How do you stop pigeons nesting under solar panels?
Clean out existing nests and droppings, then fit a mesh barrier around the edge of the solar panel array so birds cannot get underneath. The mesh is attached with clips designed for solar panels, so panels are not drilled or damaged. This is the most common bird-proofing job on Melbourne homes.
Signs you have birds
- Droppings building up on ledges, signs, roofs and footpaths
- Nesting material in gutters, vents or under solar panels
- Scratching and cooing noises in the roof or around panels
- Bird mites inside the house near a nest
- Birds roosting on loading docks, awnings or signage
Why bird proofing beats repeated cleaning
Birds return to the same roosting and nesting spots. Cleaning without proofing means the mess comes straight back. Exclusion removes access to those spots for good. Bird control focuses on introduced pest species and exclusion methods, because native birds are protected in Victoria.
How Pestor treats birds
Assess
We identify the species, where they roost and nest and how they are getting access.
Clean
Nests and droppings are removed from the affected areas where safe to do so.
Proof
We install the right exclusion: solar panel mesh, netting, spikes, wire systems or blocked entry points.
Check
We check the installation and fix any new access points if birds test it.
Before your bird proofing
- Let us know about roof access, height and any solar panels
- Send photos of the problem area if you can, to speed up quoting
- Note where birds sit and nest at different times of day
Prevention tips
- Do not feed pigeons or mynas
- Cover pet food and clean up spilled bird seed
- Repair broken roof tiles and vent covers quickly
- Proof solar panels when they are installed
Common species in Melbourne
| Name | Scientific name | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Feral pigeon | Columba livia | Grey with iridescent neck feathers. Roosts on ledges and nests under solar panels and in roof spaces. |
| Indian (common) myna | Acridotheres tristis | Brown with a yellow eye patch and beak. An introduced pest that nests in roof cavities. |
| House sparrow | Passer domesticus | Small and brown. Nests in gutters, eaves and signage. |
| Common starling | Sturnus vulgaris | Glossy black with speckles. Nests in roof cavities and vents. |
FAQs about birds
Is bird proofing humane?
Yes. Exclusion methods such as mesh, netting and spikes stop birds landing or nesting without harming them.
Will solar panel mesh damage my panels?
No. The mesh is fixed with clips designed for solar panels, so nothing is drilled into the panels or frame.
Can you remove native birds?
Native birds are protected in Victoria. Our bird control focuses on introduced pest species and exclusion. If native birds are causing a problem, we can advise on what is allowed.
Do bird droppings pose a health risk?
Built-up droppings can carry bacteria and fungi and create slip hazards. They should be removed carefully with the right protective equipment.