealing the entry or roosting point first, so the mess simply returns within weeks
- Using loud noise or visual scarers alone, which pigeons habituate to within days once they realise there's no real threat
- Blocking one obvious gap while leaving other access points — broken tiles, old vents, gaps behind fascias — untouched
- Leaving droppings to accumulate on ledges or in a loft space, increasing both the health risk and the eventual cleaning job
- Assuming a single pigeon or pair is a one-off, when a comfortable roosting spot typically attracts more birds over time

Our process

## How a pigeon control job runs
The approach is the same whether it's a single window ledge or a commercial roof void — find every access and roosting point before fitting anything.

- 1

### Building assessment
Paul checks ledges, roof voids, signage, soffits and any gaps in tiles or vents to work out exactly where pigeons are roosting, nesting or getting in.

- 2

### Scale of the problem
The extent of fouling, nesting material and any roof void contamination is assessed so the right amount of cleaning and proofing can be planned, not guessed at.

- 3

### Quote
A price is given after seeing the job — reflecting the size of the building, number of access points, and access required (ladders, roof access, scaffold) — never a blind figure over the phone.

- 4

### Cleaning where needed
Accumulated droppings and nesting material are dealt with safely before proofing goes on, so the fix isn't sealing contamination inside a roof void.

- 5

### Proofing installation
Netting, spikes, or wire systems are fitted to ledges, roof lines and roof voids to deny pigeons landing and nesting spots, fitted properly to the building rather than just screwed to the nearest surface.

- 6

### Aftercare and checks
For commercial premises and landlords, a follow-up check can confirm proofing has held and no new access points have opened up, particularly useful after any roof repairs.

What you get

## What proper pigeon proofing gets you

### Clean, safe frontages
Removing roosting spots above entrances and seating areas stops the ongoing fouling that creates slip hazards and puts customers off.

### Protection for stonework and roofing
Stopping fouling build-up before it starts protects render, stonework and roof coverings from the acidic damage that accumulated droppings cause over time.

### A roof void that stays a roof void
Sealing entry points keeps pigeons out of lofts entirely, avoiding the mess, smell and insulation damage that comes with birds nesting inside the roof structure.

### Proofing built to last
Netting, spikes and wire systems are fitted properly to the structure rather than as a quick fix, so they hold up rather than needing repeating every season.

### Suits homes and commercial premises alike
The same practical approach works for a single ledge on a house or a full commercial frontage, scaled to what the building actually needs.

In detail

## Understanding pigeon problems and proofing in detail
Pigeon issues tend to follow a few recurring patterns depending on the type of building — here's what's usually going on and how it's dealt with.

### Why pigeons choose certain ledges and roofs
Feral pigeons look for flat or gently sloping surfaces with some shelter — window ledges, signage tops, roof valleys and beams inside open warehouse units all fit the bill. Once a spot proves safe and food is nearby, pigeons will return repeatedly and often bring others.

- Wide, flat ledges and signage are favoured over narrow or sloped surfaces
- Proximity to food sources — bins, market squares, takeaways — increases roosting activity
- Sheltered spots such as under eaves or inside open loading bays offer protection from wind and rain
- A successful roosting spot tends to attract more birds over time, not fewer

### How pigeons get into roof voids
Roof void access is usually down to small, unnoticed gaps rather than one obvious hole — which is why a proper inspection matters more than a quick look from ground level.

- Broken or slipped roof tiles leaving small gaps along the roofline
- Old or damaged vent covers and soffit gaps
- Gaps around chimney flashing or where extensions meet the original roofline
- Enlarged gaps left behind by squirrels or previous pigeon activity

### Health and hygiene considerations
Accumulated pigeon droppings carry recognised health risks, particularly when dried droppings are disturbed and become airborne as dust during cleaning or roof work.

- Droppings should be dampened before removal rather than swept or brushed dry
- Roof void contamination is best dealt with before proofing seals the space, not left inside
- Ledges and fire escapes with heavy fouling should be treated as a slip hazard until cleaned

### Proofing methods for different building types
The right method depends heavily on the building — a domestic ledge, a shop frontage and an industrial roof void all need different approaches.

- Spikes suit narrow ledges, signage tops and window sills where landing needs to be denied
- Netting suits larger open areas such as loading bays, courtyards and roof voids with wide access gaps
- Wire systems work well along guttering and roof edges where spikes aren't practical
- Roof void entry points are physically sealed with proofing materials matched to the existing roof construction

### Commercial premises and hygiene expectations
Shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants have a particular interest in getting pigeon problems sorted quickly, since fouling on a frontage is one of the more visible things a passing customer notices.

- Frontage cleaning and proofing can often be arranged around opening hours to minimise disruption
- Signage and awnings are common roosting spots that get missed in a quick assessment
- Ongoing checks suit businesses that want the issue caught early rather than after a customer complaint

### Pigeons versus other roof-nesting birds
Pigeons are frequently found alongside gulls or jackdaws using the same roof, and proofing work often needs to account for more than one species at once.

- The same netting or spike systems that deter pigeons will generally also deter jackdaws
- Gulls need a different, sturdier fixing approach given their size — see gull and bird proofing for detail
- A full roof assessment picks up multiple species issues in one visit rather than treating them separately

### Related services

- Gull &amp; Bird Proofing
- Rats, Mice &amp; Rodents
- Air Rifle Pest Control
- All services

### Areas covered
Pigeon Control across mid and south Cornwall, from the Par, St Austell base.

- St Austell
- Par
- Charlestown
- Lostwithiel
- Polgooth
- Fowey
- Mevagissey
- St Mawes
- Truro
- Newquay
- St Columb Major
- Bodmin

Our work

## Pigeon Control jobs in Cornwall

FAQs

## Pigeon Control — your questions

Still unsure? The line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week — call 07974 278830 and describe what you have seen.

How much does pigeon proofing cost?There's no set price, because it depends on the building — how many ledges or access points there are, whether cleaning is needed first, and what access equipment the job requires. Paul quotes after seeing the property, so the price reflects the actual work rather than a generic estimate.

How quickly can pigeon fouling and roosting be dealt with?Simple ledge or window sill jobs can often be arranged and completed quickly. Larger commercial frontages, roof voids with contamination, or jobs needing scaffold or roof access take longer to schedule properly. Paul will give you a realistic timeframe once he's seen what's involved.

Will spikes or netting harm the pigeons?No — proofing is designed to deny landing and nesting access, not to injure birds. The aim throughout is to make a spot unusable so pigeons move on and roost elsewhere naturally, rather than to trap or harm them.

Do you clean up existing droppings as part of the job?Where droppings or nesting material have built up, particularly inside a roof void or on a heavily fouled ledge, this is dealt with before proofing is fitted. Sealing a roof void without clearing existing contamination just traps the problem inside.

How long does pigeon proofing last?Properly fitted spikes, netting and wire systems are built to last several years, though they should be checked periodically — particularly on commercial buildings where accidental damage or roof repairs can create new gaps.

Can pigeons get back in after proofing is fitted?If every access point has been correctly identified and sealed, pigeons shouldn't be able to get back into a roof void. The main risk is a missed secondary access point, which is why a full inspection matters more than sealing the first obvious gap found.

Do you deal with pigeons on commercial premises like shops and restaurants?Yes — commercial frontages are one of the more common pigeon jobs, particularly fouling on signage, ledges and pavements outside shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Work can often be scheduled around opening hours to reduce disruption to customers.

Are pigeons protected like gulls and other wild birds?Feral pigeons are a wild bird species and their nests with eggs or chicks carry the same general legal protection as other wild birds. In practice, most pigeon work involves proofing against roosting and nesting before it becomes established, avoiding the issue of an active nest altogether.

Is there an out-of-hours option if pigeons are causing problems in a roof void?Pest Management Cornwall is open 24 hours, seven days a week. If noise, smell or visible entry points are causing concern, call 07974 278830 and Paul can talk through next steps, including how urgent an inspection needs to be.

Are pigeon problems worse in town centres like St Austell and Truro compared with rural areas?Generally yes — town centres offer more ledges, signage and food waste, which suits pigeons well. That said, rural properties and farms around Bodmin and St Columb Major see plenty of roof void and barn roosting activity too, so it's not purely an urban issue.

## Get pigeon fouling and roosting sorted properly
Whether it's a single ledge or a full commercial frontage, call Paul on 07974 278830 for an assessment and a proofing quote based on your building, not a guess.

Call 07974 278830Request an estimate

- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Par, St Austell, Cornwall
- p.clarkey84@gmail.com

Owner-operated pest control across mid and south Cornwall. 15 years on the tools, poisons avoided wherever possible, bees rehomed rather than destroyed.

## Services

- Rats, mice &amp; rodents
- Moles
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Air rifle pest control
- Wasp nest removal
- Gull &amp; bird proofing
- Pigeons
- Bees — rehomed, never killed
- All services

## Areas covered

- St Austell
- Par
- Charlestown
- Lostwithiel
- Polgooth
- Fowey
- Mevagissey
- St Mawes
- Truro
- Newquay
- St Columb Major
- Bodmin
- All areas covered

## Get in touch

- 07974 278830
- p.clarkey84@gmail.com
- 74 Polgover Way, St BlazeyPar, St AustellCornwall PL24 2RD
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

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© 2026 Pest Management Cornwall. Owner: Paul Clarke.

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