Bird proofing for homes and small businesses

Homeowners, strata managers, small businesses, cafes with outdoor areas, and shopping strips dealing with pigeons or myna birds.

Quote per job based on materials and time, often by the metre of netting or spiking. Extra charges for droppings clean-up and for work at height.

• Practical, hands-on installation
• Comfortable working at height
• Quoting and measuring up jobs
• Clear communication with customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your insurer covers work at height
• Working at height training and safety rules, check with your state's workplace safety regulator
• Native birds are protected in every state and territory, check your state's wildlife rules before removing or harming any bird or nest
• Check whether any form of pest control licence applies in your state if you plan to use traps or chemicals
• Strata or council approval may be needed before fitting deterrents to some buildings

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your equipment, vehicle setup and insurance. Netting, spikes, wire and access gear are the main items to price up before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you take, job size and whether you work with homes, strata managers or businesses. These are revenue estimates, before your costs.

Things to check: public liability cover that includes work at height, your state's workplace safety rules and training, state wildlife rules because native birds are protected, any pest control licence if using traps or chemicals, and strata or council approval.