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If you've been dodging pigeon droppings in Lorca's historic heart, you'll be glad to hear the Pest Control team has made significant progress. Over the last four months, they've reduced the pigeon population by 39% across the municipality, according to Councilor Carmen Menduiña.

 

Earlier this year, nearby Elche explored similar bird control methods, inspiring Lorca’s recent approach. The summer contract with specialists increased trap cages from ten to sixteen, strategically placed in various key locations.

 

Back to Lorca, drop nets have helped snag more birds, but the star of the show is the Harris's hawk. Its flights have scared off flocks effectively, especially in the old town: up to seven times on Corredera Street alone. "It's very difficult to take action in streets that are too narrow" where the trainer can't safely release the hawk, Menduiña noted, with upcoming sessions planned near the sanctuary and San Mateo Church.

 

Residents in the centre and villages are still calling for tougher measures, and the team is advising building owners to fit netting and spikes on ledges and balconies to stop nesting. Just this week, they did it at a historic spot on Corredera Street. The goal? Protect heritage from damage and cut health risks like disease spread – they're even culling 50 pigeons for lung issue tests in rural areas.

 

On other fronts, regular insecticide sprays tackle bedbugs in Los Ángeles and Apolonia from dumped infested items, while drain and ditch work has nipped rises in rats, mice, cockroaches, and snakes in the bud - thanks to all that high-speed rail digging and street upgrades.

 

 

 

Image: Harrison Haines-Pexels