When you think of pest control for birds, you may think about pigeons on the streets of London. However, it is not just in our cities where this can pose a problem; it also happens offshore. Bird Control Group, CHC Helicopter and Total E&P Nederland (an arm of the French oil company Total) have come together and designed an innovative way to keep birds away from offshore fixtures.
Danger At Sea
Constructions used for helicopters to land can become dangerous when birds constantly use them as bathrooms because they can become very slippery. According to AINonline, the fouling has been known to cover up to ninety per cent of an installation.
In order to safely fly a helicopter, the pilot needs to be able to clearly see the navigation marks and lights. Due to the guano, this is sometimes not possible. The problem is also expensive; the cost of clearing the fouling of one helideck can be as much as 100,000 euros a year. With figures like this, it is easy to understand why nuisance bird management is high on the agenda for these companies.
The solution? An innovative device called an Aerolaser Helipad. This helipad has lasers and sounds to deter birds from landing near it. The device can be altered to fit the needs of a fixture and to minimise its impact on the environment.
What About On-Shore?
According to The Independent, it is not just off-shore but also in our home cities where birds are causing a problem. In London, Trafalgar Square might be known for its many pigeons, but these birds carry diseases that can give humans food poisoning and thrush. You can contact Vvenv about nuisance pigeon management services and other companies that are providing animal-safe measures to control the pests. These companies take a longer view because they measure the behaviour of the animals and how to change it so they become less of a nuisance in a particular area.
It is important that we continue to manage the bird population onshore and offshore for safety and hygiene reasons. However, it is also vital to use humane ways of doing it. By continuing to use innovative, safe, technology to do this, we are not only helping the environment but also the animals that live in it.