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Why Bird Free Fire Gel Is the Go-To Solution for Pest Bird Control Thursday 26th March 2026

Spring time is here and as the weather improves bird nesting season begins. Many people face a familiar problem: pest birds returning to roost, nest and make a mess of homes and commercial spaces. See our video and read our latest blog post to learn how to effectively deal with pest birds.

From balconies, patios and rooftops to signage, ledges, and solar panels, pest birds, including pigeons and seagulls, can quickly turn a clean space into an unhygienic and costly headache.

But while the problem is common throughout the UK, the solution doesn?t have to be complicated.

Why Pest Birds Are More Than Just a Nuisance

It?s easy to underestimate the impact of pest birds until the damage and impact accumulates. 

Pest bird activity can lead to:

• Unsightly mess from droppings, feathers and nesting materials
• Health risks, as droppings can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens
• Property damage, including blocked gutters and corrosion of surfaces affected by acidic droppings
• Noise disturbance, particularly during nesting season
• Repeat infestations, as birds return to familiar roosting spots.

Once birds have settled in to raise their young, they are notoriously difficult to remove using basic DIY methods. Its also essential to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it illegal to disturb nesting birds.

Why Traditional Bird Deterrents Often Fail

Many people try using bird spikes, netting, or visual deterrents but these aren?t always very effective or suitable.

• Anti-bird Spikes can be unsuitable for smaller ledges or awkward surfaces. They are also tricky to install in the areas where birds tend to congregate.
• Bird Netting can be expensive and intrusive to install. And if the anti bird netting is poorly installed, not maintained or becomes damaged, it can be potentially harmful to birds.
• Fake predators and reflective devices often lose their deterrent impact quickly. Fake predators or decoys, such as owls or scarecrows, lose effectiveness due to habituation. Birds are highly intelligent and very observant. They know that real predators move and make noises. A static plastic owl or scarecrow that doesn?t move or make any sound might initially trigger a fear response, but birds quickly learn there is nothing to be scared of. Its not uncommon to see a crow sitting on the head of a scarecrow.

The bottom line is that these solutions might initially work for a short time but they quickly become ineffective.

A Smarter Approach: Bird Free Fire Gel

For a fast, effective, and humane solution, Bird Free Fire Gel offers a proven, reliable alternative.

This innovative deterrent works differently from traditional methods by targeting birds? natural instincts without causing them any harm.

How It Works

Bird Free Fire Gel uses a multi-sensory approach:

• Visual deterrent: Birds perceive the gel as fire due to UV properties
• Olfactory impact: A smell that birds find highly unpleasant
• Physical discomfort: A sticky texture that discourages landing.

Bird Free Fire Gel is a multi-sensory bird repellent that uses a combination of olfactory (smell) and visual stimuli to deter birds, particularly pigeons and gulls. It leverages the fact that birds can see ultraviolet (UV) light, while humans cannot. It works by making treated areas appear to birds as though they are on fire, causing them to immediately avoid landing, nesting, or roosting anywhere nearby.

The Fire Gel also exploits birds? excellent sense of smell. The primary scent-based deterrent in the Fire Gel is peppermint oil, which acts on the olfactory and trigeminal nerve endings in a bird`s nose, mouth, and eyes to create a strong aversion response. 

Key olfactory and related properties include:

• Strong Peppermint Scent: The gel emits an odor that is, while fresh-smelling to humans, considered highly pungent and unpleasant by birds.
• Odour Quality: The menthol vapors emitted by the peppermint oil are the primary olfactory deterrent.
• Subtle to Humans: The odour is generally not noticeable to humans at ground level, making it discreet for urban environments.
• Long-Lasting: The gel is formulated to be waterproof, with the oils forming a film that prevents the scent from evaporating quickly, ensuring effectiveness for at least 3 years and generally far longer.

Importantly, the smell works in conjunction with UV light reflection, making the gel appear as fire to birds, along with its sticky consistency that birds avoid. 

Instant Results Without Harm

One of the standout benefits is that Bird Free Fire Gel is:

• Instantly effective: no ?waiting period? for results. Locating some dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel wherever pest birds tend to congregate will immediately keep them away. And unlike fake predators or scarecrows, birds don?t become habituated to the appearance and smell of the fire gel which means it remains effective for many years.
• Humane: Importantly, Bird Free Fire Gel is totally humane and doesn?t present any risk of causing harm to birds. It doesn?t poison them, it doesn?t risk trapping them and it doesn?t cause injury. 
• Targeted: An important attribute of the Bird Free Fire Gel deterrent is that it is highly targeted. Wherever pest birds are a problem, some carefully located, discreet dishes of bird free fire gel will keep them away without risk of causing harm to the birds or any other creatures. 

The fact that Bird Free Fire Gel is immediately effective makes it an ideal solution for both residential and commercial properties where safety and compliance are essential.

Where Can It Be Used?

While many people first consider bird control for balconies and patios, the reality is that pest birds target a wide range of surfaces. 

• Window ledges
• Rooflines and parapets
• Shop signage
• Gutters and downpipes
• Air conditioning units
• Solar panels
• Beams, pipes, cables, railings and structural features.

Bird Free Fire Gel is highly versatile and the small dishes can be deployed almost anywhere birds tend to land. 

Long-Lasting Protection

Durability is a key advantage. Once applied, Bird Free Fire Gel continues to deter birds for many years. Even in grimy, city centre railside applications, where the gel filled dishes become coated with particles of dirt, the fire gel remains totally effective as the UV radiation can still be seen by birds. We recently reported how Bird Free Fire Gel is continuing to keep birds away from favoured roosting areas around Kings Cross Station, 10 years after it was first installed. 

This long-lasting attribute of Bird Free Fire Gel makes it a highly cost-effective solution compared to repeated, ineffective short-term fixes.

Quick and Easy Installation

Another key benefit of the Bird Free Fire Gel solution is how easy it is to install and how it requires zero maintenance. The gel is supplied in small, prefilled dishes that can be placed or attached wherever birds tend to land or congregate.

Bird Free Fire Gel installation is simple:

• Clean the surface and surrounding area
• Distribute the Bird Free Fire Gel dishes at appropriate intervals.

That?s it, no drilling, no complicated setup, and minimal disruption. Our specially designed Bird Free Fire Gel Balcony Protector Pack makes deployment very simple indeed. 

The Balcony Problem: Reclaiming Your Outdoor Space

For many homeowners and apartment residents, a balcony or patio is a highly valued area of outdoor space that?s relied upon in the warmer months. It?s where people relax, entertain, enjoy fresh air, or simply unwind after a long day. But during nesting season, these spaces can become unusable when pest birds move in.

Pigeons and other nuisance birds are particularly drawn to balconies. Sheltered corners provide ideal nesting spots, while railings and ledges offer safe perching areas. Once established, birds can be difficult to dislodge.

The result?

• Persistent mess and staining from bird droppings
• Noise and disturbance, especially when birds are nesting or protecting young
• Aggressive behaviour towards residents and their pets
• Health risks from bacteria and airborne particles in dried droppings
• A once-enjoyable outdoor space becoming effectively off-limits.

Pest birds prompt many people to avoid their own balconies and outdoor spaces at the very time of year they want to use it most.

A Solution Designed Specifically for Balconies

Recognising this very specific challenge, the Bird Free Fire Gel Balcony Protector Pack was developed by Insight Security to provide a very simple, flexible and highly effective solution for domestic outdoor spaces.

Unlike traditional bird control methods that require permanent and often expensive installation, the Balcony Protector Pack system is designed around convenience and ease of use.

Each pack includes pre-configured rubber mats with magnetically attached Bird Free gel dishes, spaced for optimal performance. This means:

• No measuring or guesswork
• No tools or specialist installation required
• Ready to use straight out of the box.

Simply place the mat in the problem area, such as a nesting corner or along a balcony edge and the deterrent begins working immediately. 

Quick to Deploy, Easy to Remove

One of the standout benefits of the balcony protector pack is its portability.

Unlike fixed deterrents, these mats can be:

• Laid out in seconds to immediately keep birds away
• Removed just as easily when the space is being used
• Rolled up and stored for reuse whenever needed.

This makes it ideal for people who want effective bird control without permanently altering the look or usability of their balcony. The system was specifically designed so that once birds have been driven away, you can simply replace the dish covers, roll up the mat, and store it until required again.

A Better Alternative to Netting and Spikes

When dealing with balcony bird problems, many people consider netting or spikes, but both come with drawbacks.

• Netting can look intrusive, restrict the use of the space, and in some cases risk trapping or harming birds
• Spikes can be visually unappealing and are often impractical for many balcony layouts.

By contrast, Bird Free Fire Gel is:

• Discreet and low-profile
• Non-invasive, no drilling or permanent fixtures required
• More versatile, adapting easily to different balcony shapes and surfaces.

And crucially, it works with bird behaviour, not against it, encouraging birds to stay away rather than physically blocking them.

A Proven Choice for Bird Control

For property owners tired of constant cleaning, damage, and ineffective deterrents, Bird Free Fire Gel provides a practical solution that ticks all the boxes:

• Immediate results
• Humane and safe
• Long-lasting performance
• Easy to install
• Suitable for a wide variety of environments

Take Control Before Birds Settle In

Timing matters. Acting early, before birds fully establish nesting habits, can save significant time, cost and frustration. If you?re already seeing signs of bird activity, now is the time to act.

Bird Free Fire Gel enables you to protect your property quickly and effectively, without causing harm and without ongoing hassle.

Bird Control and the Law: What You Need to Know

When dealing with pest birds, it?s not just about effectiveness it?s also about staying on the right side of the law.

In the UK, bird control is governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which offers protection to all wild birds, their nests, and their eggs.

What Does the Law Say?

Under this legislation, it is generally illegal to:

• Intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird
• Damage or destroy an active nest
• Take or destroy eggs
• Disturb nesting birds.

This means that once birds have begun nesting, your options for removal become significantly more limited and in many cases, you must wait until the nesting period has ended. 

Why Early Intervention Matters

Because of these legal protections, timing is critical when it comes to bird control. Taking preventative action before birds nest is not only more effective it also helps you avoid potential legal issues.

This is why deterrent-based solutions are strongly recommended. By discouraging birds from landing and settling in the first place, you reduce the risk of:

• Long-term infestations
• Property damage
• Legal complications associated with removing active nests.

Humane Deterrence Is Key

The law also reinforces the importance of using humane, non-lethal methods. Anti-bird solutions that harm birds, trap them, or interfere with active nests can lead to serious penalties. In contrast, deterrents that simply encourage birds to move elsewhere are widely accepted and compliant.

This is where Bird Free Fire Gel stands out. Rather than harming birds, this harmless gel works by making treated areas unattractive to birds. Encouraging them to choose alternative locations without causing injury or distress.

A Responsible Approach to Bird Control

In practice, responsible bird control means:

• Acting early before nesting begins
• Using humane deterrents rather than reactive measures
• Avoiding any interference with active nests
• Maintaining your property to prevent repeat visits.

By following these principles, you can effectively manage pest birds while remaining fully compliant with UK law.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Bird control activities in the UK are governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and other applicable regulations. Under this legislation, all wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected by law. It is an offence to intentionally harm birds or interfere with active nests.

Responsibility for ensuring compliance with current legislation rests with the individual or organisation carrying out any bird control measures. If you are unsure about your legal obligations, you should seek advice from a qualified professional or relevant authority before taking action.

Always ensure that any bird deterrent methods used are humane, lawful, and appropriate for your specific circumstances.

If you have any questions about our pest bird solution for balconies, patios or anywhere else remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 26th March 2026

From Recycling to Record Sales: Celebrating Our 2025 Highlights Thursday 8th January 2026

As we look back on 2025, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with progress, learning and plenty of positive impact — not just for our customers, but for our team, our community and the environment too. From sustainability wins to customer favourites, here’s a snapshot of what made 2025 such a memorable year for Insight Security.

Recycling That Really Adds Up

Insight Security is highly committed to minimising the impact our business has on the environment. We continuously examine and review all our operations, making positive changes to minimise our environmental impact. 

In 2025, we spent £0 on void fill packaging for outgoing orders. How? By recycling 100% of our cardboard and repurposing it using our dunnage shredder machine. It?s a simple idea with a big impact, reducing waste while keeping products well protected in transit.

Smarter Energy Use

While solar panels aren?t an option at our head office site, we still made strong progress towards greener operations throughout 2025. 35% of the energy we consumed came from renewable sources, helping us reduce our environmental footprint. Sensible environmental practices will continue to be of primary importance as we progress into 2026.

Greener Commutes

Around 48% of UK commuters drive to work alone with average yearly commuter mileages of around 4,800 to 5,000 miles per driver. Reducing the number of solo commutes via car sharing significantly lowers the total energy use and emissions.

While the commute distances of many Insight Security staff are relatively short, thanks to car sharing across the Insight Security team, we saved 6,600 miles of car journeys in 2025. This is a great example of how small daily choices can make a real difference that?s worth celebrating.

Giving Back to Our Community

Although the Insight Security customer base is global we recognise and value our local community relationships. Establishing and maintaining partnerships, along with supporting local causes, is important to us. In 2025, we donated over £2,000 to local charities, helping them continue the valuable work they do in our community.

A Truly Global Customer Base

We are very proud of our growing, diverse worldwide customer base. Throughout 2025 we shipped high quality products to customers in 25 different countries around the world, helping people stay safe and secure wherever they are. Along the way, we sharpened our knowledge of international trade regulations, reminding us just how important it is to stay informed in an ever-changing global commercial landscape.

Customer Feedback We?re Proud Of

Online customer feedback is vitally important as it builds trust, demonstrates professionalism, highlights opportunities for improvement and provides transparency. 

We are immensely proud that our customers continued to rate us highly, with a Google Customer Feedback Score of 4.9 out of 5, for 2025. We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to leave a review as your feedback drives everything we do.

Investing in Our Team

The pace of change in technology, regulation, customer expectations and working practices has clearly accelerated. Businesses that don?t actively develop the skills of their personnel will inevitably fall behind which is why Insight Security prioritises staff development. During 2025 our team spent over 100 hours on training and development, ensuring we?re always ready to provide accurate, actionable expert advice and the best possible service.

Products That Made a Splash in 2025

Customers know that the carefully curated portfolio of high quality security and safety products in our store are all thoroughly vetted and considerately selected for efficacy and value for money. A few of our most popular ?star? product lines in 2025 included the following:

• We sold enough anti-climb paint to coat an entire Olympic swimming pool. Anti climb paint is a very effective, easily applied anti climb solution that?s widely used to protect a variety of sites including churches, community halls and stately homes.
• The most popular anti-climb Prikla Strip colour of 2025 was brown. Easily installed plastic Prikla Strip anti climb spikes provide a cheap and easy way to deter intruders from climbing into gardens or onto rooftops. Designed to cause discomfort without causing any harm these spike strips are ideal for homes and businesses.
• During 2025, we sold so much Bird Free Fire Gel, it would stretch from our office in Lewes all the way to Isfield in East Sussex. People are becoming increasingly aware of how effective this totally harmless anti-bird gel is in safely repelling pest birds such as pigeons and seagulls. 

We are always keen to talk to people about their challenges and help devise effective security and safety solutions. 

Customer Favourites of 2025

Amongst the wide range of high quality products we?ve supplied throughout 2025 there are a couple of customer favourites that are worth highlighting.

We offer a wide range of padlocks for every possible application and budget. Over the past year the excellent Squire Stronghold SS50S open shackle padlock has been a firm favourite. This CEN4 rated lock features anti-drill protection, a solid hardened steel body along with a hardened boron alloy steel shackle and has an electrophoretic anti-corrosion finish. It uses a 6 pin lock cylinder with over 250,000 key differs making it ideal for a wide range of high security applications. 

Another of our primary security product lines is our extensive range of high-security chains. During 2025 the most popular high-security chain has been the Pragmasis Protector 19mm at 2m in length. This incredibly tough chain has achieved Sold Secure Gold rating in all categories making it popular for securing motorcycles, ATVs, caravans, plant machinery and much more. Customers regularly submit favourable feedback about how tough this incredible security chain is.

Making Doors Safer

We offer a range of excellent door security and safety products that are widely used in homes, schools and businesses. Our Finger Protector Hinge Cavity Cover Strips have prevented many people, especially youngsters, from suffering significant injury through getting their fingers trapped between doors and door-frames. Over 2025 we helped make over 1000 doors far safer. 

Nuts, Bolts and Over a Million Fastenings

A significant part of our business is the wide range of high quality nuts, bolts, screws and security fastenings we offer from our store. Over 2025 we sold over one million of these nuts, bolts and screws for use in a wide range of applications. These small components often play the biggest role in ensuring security and safety. 

Sharing Knowledge

Here at Insight Security we know how important it is to have accurate, reliable information and guidance, provided in easily digested formats. That?s why we have continued to publish helpful, informative blog posts every week, covering everything from AI to outbuilding security. We?ve also produced over 25 helpful videos during 2025, providing viewers with clear, practical product guidance that answers many of the questions people often ask and expanding our growing library of over 80 useful videos.

Powered by Coffee

Last but not least, our busy team quaffed 7,500 cups of coffee over the year, highlighting the importance of both dedication and caffeine. 

Looking Ahead to 2026

2025 Has been a successful year of growth, change, innovation and impact. We are excited and optimistic to build on this momentum in the year ahead and want to extend our warmest thanks to all our customers, suppliers and partners, along with our hard-working team, for being part of our successful journey. We?re looking forward to a safer, more secure, sustainable future that we can achieve together in 2026.

If you have any questions about your security needs, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 8th January 2026

Bird Free Fire Gel Repellent Still Effective After 10 Years Thursday 1st May 2025

The sunny spring weather means many of us have been spending more time outdoors. But sadly, our outdoor spaces are often plagued by problematic birds and the mess they cause. In our latest post we look at how Bird Free Fire Gel is an effective, humane way to keep those birds at bay.

Feral birds, especially pigeons and seagulls, can cause a wide range of problems, particularly in urban areas. Springtime is when many birds build their nests and raise their young, so if they have chosen your rooftop or property as their nesting site you can face problems in getting rid of them. Its important to remember that in the UK all wild birds are protected by law and cannot be interfered with, except under licence. But it is possible to keep birds away using non-lethal bird control methods.

Restricting access to food is a primary recommendation. Birds will often establish their homes where food is readily available so the proximity of accessible rubbish bins, for example, can attract problematic birds. The video above demonstrates how a huge number of feral pigeons would congregate on a rooftop adjacent to an area where they were regularly fed.

Physical barriers, including anti bird netting, are often used to prevent birds from landing, roosting and building nests where they are not wanted. And making areas less attractive to birds by deploying anti-bird spikes, or using various bird scaring devices, can also have some positive impact. But Bird Free Fire Gel is increasingly recognised as the most reliable and effective way to humanely keep birds away from wherever they aren?t welcome.

Feral birds and their nests can, as noted, cause a wide range of often very serious problems and risks. Here are some examples that should be noted.

Structural Damage Caused by Birds

Bird droppings are highly acidic. Acidic bird mess can cause serious corrosion to building materials including concrete, brickwork, stone and metal. If flocks of birds are regularly congregating in a specific area the mess they create quickly accumulates and is likely to cause damage that can be very expensive to repair.

Bird nests and detritus is also a well known cause of blocked drainage gutters. When these vital systems become blocked, rainwater can cause significant water damage, damp and even more costly repairs. And when birds build their nests on rooftops they can sometimes displace roof tiles and slates.

Health Risks from Bird Droppings and Nests

Bird droppings are well known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. The last thing you want, anywhere near outdoor eating areas, is an accumulation of bird droppings or bird nests.

Histoplasmosis, for example, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores from bird droppings, leading to respiratory issues. In severe cases this can be fatal. In the USA a construction worker, exposed to accumulated pigeon droppings when cleaning an old building, inhaled dust from dried bird excrement, contaminated with Histoplasma Capsulatum spores. The serious infection spread from his lungs to other organs and the poor man died.

Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease affecting the lungs and nervous system, linked to bird droppings. A number of pigeon breeders are reported to have developed cryptococcosis, leading to lung infections and meningitis, after handling pigeon nests and droppings. And a homeless man, sleeping near a pigeon-infested bridge, died from cryptococcal meningitis after inhaling spores from dried pigeon droppings.

Psittacosis (Ornithosis) is a bacterial infection causing pneumonia-like symptoms, spread through dried bird droppings and dust. In the UK, a family of four became ill after removing a seagull nest from their roof. Blood tests confirmed psittacosis, traced to inhaled dust from dried seagull faeces.

Salmonella bacteria in bird droppings can contaminate food and water sources, leading to food poisoning. In Lancashire, more than 300 people became ill with Salmonella gastroenteritis due to seagull droppings in a reservoir of drinking water.

E.coli and other pathogens exist in bird droppings which is why its essential to be aware of the risks associated with birds and the mess they create. Water testing at beaches in the UK discovered antibiotic-resistant E.coli strains matching those in seagull faeces. Swimming in contaminated water resulted in gastrointestinal illnesses.

Bird nests will also often harbour a number of parasites including mites, ticks and fleas. Nesting materials, dead birds along with leftover food will also attract rats and mice.

Vehicle and Property Damage

As noted, structural damage caused by acidic bird droppings can be very serious and expensive to repair. Those acidic bird droppings are also detrimental to vehicles, outdoor furniture and outbuildings. Droppings on cars, boats and furniture are likely to damage the finish if not cleaned away quickly. And bird droppings on solar panels is another problem as accumulation can adversely affect their efficiency and be expensive to clean off.

Fire Hazards Caused by Bird Nests

When examining the negative impact of bird mess and nests its important not to overlook the fire hazard caused by bird nests. Dry nesting materials are highly flammable and birds will sometimes build their nests in very risky locations. Lighting fixtures and electrical shop signage are particularly prone to attracting bird nests that can potentially catch fire. And there was a reported case in which a bird carried a lit cigarette back to its nest on a Stockwell building?s rooftop in London, causing a fire that required nine people to be evacuated.

Detrimental Business Impact

Droppings on pedestrian walkways, especially at entrances to businesses and railway stations, causes a significant slip hazard. As well as being dangerous, the appearance is highly detrimental to the business. Signage that?s streaked with bird mess looks very unattractive and doesn?t convey a positive business image.

Frightening and Aggressive Birds

When birds are nesting and protecting their young they can become aggressive toward both people and their pets. In Cornwall a postal worker suffered a significant head injury when an aggressive seagull attacked him on his delivery round. And in another serious case a seagull, snatching a sausage from a child?s hand, pecked off part of the toddler?s finger.

How to Deploy Bird Free Fire Gel to Keep Birds Away

Wherever birds are causing a problem Bird Free Fire Gel will keep them away. Balconies, for example, can attract unwanted birds that pollute these valuable spaces with their mess. Patios and outdoor seating and entertainment areas are also often polluted with dangerous bird droppings. Rooftops and solar panel arrays are also highly attractive to birds for roosting and nest-building. And shop signage, lighting and property entrances are also often subjected to unwanted bird attention.

Bird Free Fire Gel is a clever concoction of harmless, natural ingredients which emits ultraviolet light. While this UV light is invisible to humans, birds can see it. And to them, UV light resembles the appearance of fire, which they will naturally avoid.

The gel also contains peppermint oil which is another powerful bird deterrent. The immediate impact of Bird Free Gel deployment is apparent in the video at the top of this post. Dishes of this effective bird repellent were harmlessly distributed across this rooftop, where a large flock of feral pigeons would regularly congregate. The video clearly shows birds approaching the protected roof area, turning away as they perceive what appears to them to be flames.

Before Bird Free Fire Gel is installed its important to clean and prepare the installation site. This must be done with caution using appropriate cleaning materials and always while wearing sensible protective clothing, gloves and a face mask.

The wide variety of environments where pest birds can cause problems each present specific deployment challenges for Bird Free Fire Gel. The gel is contained in pre-loaded dishes that need to be placed and secured at regular intervals, spaced according to the density of the bird problem. Installation requirements for a sloping rooftop are clearly not the same as those required for a small balcony or patio. This is why we offer a range of versatile installation options.

Standard Bird Free Gel Dishes: These are simply fixed in place using a weatherproof silicone adhesive. This form of installation is typically used for rooftops and other areas that might be flat or sloping.

Magnetic Bird Free Gel Dishes: These dishes include magnets that enable the dishes to be quickly attached to any ferrous metal surface. This form of installation is particularly useful for a variety of environments including bridges, walkways and locations where bird mess can be dangerous for workers.

Railings and Pipework Pack: This installation format is the most popular. Dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel are attached to railings or pipework using cable ties that are affixed to the Bird Free Fire Gel dishes with self-adhesive pads. Anywhere birds like to congregate and roost can be immediately protected by attaching some dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel.

Roll Up Balcony Matt: In response to the needs of those with balconies and patios where birds are causing problems we came up with our popular roll up balcony matts. These are available in 4 or 8 dish options and each uses a collection of magnetic Bird Free Gel Dishes that stick to matts. These are conveniently rolled up and packed away when the area is in use and then quickly and easily re-deployed when needed.

Bird Free Fire Gel Remains Effective for Many Years

Dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel are left outdoors, all year round, often in very grimy and weather-beaten locations. People naturally want to know how long it remains effective.

Bird Free Fire Gel is the only bird repellent gel fully authorised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for use in the UK based on proven efficacy. Examination and data analysis has clearly demonstrated how this bird repellent will remain effective for a minimum period of 4 years.

In fact, there are now many sites that have Bird Free Fire Gel installations that have provided total bird repellent control for more than 8 years. At Kings Cross Station in London, Bird Free Fire Gel was installed 10 years ago and although the dishes have become covered with airborne dust, the bird repellent is still effective today. Dishes of bird repellent gel were first deployed in April 2015 and when re-inspected in April 2025 it was confirmed that birds were still being kept away.

If you have any questions about effective bird repellent solutions, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 1st May 2025

Bird Free Spacing - 90 Second Insight Thursday 8th August 2024

In the next of our bite-size 90 Second Insight videos we look at how to effectively deploy dishes of our widely acclaimed Bird Free Fire Gel repellent.

Summer is the time of year when many of us want to make the most of the outdoors. Those who are lucky enough to have gardens and possibly patios, want to enjoy these valuable outdoor spaces. And people with balconies naturally want to sit outside and enjoy the cooling summer breeze. Unfortunately, our domestic outdoor spaces also attract unwanted birds such as seagulls and pigeons. Their nests, detritus and poop can harbour a wide range of harmful diseases along with parasites. And particles from dried bird droppings can cause respiratory complaints so people really want to keep troublesome birds away.

Public spaces, buildings and shops are also often plagued with unwanted, problem birds at this time of year. Mess from birds, roosting on signage above a shop entrance, can present a serious, slippery hazard to shoppers and make the shop signage look terrible. Railway stations are also often troubled by large groups of congregating pigeons, nesting and roosting in the rafters and polluting pedestrian walkways below.

Our Bird Free Fire Gel has now been in use, worldwide, for over 20 years. Many case studies have demonstrated its efficacy in all manner and size of installation, from domestic balconies to large scale roof tops, railway stations, educational establishments and industrial premises.

Totally Harmless

When considering any form of pest control its always important to examine the potential impact on humans and creatures that might come into contact with it. For example, BBC Springwatch recently highlighted how flea treatments, commonly used on cats and dogs, are poisoning our waterways and threatening the entire food web by killing off insects in vast quantities.

Bird Free Fire Gel is totally harmless to birds, animals and humans. Its a proprietary gel mixture that presents a 3-way bird deterrent.

The primary element is the pyranine in the gel, the same colouring agent used in highlighter pens. This clever ingredient fluoresces when exposed to UV radiation, causing the gel to emit ultraviolet light. To birds this light looks like a flickering, naked flame which prompts their natural response to stay away. This attribute is why the substance is known as ?Fire Gel?

The second way the gel deters birds is exploiting their smell and taste senses. Bird Free Fire Gel contains harmless peppermint oil, giving it a peppery aroma. Studies have shown how birds stay away from substances that emit peppery, menthol vapours.

And the third aspect of this effective formulation that birds don?t like is its viscous property. This can cause the gel to stick to their feathers, which they try to avoid.

Bird Free Gel Deployment

Bird Free Gel is supplied in small, pre-loaded dishes that are just 8mm in height and 65mm diameter. These small, low level dishes allow the deterrent to be easily and unobtrusively deployed in all manner of installations, from large scale rooftops and bridges to individual window ledges.

There are now many installations of this highly effective bird deterrent all over the world. They range from small, domestic installations on balconies, patios and window ledges, to much larger scale, challenging installations at railway stations, hospitals and educational establishments.

Although our documentation highlights how the gel remains effective for over five years, feedback from live installations demonstrate how the gel has remained highly effective for over 8 years. And furthermore, it can withstand environments in which particulate air-borne pollution is very high, such as at railway stations. The UV bird repellent properties of the gel remain effective even when the gel is coated and blackened with pollution.

When considering the installation and deployment of Bird Free Fire Gel its beneficial to identify how the birds are using the area where the problem exists. Are they nesting there? Are they roosting there during the day time? Or are they roosting there at night? Or is the area used by birds for all three of these?

Optimum spacing of Bird Free Fire Gel dishes is important. This consideration determines how many dishes are needed for a particular area. Experience, accumulated over the past 20 years of worldwide use, has informed the determination of optimum dish spacing.

For nesting areas, dishes need to be relatively closely spaced at intervals of 15cm or 6 inches (centre to centre), in a grid pattern. This is the configuration found to be most effective in highly challenging installations where problem birds were regularly returning to nesting sites.

Night roosting areas can be considered to be medium pressure sites and dishes deployed in these spaces can be effectively installed at 20cm or 8 inch intervals.

Day roosting areas can be considered to be relatively low pressure sites and the dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel can be effectively spaced at 25cm or 10 inch intervals.

We understand the challenges involved in deploying multiple dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel which is why we supply these dishes in a number of useful formats. These include dishes that can be magnetically attached to ferrous metal structures, such as bridge and steel girders. Our cable-tied dishes are another popular option that enable Bird Free Fire Gel dishes to protect hand rails and pipework from unwanted roosting birds.

We?ve also developed our easy-to-use balcony protector pack that consists of a rubber matt with a number of pre-attached dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel. Birds respond immediately to the presence of Bird Free Fire Gel so our balcony protector pack is a quick and easy way to effectively chase them away from precisely where they are not wanted.

Essential Pre-Installation Cleaning

An important pre-installation requirement when deploying Bird Free Fire Gel dishes is the need to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area where birds have been a problem. This means cleaning away all previous nesting materials, dead bird carcasses and droppings. This must be carried out with caution while wearing appropriate protective clothing, goggles, facemasks and gloves.

Once the detritus and poop has been cleaned away the area needs to be disinfected to rid the site of any bird pheromones that might otherwise encourage them to return. See our Bird Free Fire Gel store page for everything you need.

How Many Dishes Are Needed?

When considering how many dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel are needed its simply a matter of assessing what the birds are using the site for, how big the area is and whether the dishes be fixed in place.

Our Balcony Protector Pack, for example, is purposely portable. This enables easy deployment to a balcony, patio or other area and allows the dishes to be picked up and taken indoors when the area is being used for relaxation and entertaining.

If the area is complex and involves steel girders and metal hand rails then the number of dishes required can be calculated based on the previously detailed spacing recommendations. For example, if birds tend to congregate and roost at night along long steel girders it would make sense to deploy dishes of Bird Free Fire Gel every 20cm or 8 inches.

For larger scale, flat areas such as rooftops, dishes should be deployed based on the previously detailed recommendations. If the area has been used for nesting then around 45 to 50 dishes per square metre will be needed.

Importantly, we understand how almost every bird deterrent challenge is unique. We have accumulated a vast wealth of knowledge and experience that enables us to devise effective bird deterrent strategies that will work in all situations. So we recommend you give us a call so that we can help determine exactly what?s needed.

Further Information and Guidance

Here are some useful links to where you can find further guidance and information on all aspects of Bird Free Fire Gel.

• Bird Free Fire Gel Case Studies 
• Bird Free Fire Gel Installation Manual
• Bird Free Fire Gel - Where you can use it
• Benefits of Effective Bird Control
• How to Get Rid of Pigeons on Balconies
• Bird Free Fire Gel - Long Term Anti Bird Deterrent 
• Bird Free Fire Gel - Your Questions Answered
• Bird Free Fire Gel Remains Effective for Over 8 Years - 

If you have any questions about effective bird repellents, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 8th August 2024

Bird Free Gel Remains Effective for Over 8 Years Thursday 4th April 2024

Our Bird Free Gel is growing in popularity as people discover its long-term efficacy and ease of use. Read our latest blog to learn how this incredible bird deterrent remains effective for more than 8 years.

Dealing with problem birds can be very challenging. Pest birds are attracted to locations where there is plenty of food along with safe and sheltered places to perch, build nests and raise their young. Pigeons and seagulls are at the top of the UK?s list of pest birds, but starlings, crows and even sparrows can also be problematic in some locations.

One of the main issues caused by unwanted pest birds congregating in a specific area is the mess and danger to health caused by their droppings. Most of us will have seen areas, heavily polluted with bird droppings, underneath ledges where birds like to perch. When wet, these accumulated bird droppings become very slippery and dangerous to walk on. And there are a number of nasty diseases associated with bird faeces including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and psittacosis. Bird droppings are also highly acidic which can cause damage to buildings if allowed to accumulate. And bird droppings discolour brickwork and make any affected signage look unsightly.

Bird Free Gel Remains Effective for Over 8 Years

Field trials carried out at a pigeon night-time roosting site showed how Bird Free Gel remained effective for over 4 years leading to the UK Health and Safety Executive acknowledging that ?Bird Free will remain effective for a minimum period of 4 years?. Numerous ongoing case studies in a wide variety of locations have now demonstrated that Bird Free Gel remains effective for over 8 years.

Pigeons Banished from Italy?s Largest Shopping Centre

Milan?s ?Il Centro? shopping centre had already attracted unwanted pigeons even before construction was complete. Their droppings were already fouling the extensive glass facades ahead of the grand opening scheduled to take place in April 2016. Bird Free Gel was deployed to the site in February 2016 and the problematic pigeons immediately moved on. The Bird Free Gel deterrent solution has remained effective ever since and none of the shopping centre?s tenant businesses have experienced any subsequent pigeon fouling issues.

Pigeon Nesting Prevented after Anti Bird Spikes had Failed

A Barcelona Hospital had attempted to use anti bird spikes to deter nesting pigeons. But the pesky birds had simply built their nests on top of the spikes and the hospital needed to invest in daily cleaning operations to deal with the mess they were making.

In May 2018 professional pest controllers removed all of the bird nests and ineffective anti bird spikes, replacing them with distributed dishes of Bird Free Gel. The result was immediate. The pigeons vacated the hospital rooftops and have never returned.

Pigeons Love to Perch and Poo on Shop Signage

Shop signage covered in bird droppings doesn?t convey a very positive impression to potential customers. And its not only shop signage that?s adversely impacted by unwanted pest birds. Signage at railway stations, hotels and public buildings can also be very attractive to pest birds looking for somewhere to perch and roost. But when these signs are streaked with bird mess they become very unsightly and the surfaces underneath these perches can become dangerous to walk on.

Many locations have tried traditional anti-bird techniques such as the installation of bird repellent spikes. But as previously noted, these are often very ineffective. Unlike anti-bird spikes dishes of Bird Free Gel are very inconspicuous as they are only 8mm high and often can?t be seen from ground level. These dishes are also far easier to deploy than anti-bird spikes that generally require screw fixing. Many shop signs now use discretely installed dishes of Bird Free Gel, reliably keeping unwanted birds away and ensuring both the signage and the street below remains free of bird mess. Some signage has even been specifically designed with recesses in the top to accommodate Bird Free Gel dishes.

Bird Free Gel - Ideal for Historic Buildings and Homes

Heritage sites and historic buildings appreciate how Bird Free Gel installation doesn?t require any mechanical fixings, unlike anti-bird spikes. Dishes of Bird Free Gel are easily distributed in areas where birds like to congregate and roost without the need for drilling or screw fixing. Our pipe and railing fixing option, for example, simply uses cable ties, enabling dishes to be securely attached to the pipes and railings where pest birds would previously have perched.

And many UK homes have successfully deployed dishes of Bird Free Gel along ledges, rooftops and other areas where birds had previously caused problems. These installations are continuing to keep pest birds away many years after initial installation. Our Balcony Protector Pack is particularly useful for home with balconies and patios plagued by pest birds.

No More Bird Mess on Parked Cars

Car park structures offer many sheltered areas, favoured by feral pigeons for roosting and nesting. Its not unusual for motorists to return to their vehicles, parked in municipal multi-story car parks, to find their cars covered in bird mess. Many car parks have now discovered the efficacy of Bird Free Gel which has been widely deployed ot keep unwanted birds away.

Bridge Walkways Polluted with Bird Mess

Bridge structures are another favoured location for roosting feral pigeons. The new Huntingdon Bypass, opened in December 2019, included four new bridges. But much like the shopping centre in Italy, even before these bridges were open the pest birds had moved in and established their nests. Their poop presented a health and safety risk for those responsible for routine bridge maintenance. The nests were cleared away and replaced with dishes of Bird Free Gel which was also deployed to other areas that might have attracted unwanted birds. The installation was immediately effective and continues to be effective today.

Another Bridge installation, the Craigavon Bridge, carried out by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure, dealt with accumulating bird poop on the walkways which was causing a health and safety hazard to pedestrians and cyclists. This bridge is a listed structure which meant any anti-bird deterrent needed to be unobtrusive. In 2022 all areas of the bridge affected by pigeons was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Deployment of unobtrusive Bird Free Gel dishes was immediately effective in keeping pest birds away and the walkways free from bird mess. The engineer in charge of the installation even witnessed the site being revisited by feral pigeons that immediately flew away when they encountered the Bird Free Gel.

Kings Cross Station Offices - Bird Free Since 2015

Way back in 2015 the droppings from pigeons roosting above Network Rail?s offices at Kings Cross station were causing unsightly and unpleasant fouling of the office entrance below. Dishes of Bird Free Gel were deployed and the site has been closely monitored ever since.

After 8 years, since the initial installation, these dishes of gel are still keeping the unwanted pigeons away. Its notable that some of the exposed dishes have become significantly blackened by airborne pollution but they remain effective as the particulate pollution doesn?t inhibit or block the emission of UV light that repels the birds.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bird Free Gel

The most commonly asked questions about Bird Free Gel are these:

How long does it last?

As these ongoing installations and field trials have demonstrated, Bird Free Gel remains effective for more than 8 years. As noted, the UK Health and Safety Executive has acknowledged that ?Bird Free will remain effective for a minimum period of 4 years?. Real-world installations have demonstrated how this this anti-bird solution continues to keep pest birds away for over 8 years.

Is it affected by rain?

Bird Free Gel is completely unaffected by rainwater. The substance isn?t water soluble and is therefore not washed away by falling rain. And it continues to emit UV radiation when wet, keeping pest birds at bay, even when covered in rainwater.

Does it work when discoloured by pollution?

UV radiation can only be blocked by solid objects and isn?t inhibited by particulates such as dust or airborne pollutants. This is why the dishes of Bird Free Gel at Kings Cross station have remained effective for over 8 years even though exposed dishes are now blackened with accumulated dirt.

Talk to Us About Bird Free Gel

We offer Bird Free Gel in a variety of practical formats for a wide range of applications. Our Bird Free Gel Balcony Protector pack is specifically designed for convenient deployment to balconies and patios that can attract unwanted, messy birds. Mats with attached Bird Free Gel dishes are quickly and easily placed exactly where they are needed, immediately prompting any visiting birds to stay away.

Pre-loaded magnetic dishes of Bird Free Gel are easily attached to any ferrous metal surface and our pipe and railing fixing pack simply uses cable ties to securely attach the dishes to any pipes, railings or poles that would otherwise be attractive to unwanted feathered visitors.

Regardless of the scale of the bird problem Bird Free Gel is a highly effective solution that remains effective for a very long time.

Learn More about Bird Free Gel

• Buy Bird Free Gel
• Bird Free Gel - Your Questions Answered
• Bird Free Gel Installer Guide

If you have any questions about effective bird repellents, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 4th April 2024