Pigeon Proofing Solar Panels
Hampshire

Pigeons defecate (a lot) and the faecal matter can build up very quickly overflowing from the gutters! Obviously solar panels are most effective when in direct sun light (south facing) which is where developers try and layout their properties with a south facing garden, meaning the solar panels are usually installed on the rear elevation of the roof right above the patio!The pigeon's droppings can literally cascade down the roof and all other the patio, patio furniture and other regularly used areas. This not only poses a risk of contracting a disease the pigeons may be carrying but also presents a high risk of slipping, this is a serious concern for the elderly and for employers. Below is a list of some of the disease feral pigeons are known to transmit.
Feral pigeons are known to transmit a whole array of diseases including the following:

• Salmonella - is a bacterium that can be found where feral pigeons defecate. It can then lead to fevers including Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
   
• Psittacosis - also called pigeon fancier's lung. The infection can be transmitted by inhaling the bacteria from dried droppings or handling feathers of infected pigeons.
   
• Fowl pest - more commonly known as fowl plague or Newcastle disease. This virus can be transmitted to people when they’re exposed to faecal matter and other excretions from infected pigeons.
   
• Escherichia coli - This is mainly spread by seagulls, however it can lead to illnesses such as gastro-enteritis and septicaemia.
   
• Fungal infections - include Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis and are carried within bird droppings. If feral pigeons are not stopped from nesting under your solar panels their numbers can grow very quickly, this can lead to many nests under the solar panels which can be infested with a huge variety of insect pests. These can include:
   
• Ticks - The European pigeon tick, or Argas reflexus, is a parasite hosted by urban pigeons. These ticks can bite humans, resulting in a gamut of reactions from local (eg, itching, erythema, and edema) to systemic (eg, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis).
   
• Fleas - Human infestation by pigeon fleas (Ceratophyllus columbae) from feral pigeons is possible when the fleas can make their way into the property via the loft.
   
• Louse Flies - Some louse flies even exhibit distinct preferences for a particular species of bird and are regularly found on Pigeons. Louse flies (hippoboscids) will bite humans when given no other choice of host, and their bites are definitely itchy.
   
• Mites - Bird mites don't present much of a health risk for humans, the biggest concern is with the bites. These can become skin lesions and lead to dermatitis. Generally, bird mites do not thrive on human hosts, but the bites can become infected due to scratching. Bird mites are one of the most common infestations we see caused by pigeons nesting under solar panels, and it is very distressing for the client.
   
• Carpet Beetles - Carpet beetles are one of the most common textile pests in the UK, these will infest any natural textiles such as wool or silk. They often cause damage to carpet directly under the loft hatch or on the stairs where they've made their way into the loft from under the solar panels!
   
• Fur Beetles - These are another textile pest very similar to the Carpet beetle but will infest fur's or taxidermy.
   
• Biscuit Beetles - Biscuit beetles are probably the most common stored product pest in the UK, these will infest dry stored foods such as corn, pasta or rice. Once you have an infestation, finding the food source can be troublesome!
   
• Clothes Moths - Clothes moths are another textile pest which most people will have heard of at some point, again the larvae stage of these moths can cause a huge amount of damage to any natural textiles such as wool.