What is hawking pest control?

Hawking is a natural bird deterrent designed to deter pest birds without harming them. Also known as falconry, hawking uses specially trained birds of prey, such as Peregrine

Falcons and Harris Hawks to discourage pigeons, seagulls and other nuisance birds to move on.

Where can you use hawks?

Where methods of bird proofing aren’t an option, for example on a listed building or if the size of a building makes bird proofing impractical, the use of hawk control is extremely effective.

Other large open areas, such as a landfill sites or farmland, where proofing is not a viable bird control route, are ideal situations to use hawking to control pest birds, including feral pigeons and gulls.

We have used hawking pest control as a bird deterrent at hospitals, shopping centres, building sites, recycling centres, agricultural businesses and in city centres.

How does hawking work?

Deterring pest birds using birds of prey is a natural method of bird control utilising nature’s instincts. When the hawks or falcons fly over an area, it disturbs any pest birds who then try to escape the threat of a bird of prey. However, at no point will the hawk attack the pest birds or if there are any young that they may be attempting to raise on the site, as they are trained to be a deterrent only.

Hawk bird control is an eco-friendly method of bird scaring, with any nuisance birds moving on over time, if they think a bird of prey has taken up residency. 

Here’s a great example of how Sheila, the falcon deters pigeons at a hospital.

Can you hire a hawk to get rid of pigeons and seagulls? 

When seagulls and pigeons regularly see hawks or falcons in a location it convinces them that a bird of prey is taking up home there. This threat makes pigeons, seagulls and other pest birds want to move on, as the site is suddenly much less attractive as a nesting or feeding location. The pest birds will want to find a safer place to nest.

Is hawking environmentally friendly?

Hawking is a biological method of pest bird control and a viable alternative to netting and spikes that some people may not want. Our bird control teams will be able to determine whether hawking pest control will be an effective recommendation for your site. 

Experts in Falconry & Hawk Pest Control

With nearly 30 years experience of using birds of prey as a natural pest bird control solution, all our bird of prey operatives are fully trained and highly experienced in using hawks and falcons.

We operate nationwide in urban and rural areas to solve customers’ pest bird problems using hawking and falconry. To find out more, talk to a member of our team by calling 0333 567 2020 or book a site survey today.

Author: NBC Environment/Orkin