Bird Control Cost Breakdown

The Cost of Bird Control: Key Considerations

When considering the cost of bird control services, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Initial Cost of Pre-Planned Maintenance Visits (PPMs): Regular, scheduled visits can help maintain bird control measures effectively.
• What's Covered: Understand which bird species are included as standard and the levels of proofing provided.
• Additional Costs: Be aware of the hourly rate for extras and the mark-up rate applied to materials.
• Coverage and Response Times: Consider the geographical coverage of the service and the response times, both during and outside regular hours.

It's important to note that bird control pricing will vary significantly depending on the size of your site and the level of service required. For example, additional services like the installation of bird netting or spikes can affect the overall cost.

Contract with Bird Control Provider

Once you have agreed on the specification, call-out KPIs, and rate card, you can be assured that you're covered for all essential or high-risk items.

Commonly, bird control services include deterrents and proofing measures. The level of cover you'll need depends on the type of buildings your business operates from and the location. For instance, urban areas may require more extensive bird proofing measures compared to rural settings. A reliable bird control provider will survey your site, assess risk levels, and provide tailored advice.

Bird control contracts are typically based on the following formula:

Ad-hoc Bird Control Service – Using Approved or Local Suppliers

All bird control companies will accept 'one-off' emergency call-outs. However, the risk with using an ad-hoc, non-contractual service is that the cost of reactive services is often much higher. Additionally, if you're an unknown client, securing same or next-day service can be challenging, especially during peak seasons.

Another major risk of shopping around online for bird control is that it is a self-regulated industry. This means that with only basic training, anyone can advertise as a 'bird control technician.'

Reactive call-out rates are normally higher and expose you to greater pest risk.

Some providers may also charge a same-day premium.

If you consider this option, we recommend employing a provider that is a member of the BCPA. Membership of this professional body ensures that technicians are competent and can control birds safely, legally, and effectively. BCPA members are also fully insured businesses with at least £2M public liability insurance and follow the BPCA Codes of Best Practice.

Reactive Service Based on Call-Off Contracts

The main advantage of a reactive approach is the potential cost savings on planned visit costs. However, it's crucial to weigh this against the increased risk and higher costs of emergency call-outs.

By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision about the best bird control service for your needs.