The feral pigeon has always been a nuisance in Lewisham. But n the last couple of years it seems that it is getting worse. This may be down to the amount of empty shops and offices that are appearing all the time due to the recession. With all these premises being left vacated, they are becoming ideal nesting places if they are not boarded up correctly and supervised regularly. Unlike the Wood Pigeon (no relation) that nests in trees, the feral pigeon will almost exclusively nest on and inside buildings and at height.
With the rise in feral pigeons also comes the rise in associated problems. The build up of droppings found around nesting sites, can become infested with mites and insects. These are pests that infect stored products and houses. They include: Varied Carpet Beetle, Fur Beetle, Larder Beetle, Biscuit Beetle, Clothes Moth, Brown House Moth, Cheese Mite, Flour Mite, Common Bird Mite and Pigeon Tick. These carry many diseases and can give rise to the following: Chlamydosis, Salmonellas and can cause extreme breathing difficulties for asthma sufferers.
Then there are the buildings problems. Blocked gutters and down pipes, which can cause water damage by seepage coming into the property. Chimneys can become blocked, causing smoke problems. Gasses such as carbon monoxide may be forced back into the house causing carbon monoxide poisoning. These problems will normally lead to increased costs of maintenance and risk of nuisance to neighbouring properties.
Large numbers of roosting pigeons also give rise to odour and noise complaints. Then there is the risk of general health and safety in terms of slipping hazards on pavements and fire escapes, from the accumulations of droppings.
