Pigeon Soup

1997. Most of the buildings ANNEXED occupied through these years had some problem with pigeons. At No.1 Hoxton Street we realised after some months, that the water we used for the copious cups of tea we were drinking came from a roof-top tank of water which was in fact dead pigeon soup.

Hans Ulrich Obrist asked us for a contribution for his survey of the 1990's London Art Scene (Life/Live, at Musée d'Art Moderne Paris), outlining Annexed's efforts. We sent him information about problems with pigeons.

THE BENEFITS TO BE OBTAINED FROM BIRD CONTROL


Prevention of Defacement
Droppings deface and accelerate the deterioration of buildings and statues.Stone is particularly susceptible to acid secretions produced by the fungi that live in the droppings from roosting birds.


Reduction in Maintenance Costs
Nests and droppings block gutters.


Prevention of Fouling
In wet weather droppings make pavements and staircases dangerously slippery.
Droppings may fall on pedestrians.


Elimination of Noise and Smell
The noise made by pigeons annoy people in hotels.
Pigeons' nests and droppings produce objectionable odours.


Removal of Insect Infestation
Pigeons and their nests harbour an impressive variety of insect pests.


Hygiene
Birds commonly transmit diseases which are dangerous to people.It is simply unpleasant and unhealthy to have the general level of hygiene lowered by the presence of birds and their droppings.