Bird Netting

Where netting works best

Netting suits enclosed or semi-enclosed areas where birds roost or nest in numbers: balconies on flats, recesses between buildings, internal courtyards, light wells, the undersides of canopies and loading bays, and areas of flat roof where gulls settle.

It is less suited to narrow ledges and gutter edges, where spikes and other deterrents are usually the better option, and to the gap under solar panels, where mesh is used instead.

How netting is installed

Netting is held on a framework of tensioned wires fixed around the edge of the area. The fixings are chosen to suit the building, whether brick, render, timber or steel. The net is cut to fit and attached so there are no gaps for birds to squeeze through.

Access points can be built in where people need to reach the space for maintenance. Exact materials, mesh size and fixings are confirmed when we quote, because they depend on the birds involved and the size of the area.

Choosing the right mesh size

Netting comes in different mesh sizes. A smaller mesh is needed to keep pigeons out than to keep gulls out, and some areas also suffer from smaller birds. Using the right size is what makes netting effective.

Colour matters too. Black or dark netting tends to disappear against shadowed recesses, while lighter or clear options can suit pale buildings.

Keeping it safe for birds

Netting that is loose, torn or badly fitted can trap birds, which is why tension and edge fixing matter so much. A well-installed net is taut, with no flapping sections or gaps at the edges.

Before any netting goes up, we check that no birds or active nests are inside the area. Wild birds and nests in use are generally protected, so work is timed around nesting.

Cleaning before netting

Spaces that birds have used for a while are usually full of droppings and nesting material. These are cleared, with sensible hygiene precautions, before the netting is fitted, so you are not left with a sealed-off mess behind it.

Gutters and outlets in or below the area are checked and cleared too. Our pigeon droppings guide covers general safety.

Looking after netting

Netting is designed to last, but storms, falling debris and occasional damage from maintenance work can loosen sections. An occasional visual check from below is usually enough to spot any problems.

If birds start appearing inside a netted area, there is likely a gap or tear that needs attention. Let us know and we will advise.

Netting on homes

On houses, netting is most often used in recesses between a main roof and an extension, under deep porches or carports, in enclosed courtyards and across balconies. These spaces can become roosts that are hard to clean and impossible to deter birds from with spikes alone.

A neat, taut net keeps the space usable while stopping birds settling in it.

Netting on flat roofs and valleys

Gulls in particular like flat roofs with parapets and the valleys between roof slopes. Netting over these areas, fixed to suit the roof, stops nests being built where they would block outlets and hold water.

Work on gull sites is planned outside the nesting season wherever possible; our gulls on roofs guide explains why.

Consents and older buildings

Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may need consent for fixings into historic fabric. Discreet fixing positions and colours can usually be found. We can describe the proposed fixings in writing so you can check with your council first.

On leasehold flats, the managing agent or freeholder may also need to approve netting on balconies or elevations.

Getting a quote

Send photographs of the area and tell us which birds you see and how they use it. Our pigeon proofing page covers the wider service, and commercial pigeon proofing explains larger buildings. Use the form on this page, WhatsApp or call 07752 853583 for a free, no-obligation quote.