Bird Control with Birds of Prey: Falconry, Proofing, Licensing & Business Growth

Tonight's Episode

🎙️ Pest Perspectives EP 08 –

In this episode of the Pest Perspectives Podcast, Shaun Muller is joined by Karl Robertson from H & F Bird Environmental for an in-depth conversation about professional bird control, commercial falconry and building a specialist pest management business.

Karl explains how he entered the pest control industry through his father, having grown up around birds of prey and pest management from an early age. After initially considering university and a career as a PE teacher, he joined the family business in 2007 and helped develop it into a nationwide operation with a growing team of technicians.

The episode explores how trained birds of prey can be used as part of a structured bird-management programme to discourage pigeons, gulls and other pest birds from commercial sites.

Karl explains why falconry should not be treated as a quick fix or a publicity stunt. Successful bird control requires consistency, realistic expectations, accurate data and, in many cases, a combination of different control methods.

Shaun and Karl discuss:

• How birds of prey are used for commercial bird control
• Why proofing remains the most effective long-term option
• When falconry becomes suitable or necessary
• Combining falconry with lasers, distress-call systems and visual deterrents
• Bird Free gel and its advantages and limitations
• Post-and-wire systems, spikes and specialist bird proofing
• Training and caring for working birds of prey
• The 365-day commitment involved in owning a bird
• Raptor Awards training and professional mentoring
• The importance of suitable housing, exercise and support networks
• Gull nest removal and Natural England licensing
• Documenting health, hygiene and safety risks
• Why lethal bird control must only be considered as a last resort
• Pigeon guano, disease risks, dust and slip hazards
• Working safely at height
• Using towers, MEWPs and professional rope-access contractors
• Why no pest control job is worth risking a serious fall
• Working in partnership with other pest control companies
• Building a nationwide bird-control service
• Hiring people with stronger specialist skills
• Using CRM and job-management software to scale a business
• Moving from paper diaries to fully digital reporting
• Social media consistency and building a recognised local brand

Karl also shares stories from unusual and prestigious bird-control projects, including work at nuclear power stations, offshore installations, sports stadiums, food markets, major London landmarks and the London Stadium around the time of the 2012 Olympics.

He also discusses an international project in Qatar, where the team helped develop a bird-of-prey programme and trained local handlers to use falconry for bird management rather than hunting.

This episode provides an honest and practical look at modern bird control, combining falconry, proofing, technology, legislation, data and responsible pest management.

Whether you are a pest control technician, business owner, falconer, facilities manager or simply interested in how professional bird management works, this episode offers valuable insight from one of the industry’s most specialist sectors.

🌐 Learn more about HF Pest & Bird Environmental:

https://hfpestandbirdenviromental.co.uk