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Bird Control Melbourne | Pigeon and Solar Panel Proofing
Pigeons under the solar panels? Our bird control Melbourne team clears nests, cleans up and meshes the gap without drilling. Call 0401 573 777 for a free quote.
How do you stop pigeons nesting under solar panels?
Reviewed by the Metro Pest Services team, updated September 2026
You stop pigeons nesting under solar panels by removing the nests and droppings, then closing the gap between the panels and the roof with a mesh skirt clipped to the panel frames. Scaring devices and spikes do not work under panels, because the birds nest in the space underneath, out of reach.
The order matters. Mesh fitted over an active nest traps birds, eggs or chicks underneath, and fitting it over old nesting material leaves a smelly, mite filled mess sealed in. Clean first, then proof.
Most birds causing problems on Melbourne roofs are introduced species: feral pigeons, common mynas, often called the Indian myna, starlings and house sparrows. Native birds and their active nests are protected, so they are handled differently.
| Nest removal and clean up | from $249 |
|---|---|
| Solar panel bird proofing | from $549, smaller arrays |
| Roof gap and eaves proofing | from $349 |
| Market price for solar proofing | Commonly from about $500 |
| Mesh fixing | Clips to the panel frame, no drilling |
| Most common pest bird | Feral pigeon |
| Native birds | Protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 |
| After nests are removed | Bird mites can wander indoors for a short time |
Four solar panel bird proofing mistakes we fix every month
DIY kits and quick jobs look similar from the ground. Up close, these are the problems we are called back to repair.
- 1Mesh fitted over nests and droppings, leaving the smell, the mites and sometimes trapped birds underneath.
- 2Plastic mesh or cable ties that go brittle in the sun and split within a couple of summers.
- 3Screws or adhesive into the panel frame, which can put your panel warranty at risk. Check with your installer.
- 4Gaps left at corners and where cables leave the array, which pigeons find within days.
Pigeon removal Melbourne homes ask for, and the other pest birds
The bird decides the proofing. Pigeons need the gap closed, small birds need every roof gap sealed, and native birds need a different approach altogether.
Feral pigeon
Columba livia- Where
- Under solar panels, on ledges, in box gutters and on commercial awnings.
- Problem
- Heavy droppings, blocked gutters, noise and nests that grow year after year.
- Fix
- Nests and droppings cleared, then solar panel mesh or ledge proofing fitted.
Common myna
Acridotheres tristis- Where
- Roof gaps, eaves, wall vents and under solar panels.
- Problem
- Bulky nests of grass and rubbish that can block vents and gutters.
- Fix
- Nest removal, then the entry gap is closed with mesh or roof gap proofing.
Common starling
Sturnus vulgaris- Where
- Roof voids, gaps under ridge capping and between roof tiles.
- Problem
- Noise in the ceiling in spring, and bird mites once the young leave.
- Fix
- Nest removal from the roof space and the tile or ridge gap sealed.
House sparrow
Passer domesticus- Where
- Small gaps in eaves, pipes, signage and warehouse roofs.
- Problem
- Many small nests in hard to reach places, especially in commercial buildings.
- Fix
- Every small gap closed, often with netting in larger commercial spaces.
Native birds are different
Magpies, swallows, wattlebirds and other native birds are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. We do not disturb active native nests, and we time proofing for after the young have left.
Signs you need bird nest removal Melbourne wide
Birds settle in quickly, and each breeding season makes the next one worse. These are the signs birds are nesting, not just visiting.
Twigs poking out under panels
Sticks, grass and feathers visible along the edge of the solar array or in the gutter.
Birds flying in and out of one spot
Birds landing and disappearing under panels, into eaves or through a gap in the roof tiles.
Droppings on roof, paths and cars
Streaks of droppings down the roof, walls and on paving under the same spot every day.
Scratching and cooing in the ceiling
Noise from the roof space early in the morning, especially in spring.
Gutters overflowing in rain
Gutters and downpipes blocked with nesting material and droppings.
Tiny mites indoors
Very small biting mites on walls and bedding after birds leave a nest in the roof.
Which birds can be removed in Victoria
The Wildlife Act 1975 protects native wildlife in Victoria, and that includes native birds and their nests. Introduced birds such as feral pigeons, common mynas, starlings and house sparrows are not protected native wildlife, which is why most bird proofing work involves these species.
If a native bird is nesting on your house, the usual answer is patience. We wait until the young have left, then proof the gap so the bird nests somewhere else next season.
- Feral pigeons, common mynas, starlings and house sparrows are introduced species
- Native birds and their active nests are protected
- We do not disturb active native nests or harm native birds
- Proofing is timed for after native chicks have left the nest
- For injured native birds, contact Wildlife Victoria
How our bird removal Melbourne service works
Clean first, proof second, and nothing fixed into your panels.
Inspect the roof
We check the array, gutters, roof gaps and eaves, identify the bird and look for active native nests.
Remove nests and droppings
Nests, droppings and debris are bagged and removed, with protective gear, and the area is cleaned.
Fit the proofing
Stainless steel mesh clipped to panel frames, roof gap proofing, spikes or netting, depending on the bird.
Check every edge
Corners, cable exits and joins are checked, and the warranty terms go on your job record.
Bird proofing Melbourne prices
These are our starting prices. The final price depends on the number of panels, roof height and pitch, and how much nesting material there is, and it is fixed in writing before we start.
Nest removal and clean up
from$249
- Nests and droppings removed
- Area cleaned and bagged
- Photos of the cleared area
Roof gap and eaves proofing
from$349
- Nests cleared from the gap
- Gaps sealed with mesh or roof proofing
- Written warranty
Solar panel bird proofing
from$549
- Nests and droppings cleared first
- Stainless steel mesh skirt
- Clips, no drilling into panels
- Written warranty
Also quoted on inspection
- Large arrays and double storey homes priced by panels and roof access
- Ledges, signage and awnings spikes, wires or netting
- Warehouses and loading docks netting quoted per site
For comparison, solar panel pigeon proofing in Australia is commonly quoted from about $500 for a small single storey home, with large arrays and difficult roofs from about $2,000.
- Covers
- Mesh and proofing we installed
- If birds get back in
- Fixed at no charge
- Terms
- Written on your job record
- Excludes
- New gaps and roof changes
Metro Pest Services · Melbourne
A bird proofing warranty that covers the workmanship
If birds get back in through the areas we proofed during the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no charge. The period and the areas covered are written on your job record.
The warranty covers our mesh, clips and proofing. It does not cover new gaps created by roof repairs, new panels, or proofing removed by other trades working on the roof.
- Warranty terms written on your job record
- Free repair if birds get past our proofing
- Conditions listed plainly, not in fine print
Bird proofing beyond the solar panels
Solar panels are the most common call, but birds get into Melbourne buildings in plenty of other places.
Roof gaps and eaves
Gaps under ridge capping, between tiles and at the eaves are sealed with roof gap proofing or mesh, after nests are cleared from the roof space.
Ledges, beams and signage
Pigeon proofing spikes or low profile wires on ledges, window sills, beams and shop signs where birds roost rather than nest.
Warehouses and awnings
Netting for loading docks, carports, awnings and warehouse roofs, where pigeons and sparrows roost over stock, cars and customers.
What we tell every customer before bird proofing
Birds will still land on your roof
Proofing stops nesting under panels and in gaps. It does not stop birds perching on the ridge or in the garden.
Expect mites for a week or two
When a nest is removed, bird mites looking for a new host can come inside briefly. They do not live on people and die off quickly.
Feeding birds undoes the proofing
Bread and pet food left out keep pigeons and mynas nearby, and they will test every edge of the mesh.
How to keep birds from coming back
Take away food, water and shelter, and birds move on to easier places.
Do not feed pigeons or mynas, and bring pet food inside.
Clean gutters every autumn so nesting material does not build up.
Ask your solar installer about bird proofing when adding new panels.
Seal small gaps in eaves and vents before spring, when birds start nesting.
Keep bins closed and clean up food scraps around outdoor areas.
Bird control across all of Melbourne
Pest birds are found right across Melbourne, but the problem changes with the building. We work anywhere in the metropolitan area, with no call-out fee.
Inner Melbourne
- Melbourne CBD
- Carlton
- Fitzroy
- Richmond
- South Yarra
- St Kilda
- Collingwood
- Docklands
Northern suburbs
- Brunswick
- Coburg
- Preston
- Reservoir
- Epping
- Craigieburn
- Bundoora
- Heidelberg
Eastern suburbs
- Box Hill
- Doncaster
- Ringwood
- Glen Waverley
- Blackburn
- Croydon
- Boronia
- Lilydale
South east
- Dandenong
- Clayton
- Cranbourne
- Narre Warren
- Berwick
- Pakenham
- Springvale
- Keysborough
Bayside and south
- Brighton
- Sandringham
- Cheltenham
- Mentone
- Mordialloc
- Frankston
- Seaford
- Carrum Downs
Western suburbs
- Footscray
- Sunshine
- Altona
- Point Cook
- Werribee
- Hoppers Crossing
- Tarneit
- Melton
Growth corridors with solar. Newer estates in the west, north and south east, where large solar arrays on low pitched roofs attract pigeons.
Inner city and shopping strips. Terraces, shopfronts, verandas and signage where pigeons roost above footpaths.
Established tiled roof suburbs. Older homes with tiled roofs and ridge capping gaps, where starlings and mynas nest in the roof space.
Industrial and warehouse areas. Warehouses, loading docks and factories where pigeons and sparrows roost over stock and vehicles.
Bird Control Melbourne FAQs
Not sure what bird it is? Send a photo of the bird or the nesting spot, and we will tell you what proofing it needs.
Call 0401 573 777How much does solar panel bird proofing cost in Melbourne?
With us solar panel bird proofing starts from $549 for smaller arrays, including nest removal and clean up. Larger arrays and double storey roofs are priced by panel count and access.
Does solar panel mesh damage the panels or the warranty?
Our mesh is fixed with clips to the panel frame, with no drilling or adhesive. If you are unsure about your panel warranty, check with your installer before any proofing.
How does pigeon removal Melbourne wide work?
We remove nests, eggs of introduced species and droppings, clean the area, then fit proofing so pigeons cannot return to the same spot.
Is bird nest removal Melbourne residents book legal?
Removing nests of introduced birds such as pigeons, mynas, starlings and sparrows is common practice. Native birds and their active nests are protected, so we wait until the young have left.
Do bird spikes work under solar panels?
No. Pigeons nest in the space underneath the panels, so spikes on top do nothing. The gap needs a mesh skirt.
Why are there tiny mites in my house after the birds left?
Bird mites leave an empty nest looking for a host and can wander indoors. They do not live on people and usually disappear within a week or two.
Are bird droppings a health risk?
Built up droppings can carry bacteria and fungi, especially when dry and disturbed. We remove them with protective gear rather than recommending you sweep them up.
Do you offer bird pest control Melbourne businesses can book?
Yes. We proof shopfronts, awnings, warehouses and loading docks with spikes, wires and netting, often outside trading hours.
What is pigeon pest control for ledges and signs?
Pigeon pest control Melbourne businesses use on ledges relies on spikes or low profile wires so birds cannot land and roost, without harming them.
Can you do bird removal Melbourne homes need from the roof space?
Yes. We remove nests from roof voids and eaves, then seal the gaps under tiles and ridge capping so birds cannot get back in.
When is the best time for bird proofing?
Late summer to winter, before the spring nesting season. Proofing in spring is still possible, but active native nests have to be left until the young have gone.
Do you trap or kill pigeons?
Our work is nest removal and proofing, which solves the problem at the building. We do not offer bird trapping.
Birds back under the panels this spring?
Nest removal from $249, solar panel bird proofing from $549 with no drilling into your panels, and a written warranty on the proofing.