Bird infestations of buildings are reasonably difficult to control and with the absence of sufficient proofing measures re-infestation is highly likely. Birds enter buildings to find food, build nests or simply roost and shelter.
The main problems associated with birds:
1) feeding on or contaminating stored products
2) fouling on buildings and causing corrosion
3) fouling on walkways, causing a safety hazard
4) noise
5) transmission of disease via their droppings
The main species of birds that are known pests are feral pigeons, gulls, starlings and sparrows. Around farm buildings, rooks and crows may be added to the list.
Feral Pigeon The feral pigeon is found throughout the whole of the UK. Feral pigeons are descended from rock doves which explains why they are often found nesting on building ledges, building structures, under ledges and on girders.
They make they nests from grasses and twigs, but in urban areas, it can also contain rubbish such as pieces of plastic etc.
Feral pigeons breed all year round. The brood consisting of two off-white eggs. Incubation tends to last around 18 days and hitched chicks tend to leave the nest after 30 days.
Feral pigeons tend to scavenge for food, and in urban areas they are encouraged by the public feeding them.
Pigeons are approximately 300-350 mm and weigh between 275 and 550 grams.
Control
Bird spiking is the most common way of dealing with pigeon problems as it prevents the bird from landing. The spikes are typically a plastic base (which you can snap to shorten) onto which stainless steel upright spikes are attached.
The spikes are available in several different lengths or configurations, which ensures that there is a system for each different type of job.
There are three different types of bird spiking, the P14, P20 and the P32. The number represents the number of spikes per strip. The heavier the infestation, the more spikes required.
To help pest specialists knowing what level of treatment is required for bird pest problem, Network Bird have devised practical guidelines based on the 'pressure' that the bird exerts on a given area.
High Pressure
A high pressure area is one where birds are using the space for night roosting and nest building. Birds will be exceptionally determined to return to these areas, and a heavy duty point system will be require.
Medium Pressure
A medium pressure area is one where bird uses the area for daytime perching only. An area near regular food sources or one with shelter. Spikes will be very effective, but birds will try to re-enter the site and may overcome lightweight systems.
Light Pressure
A light pressure area in one where the bird occasionally lands and sits during the day, A light pressure area is the easiest to proof against and any anti-perching system will suffice.
With the high and medium pressure areas, if the birds are unable to gain access, they will find the next, nearest favoured site. If this is on the same building as you are proofing, it is highly recommended that you proof the whole building.
Spike systems are very simple to install and are really suited for smaller sections of protection. Ideal for ledges, and girders. If applied correctly, they are near invisible to see off ground level.
Population In Urban Areas
Water is a scarce resource and due to its limited supply, the population of urban areas remains always in the grip of water shortage. At present, the quality of water used for watering the garden, washing the clothes and flushing the toilets is the same quality as the water we take for drinking purpose. At least, we can flush toilets by recycling the waste water in a house. With the application of new technology i.e. recycling of waste water, about 33% of urban water can be saved / reutilized. The Government can solve this problem to great extent by making the recycling of waste water as compulsory by way of amending the Building Bye laws enforceable by Town and Country Planning Department, Civic Bodies and Urban Development Authorities.
Types of Waste Water Produced in the Houses
Every house in urban areas produces two types of waste water i.e.
•Grey Water
•Black Water
The waste water which is produced from baths, showers, clothes washers, and wash-hand basins is termed as grey water whereas the waste water generated from toilets is called black water. Waste water produced from the kitchen sinks and dish-washers is also called black water due to their higher organic contents. The grey water is considered of lesser quality than potable water, but at the same time it is considered of higher quality than black water.
The Nature of Water Recommended for Recycling
The present society, through traditional practice, flushes toilets through potable high quality water i.e. the water which is being used for drinking purpose. Whereas, toilets can be flushed with waste water i.e. grey water generated from baths, showers, cloth washers and wash hand basins by recycling the same through a system. In this way, Government can save 33 % of total water supply or it can be termed as augmentation of water supply by 33 % without spending any money on additional infrastructure as this proposition is by making provision of this system in the Building Bye Laws which are enforceable through Town and Country Planning Department, Civic Bodies and Urban Development Authorities.
Mechanism of Waste Water Recycling
For the recycling of waste water / grey water, the house owner has to construct a separate waste water (grey Water) Tank below the ground level. All waste water of the house would get collected in this tank through waste water pipes. From this tank, waste water is again uplifted to a separate waste water tank placed on the terrace of a house which would supply water regularly for flushing the toilets constructed underneath of the said tank placed on the terrace. This mechanism evolved very minor changes of plumbing works. As per traditional technology, the waste water pipes are connected with the sewerage pipes at various levels. In the present case, instead of connecting waste water with the sewerage line of the house, such lines are connected with the tank constructed below ground level.
This system will not create any problem and financial burden on those persons who want to construct new houses. In old houses, some changes are required in plumbing works only. Since, there is no problem for enforcing this technology in new houses to be constructed on vacant plots; therefore, Govt. should enforce this technology by making amendments in the Building Bye Laws so that coming generation could be benefited from this system. This system will also lower down the required capacity of water supply and sewerage net works of the Government.
Both Jamie Simpson & Vinay Choubey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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