The City of Albany has called on businesses in the central business district to assist in a “co-ordinated management response” aimed at eradicating the flocks of feral pigeons that infest their buildings.

In a letter addressed to individual business proprietors located in the central area of the city branching from York Street sent last month, city staff requested businesses implement several measures to reduce pigeon populations.

These included cleaning away waste and food sources, securing bins, discouraging feeding of birds, cleaning pigeon droppings and actively removing nesting materials.

Further hard measures recommended include installing deterrent infrastructure such as spikes, netting and bird exclusion devices, maintaining or restoring buildings to remove access to nesting sites, and engaging professional pest control services.

“While the city has undertaken a range of management initiatives, it has become evident that meaningful and long-term reductions in pigeon numbers can only be achieved through a co-ordinated effort involving all stakeholders,” the letter reads.

“The city recently met with representatives from various government departments to discuss management strategies and establish a collaborative approach to pigeon control.

“As a result a stakeholder working group has been formed to co-ordinate actions aimed at reducing pigeon populations and limiting factors that support their presence within the CBD.

“As pigeons utilise a variety of roosting, nesting and feeding locations across both public and private land, the co-operation of property owners and businesses is essential.“

The management call-out follows years of steady growth of the feral pigeon populations, with the “urban pests” wreaking havoc —their acidic droppings damaging buildings, costing businesses thousands in clean-up fees and posing a health hazard.

It also comes after earlier this year experienced Albany Pest Control technician Buddy Moyle said he believed a “united front” approach was the only effective one.

The city announced in August it would begin a “co-ordinated and humane” program after increased calls for action from businesses, pest control operators and cleaning companies who deal with the ramifications of the bird populations.