Wildlife Protection: Contego's Commitment To A Healthy Environment
At Contego, we understand that pest control isn’t just about protecting properties - it’s also about protecting the environment. While pests can cause damage and pose risks to public health, they are still part of the natural ecosystem. That’s why we take a responsible and sustainable approach to pest management, ensuring we minimise our environmental impact while delivering effective solutions.
Contego’s Responsibility to the Environment
As one of the UK’s leading pest control providers, Contego has a duty of care to the environment. This means balancing effective pest management with a commitment to preserving local wildlife and habitats.
Our environmental responsibilities include:
- Complying with UK wildlife protection laws – Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to damage or destroy active bird nests. Even species considered pests, such as pigeons, gulls, and starlings, are protected during nesting. Contego ensures all of our pest control operations adhere to these regulations, handling nests and protected species ethically and legally.
- Minimising chemical use – While chemical treatments are sometimes necessary, we prioritise targeted and minimal application. This reduces the risk of harming non-target species or contaminating soil and water sources.
- Ethical bird control practices – When deterring pest birds, we use non-lethal methods wherever possible. Our falconry response teams rely on natural predatory behaviour to safely deter pigeons, gulls, and other birds from nesting or roosting. This humane approach prevents the need for more invasive measures.
- Preventative, long-term solutions – We promote habitat modification strategies such as netting, spikes, and proofing to deter pests without harming them. This reduces the reliance on reactive treatments, creating a more sustainable pest management process.
How Does Pest Control Affect the Environment?
While pest control is essential for protecting public health and businesses, it can have environmental consequences if not done responsibly.
- Disruption of ecosystems: Overuse of pesticides or rodenticides can unintentionally harm non-target species such as birds of prey, foxes, or hedgehogs. Removing pests too aggressively can disrupt natural predator-prey balances, causing unintended consequences in the local ecosystem.
- Impact on water and soil quality: If chemical treatments aren’t carefully managed, they can seep into the ground or water systems, affecting plant life and aquatic species. At Contego, we carefully assess every treatment area to ensure we minimise environmental impact.
- Risks to protected wildlife: Nesting birds, such as gulls on warehouse roofs or pigeons in building structures, are often mistaken for simple pests. However, disturbing their nests during breeding season is illegal. Our teams undergo specialist training to identify protected species and apply legal, ethical solutions.
How Contego Contributes to a Healthy Ecosystem
At Contego, we believe that responsible pest management plays a role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Here’s how we contribute:
- Preserving biodiversity through ethical practices: By using non-toxic deterrents like falconry and habitat modification, we prevent pest populations from growing without harming other species. Our targeted treatments reduce collateral damage to beneficial insects and wildlife, helping maintain ecological balance.
- Supporting wildlife conservation: We collaborate with wildlife authorities and organisations when dealing with protected species. By adhering to wildlife protection laws, we prevent unnecessary harm to birds and other wildlife, ensuring their populations remain stable.
- Sustainable solutions for businesses: We work with clients in industries such as construction, warehousing, and facilities management to develop long-term prevention strategies. This proactive approach reduces the need for frequent chemical interventions, promoting environmentally responsible pest management.
How Do Pests Affect the Environment?
While pests are often viewed as a nuisance, they can have real environmental impacts if populations are left unchecked.
- Damage to natural habitats: Rodents, such as rats and mice, burrow into the ground and disrupt soil stability, damaging natural vegetation and habitats. In rural areas, unchecked rodent populations can harm crops and native plant species.
- Invasive bird species: Pigeons and gulls, while native, can behave like invasive species in urban environments. Their large populations displace native bird species, disrupt ecosystems, and create unsanitary conditions.
- Spread of disease and contamination: Pests can contaminate food supplies and water sources, posing risks to both human health and local wildlife. Without responsible control measures, infestations can lead to environmental degradation and public health hazards.
Contego's Commitment: Pest control with care
At Contego, we recognise that responsible pest management is about more than just resolving infestation —it’s about safeguarding the environment for the future. By combining ethical practices, compliance with wildlife laws, and sustainable solutions, we ensure that our services protect both businesses and biodiversity.
Whether we’re working on a construction site, in a warehouse, or at a residential property, we remain dedicated to preserving the delicate balance between pest control and wildlife conservation
Looking for Environmentally Responsible Pest Control?
If you’re seeking a pest control provider that prioritises sustainability and legal compliance, get in
touch with Contego today. Contact us for expert advice and tailored solutions
