Installer of the Month January 2026 | Pest & Property Solutions

We are very excited to introduce the first Defender Bird Spike Installer of the Month winner for 2026.

This winner was selected from a bumper rollover month, covering both December 2025 and January 2026. With so many strong entries, the standard was exceptionally high. So here is a big congratulations to Gareth Davies of Pest & Property Solutions Ltd for his outstanding installation of the new Defender Jaws® solar panel bird excluder. This installation marks the start of what promises to be a fantastic year, showcasing not only Gareth’s skill and expertise as a bird proofing professional, but also just how easy and efficient Defender Jaws® is to install.

Award Winning Defender Jaws® Solar Panel Bird Proofing Installation

Let’s take a closer look at the job that earned Pest & Property Solutions this prestigious accolade. Gareth was one of the very first bird proofing companies to use Defender Jaws® following its launch at PestTech 2025. His early feedback played a direct role in shaping how we continue to develop and refine the product. The project involved fitting an impressive 40 metres of Defender Jaws® around a large solar panel array. A job of this size would normally take a full day or even two to complete. Gareth was genuinely surprised to finish the installation with enough time left to enjoy lunch on day one.

Why Pigeons Nest Under Solar Panels and Why Bird Proofing Matters

Pigeons love nesting under solar panels. The space is warm, sheltered, protected from predators, and shielded from the elements. Unfortunately, the problems that follow are anything but small. Nesting debris can block gutters, heat build-up can increase fire risk, birds can interfere with wiring, and then there is the noise, bird mites, and guano mess. Keeping birds out is the only real solution, and that is exactly what Defender Jaws® is designed to do.

Why Pest & Property Chose Defender Jaws® for Solar Panel Bird Proofing

Defender Jaws® fits both 30 mm and 35 mm solar panels thanks to its double-sided, reversible jaws. It requires minimal trimming and no silicone at all. Gareth’s photos clearly show how the system works. The finished installation is neat, tidy, and barely visible thanks to the UV stabilised black polycarbonate. Gareth also highlighted the clear health and safety benefits of the system. Gareth says

An absolute game changer in solar panel proofing. Defender® Bird Spikes have absolutely nailed it with their new invention, Jaws®. Not only does it cut fitting time considerably, but it can also be done with one hand, reduces time spent on the roof, looks amazing, and most importantly, stops pigeons. I will certainly be stocking up on Jaws going forward.

Whether installing from a ladder, MEWP, or scaffolding, spending less time at height and handling fewer fiddly components improves safety for installers and reduces labour costs for customers.

Meet Gareth Davies and His 37 Years in the Pest Control Industry

Pest & Property Solutions Ltd is based in South Wales and covers not only bird proofing but all aspects of pest control from rats, mice, bedbugs, ants, wasps, cockroaches, you name it, they do it.

I’ve been in the pest control industry for 37 years and worked for large blue-chip companies at the director level. Around the time of Covid, I found myself in a position where I decided to set up my own company. I wish I’d had the courage to do it 20 years ago. Pest & Property Solutions Ltd came about after redundancy, and I’m genuinely glad it happened now. Although I’ve been involved in bird installations on and off for 37 years, it’s really only in the last five years that I’ve become fully hands-on again.

The Pest Expert Consortium and Raising Standards in Pest Control

Gareth also founded the Pest Expert Consortium.

This was another idea I had around six years ago. I wanted to create a consortium offering fair and honest pricing. I invited around 15 pest control companies I’ve worked with over the past 25 years. They all share strong ethics, a moral compass, and a commitment to high-quality pest control and five-star proofing.

The consortium also offers ancillary services that work alongside pest management. These include hygiene cleaning, pest and bird proofing, bird control, roof and gutter cleaning, and drone services. These combined services help clients resolve pest issues properly and permanently. We are proud to say that Defender® Bird Spikes is a member of the Pest Expert Consortium.

Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award and Supporting Ex-Military Personnel

Pest & Property Solutions Ltd has also been awarded the Bronze Award from the Armed Forces Covenant. Gareth explains:

We’re proud that Pest & Property Solutions Ltd has been awarded this recognition. It reflects our commitment to supporting ex-military personnel by providing meaningful employment opportunities and a welcoming workplace. We salute the dedication and skills that our veterans bring to the team and are honoured to play our part in supporting those who’ve served. Our team at Pest & Property is growing and growing; we now have four new members of staff, all ex-military.

Gareth served in the RAF for a brief period and feels strongly about giving back to the ex-forces community. He deliberately looks to employ from the ex-forces for their good work ethics, standards and commitment. He also gives discounts to serving military personnel as well as ex-military.

The Most Rewarding and Challenging Parts of Working in Pest Control

When asked what he finds most rewarding about the job, Gareth said:

The most rewarding part of the job for me is solving some of the problems they’ve had for years, where previous companies can’t find a root cause. It always gives me great satisfaction when we solve somebody’s problem. I really don’t see a challenging part of the job apart from the workload, as it’s one of those jobs where you enjoy getting up in the morning to go to work.

Why Pest & Property Solutions Ltd Choose Defender® Bird Spikes

Apart from the customer service and friendly approach, most importantly, the products are absolutely first class and last! When we order something, we get it the next day. If we need advice, you come straight back to us. I wouldn’t buy our bird spike materials anywhere else. I must admit I love all the Spikes, but what’s really float in my boat at the moment is Jaws. I love it. just can’t shout out enough about this new product from a Safety point of view, can be fitted one-handed, cut time down by half and certainly overall cost is a lot cheaper

A Trusted Pest Control Expert Recognised by the Industry and Media

With Gareth’s depth of experience and knowledge, he is frequently asked to provide expert commentary on pest control issues ranging from rodents to cockroaches to birds. He has featured in trade publications, national newspapers, and even on the BBC. Our go-to pest control superstar!

If you have a bird or pest issue anywhere in South Wales, we highly recommend contacting Gareth and the team at Pest & Property Solutions Ltd. They have the expertise to help and the track record to prove it.