Bird Netting

Professional bird netting systems use high-tensile mesh panels, cable frameworks, and fixing hardware to keep pest birds away from building exteriors, roofs, and ledges. By creating a physical barrier over vulnerable areas, netting stops birds from landing, roosting, and nesting without causing them harm. This method is part of integrated pest management, combining exclusion techniques with site assessment, custom design, and regular maintenance for ongoing protection.

Bird netting is a mesh barrier, either woven or knotted, designed to block birds from accessing sensitive building areas. It’s installed under tension on discreet cable or rail systems, spanning openings and overhangs to prevent perching. The main principle is to intercept flight paths, presenting birds with an effective barrier that encourages them to move to natural habitats. As a non-harmful deterrent, bird netting protects wildlife while preserving your property.

• Pigeons: Common in urban areas, pigeons cause significant fouling and can damage masonry.
• Gulls: Often found near coasts, gulls frequent rooftops, posing health risks and causing mess.
• Sparrows: These small birds tend to nest in sheltered spots like soffits and ventilation grilles.

Each species has unique habits—pigeons favour ledges, gulls prefer flat roofs, and sparrows nest in cavities. Understanding these behaviours helps us choose the right mesh size and installation design for maximum effectiveness.

Bird droppings are acidic and can corrode metal, stone, and concrete, leading to costly repairs. Nesting materials can block gutters and downpipes, causing water damage. Furthermore, accumulated droppings can harbour harmful pathogens like Histoplasma and Salmonella. Properly installed and tensioned netting prevents birds from landing and nesting, significantly reducing structural wear and health hazards.

By stopping fouling and nesting at the source, bird netting simplifies cleaning routines and lowers long-term repair expenses. The clear link between effective exclusion and reduced maintenance costs leads us to explore the different types and materials of netting available.

Bird netting options differ based on the target bird species, mesh pattern, and the materials used. Selecting the correct netting for your building’s design and the birds’ behaviour is crucial for long-lasting protection and a discreet appearance.

Netting is tailored to the specific behaviours and sizes of different bird species. Pigeon netting has a larger mesh to deter bigger birds while remaining visually subtle. Gull netting uses stronger monofilament to cover wide roof areas without sagging. Sparrow netting features a finer stainless-steel mesh to block small openings around vents and soffits. Matching the mesh size to the bird species ensures effective exclusion with minimal visual impact.

1. UV-stabilised polyethylene: This material is lightweight, budget-friendly, and resistant to sun damage.
2. Monofilament nylon: Offers high tensile strength and flexibility, ideal for large roof installations.
3. Stainless-steel wire: Provides exceptional durability and fire resistance, perfect for critical structures.

These materials are tested for UV resistance and load-bearing capacity, ensuring a lifespan of up to 15 years when installed by certified professionals.

• 50 mm meshes effectively block adult pigeons while allowing good airflow.
• 75 mm meshes prevent gulls from entering and minimise the amount of material needed.
• 19 mm meshes stop sparrows and other small birds from nesting.

Choosing the right mesh size balances effective deterrence with maintaining adequate light, ventilation, and views, ensuring the building’s functionality and appearance are preserved.

Professional installations begin with a thorough site survey, followed by precise design, secure fixing, and rigorous quality checks. This detailed process ensures the netting remains taut, discreet, and durable in all weather conditions.

1. A site visit to pinpoint where birds are roosting, nesting, and accessing the building.
2. Accurate measurements of ledges, gaps, and overhangs to create custom netting plans.
3. An assessment of potential environmental stresses, such as wind and snow loads.
4. Recommendations for materials and fixings that comply with BPCA standards.
5. A detailed quote covering labour, materials, and warranty information.

These initial steps form the basis for the netting design, including the cable layout and panel configuration, leading directly to the installation of the fixing system.

• Stainless-steel cables are run along building edges to support the tensioned mesh.
• Anchor brackets and rails are securely attached to the building structure using corrosion-resistant fixings.
• Tensioning devices are used to maintain the correct tautness of the netting over time.

This system creates an unbroken barrier that follows the building’s architectural lines. The cables are typically hidden from view, and mesh panels can be easily replaced during maintenance.

• Ensure cables are tensioned to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
• Align netting panels carefully to prevent any gaps where birds could enter.
• Secure the edges of the mesh using UV-resistant cable ties every 300 mm.
• Test key stress points under load to confirm the installation’s stability.

Maintaining consistent tension across the entire netted area is vital for effective protection and extending the lifespan of the materials.

• A visual check of the netting alignment and cable tension.
• Tests to simulate bird pressure and identify any weak spots.
• Documentation of the installation details and warranty information.
• Scheduled maintenance visits to clean fixings and re-tension the netting.

These checks ensure compliance with regulations like the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and highlight the importance of using accredited installers for site safety and legal adherence.

By blocking birds from accessing building exteriors and gutters, netting:

• Prevents corrosive damage from acidic droppings to stone and metal.
• Stops blockages in gutters and downpipes that can lead to water damage.
• Reduces the frequency of cleaning required for droppings and nests.
• Lowers repair expenses by providing continuous protection.

Property owners can typically see maintenance cost reductions of up to 70% annually after netting is installed, often recouping the initial investment within a few years.

Bird droppings and nesting materials can carry over 60 types of diseases, posing risks to people. Exclusion barriers remove these sources of contamination, reducing airborne fungal spores and bacterial growth. Areas where food is handled or public access is frequent benefit immediately from the elimination of fouling, creating safer environments for everyone.

Discreet netting installations preserve the building’s appearance by following its architectural lines and using low-visibility materials. Netting systems comply with BPCA codes of practice and wildlife protection laws. This adherence to industry standards demonstrates responsible property management and fulfils legal obligations under UK legislation.

On roofs, netting covers parapets and skylights to prevent nesting. Balconies can be protected with netting discreetly attached to railings to stop roosting. Ledges are covered with wrap-around netting to eliminate perching spots. In all these applications, netting integrates with cable systems to maintain visibility while ensuring complete bird exclusion.

Exclusion of Gulls Using Stainless-Steel Wires: A Case Study at a Wastewater Treatment Facility
Stainless-steel wires were installed to prevent gull access to a wastewater treatment plant (2013), demonstrating effective large-area exclusion without harming wildlife.

In warehouses, netting secures high-bay storage, loading docks, and external vents, preventing bird entry. This protects goods from contamination, improves hygiene, and ensures smooth logistics operations. Commercial building exteriors remain clean, reducing the negative impact of fouling on brand image, especially in retail and hospitality.

Homeowners often use netting on eaves, conservatories, and attic vents to prevent nesting and droppings. Polyethylene netting can blend with brickwork and roof tiles, offering a subtle solution that enhances a property’s appearance. Netting can be installed around garden features while protecting living areas from mess and odours.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects nesting birds. Netting installations must avoid active nests and, where necessary, be scheduled outside of breeding seasons. Compliance requires installers to check for nests and implement exclusion measures without causing harm.

BPCA-accredited companies follow strict codes of practice that include:

• Conducting thorough risk assessments and creating method statements.
• Using humane exclusion techniques.
• Ensuring staff receive regular training on wildlife legislation.
• Maintaining detailed records of maintenance and monitoring activities.

Adhering to these standards confirms the installer’s expertise and protects clients from legal issues.

Expert installers have the necessary knowledge of laws and technical skills to install netting without violating wildlife regulations. Accredited teams perform site surveys, nest inspections, and maintenance schedules that meet legal requirements. This professional oversight minimises the risk of penalties and ensures long-term service warranties.

• Visually inspecting the netting and cable tension.
• Cleaning any debris from fixings and surrounding areas.
• Replacing any damaged cable ties or sections of wire.
• Re-tensioning any netting panels that have started to sag.

Extended exposure to sunlight can weaken polymer netting, making it brittle and less strong. Materials specifically treated for UV resistance can maintain their colour and tensile strength for up to 15 years. Choosing UV-resistant materials helps protect the netting from degradation caused by weather.

Netting may need replacement or upgrading if:

• The mesh shows signs of fraying or broken strands.
• Cable anchors appear corroded.
• Birds are finding ways to get through gaps in the netting.
• Building modifications change the area where the netting is installed.

Proactive replacement before the netting fails completely ensures continuous protection and allows for the integration of newer, improved materials.

In October 2025, Pest Dominion Limited completed a large-scale pigeon netting project at a major retail park in Maidenhead. We installed heavy-duty polyethylene netting with 50 mm mesh on stainless-steel cables, effectively blocking all roosting spots above ground-level entrances. Post-installation checks confirmed a complete stop to pigeon fouling and a 90% reduction in cleaning costs.

During the summer of 2024, a warehouse in coastal Kent was experiencing persistent gull nesting on its flat roof and loading bays. Pest Dominion installed 75 mm monofilament nylon netting, custom-fitted to cover 2,000 m² of the rooftop area. This solution restored hygiene standards, prevented structural damage from corrosion, and ensured uninterrupted logistics operations.

As a BPCA-accredited company, Pest Dominion Limited integrates site surveys, custom designs, and post-installation maintenance into every project. Our trained technicians follow all legal requirements, use discreet fixing methods, and document performance data to ensure both effectiveness and client peace of mind.

The cost of installation varies depending on the building’s size, the type of mesh chosen, and the complexity of access. Pest Dominion Limited offers a free, no-obligation survey to assess the area, identify bird risks, and recommend materials, providing a precise quote. Clients typically find that the savings from reduced maintenance costs cover the installation expenses within two to three years.

Yes, bird netting is considered one of the most humane methods for bird control. It acts as a physical barrier, preventing birds from landing without causing them any harm. By avoiding lethal methods, netting aligns with ethical standards and wildlife protection legislation.

While small DIY kits are available for minor areas, professional installation ensures correct tensioning, legal compliance, and warranty coverage. Certified technicians have the training, equipment, and expertise to identify nesting seasons, securely install fixings, and provide long-lasting exclusion.

High-quality, UV-stabilised netting can provide protection for 10–15 years under normal conditions. Regular maintenance can further extend its lifespan by addressing minor wear before it leads to failure.

For commercial roofs and loading bays, monofilament nylon with 75 mm mesh offers broad coverage and wind resistance. Residential applications often benefit from polyethylene netting with 50 mm mesh for ledges and balconies. Stainless-steel wire netting at 19 mm mesh is ideal for securing small openings around vents and soffits.

Protecting buildings with bird netting provides a strategic, cost-effective, and humane solution that combines regulatory compliance, quality materials, and expert installation for lasting bird exclusion. Following best practices from the initial survey through to ongoing maintenance ensures reliable barrier performance. Pest Dominion Limited’s BPCA accreditation and local expertise in Maidenhead guarantee professional service delivery. Whether you need to protect a retail park, warehouse, or home, bird netting remains a key component of modern pest control.