The Hidden Cost of Roosting Birds this Winter

Why Prevention Now Saves you a Headache (and a hefty bill) Later

When winter rolls in, it’s easy to think the bird problems have disappeared. The chicks have flown the nest, the skies are quieter, and those few pigeons or gulls perched on your roof don’t seem like a big deal.

But here’s the catch, those birds aren’t gone. They’re roosting. And the spots they’re choosing now could become their nesting sites in just a few months time.

Winter Roosting Becomes Spring Nesting

Birds look for warm, sheltered spaces in winter, this could be ledges, canopies, roof voids, and bin store areas. This is prime real estate for them.

Fast-forward to early spring, and those same birds are likely to start nesting right where they’ve been roosting all winter. Once they do, the law protects them.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to remove or disturb nesting birds, their eggs, or their chicks.

So if you’ve got an active nest on your premises, you’re stuck with it until the breeding season is over, often months later.

The True Cost of Waiting

Ignoring the problem through winter might seem harmless, but it can lead to:

• Blocked gutters and drains from nesting materials
• Slip and hygiene risks from bird droppings
• Failed hygiene and HACCP audits due to contamination
• Costly clean-ups and reactive callouts when nesting begins

By that point, your options are limited and the costs of removal may have skyrocketed.

Prevention is Key

The good news? You can stop it before it starts.

Getting bird-proofing installed in winter is the most effective and cost-efficient approach.

By acting now, you:

• Prevent roosting before it turns into nesting
• Keep your site clean, compliant, and audit-ready
• Protect your staff and customers from health and safety risks
• Avoid costly disruption come spring

How Contego can Help

Our bird control experts can assess your site, identify roosting hotspots, and install the right proofing solutions. From netting and spikes to wire and deterrent systems.

So, if you’d rather not be hit with a hefty bill (and a legal headache) in a few months’ time, take action now.

Because when it comes to pest birds, prevention isn’t just smart — it’s profitable.