Introduction
Pigeons are a major problem for property owners, causing damage and health hazards. Knowing how to repel or deter pigeons is crucial to keeping clean and safe environments. By using the right pigeon control methods, home and business owners can stop pigeons from nesting and perching on their properties and solve the pigeon problem.
Pigeon Behaviour
Pigeon Habitat and Nesting Behaviour
Pigeons are adaptable birds that can thrive in any environment, from cities to countryside. They congregate in large numbers, roosting on buildings, bridges and other structures. Pigeons are also skilled nesters, building complex nests using twigs, grass and other materials. These nests can be found in various locations, on rooftops, ledges and tree branches.
Pigeons are attracted to areas with food and water and suitable nesting sites. They are social birds, living in large flocks and communicating with each other through coos, chirps and other vocalisations.
Why Pigeons Congregate in Certain Areas
Feral pigeons are adaptable and tend to settle in areas with food and shelter. Pigeons congregate on rooftops, ledges and balconies, creating messy and unhygienic environments. They can establish nests quickly making them a long term problem for property owners. A large pigeon population can become a long term problem because of their quick breeding and ability to re-populate areas fast.
What Attracts Pigeons to Your Property
Pigeons are attracted to properties with food, water and shelter. Some common attractants are:
- Bird feeders: Pigeons visit bird feeders, especially those with seeds, grains and other high carbohydrate foods.
- Food waste: Pigeons are opportunistic feeders and will eat food waste, including discarded trash and leftover food.
- Water sources: Pigeons need water for drinking and bathing and may be attracted to properties with birdbaths, ponds or other water features.
- Nesting sites: Pigeons are skilled nesters and may be attracted to properties with suitable nesting sites, rooftops, ledges and tree branches.
The Pigeon Problem
Pigeon problems go beyond just being a nuisance. Pigeon droppings can cause structural damage, nesting material clog gutters and vents. Large pigeon populations increase the risk of disease transmission, so pigeon removal is a necessary part of pest control. Using methods to control pigeon populations, such as the EPA approved OvoControl® feed system can provide a humane and sustainable long term solution to managing pigeon numbers.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons
Physical Barriers to Roosting
A barrier is one of the most effective ways to keep pigeons from nesting and perching. Bird spikes and pigeon spikes prevent birds from landing on ledges and rooftops. Wire mesh and balcony netting are great deterrents for apartment balconies. Seal off pigeon’s favourite nesting spots by blocking openings with durable materials.
Visual and Sensory Deterrents
Pigeon behaviour can be influenced by visual deterrents like decoy kites and reflected light which creates an illusion of predators. Bird gels make surfaces uncomfortable for a bird’s feet preventing pigeons from settling. Using these methods in combination with other deterrents makes them more effective. These are especially effective in keeping pigeons off your property.
Reducing Food Sources
One of the main reasons pigeons congregate in certain areas is food. Spilled grain and open trash attracts pigeons, so clean up waste regularly. Bird feeders should be designed to prevent small birds from scattering seeds that attracts pest birds. Controlling food availability is key to a successful control program.
DIY Solutions and Home Remedies
While professional pigeon control services are often the most effective way to get rid of pigeons, there are several DIY solutions and home remedies that can help deter pigeons from your property. Some of these are:
- Bird netting: Install bird netting around gardens, balconies and other areas to keep pigeons away.
- Spikes: Install spikes or other barriers to deter pigeons or other birds from roosting on ledges and other surfaces.
- Repellents: Use visual or auditory repellents, decoy kites, reflective tape or ultrasonic devices to scare pigeons away.
- Destroy the Nest: As long as there are no chicks in the nest, you can demolish it and remove any nesting material to discourage pigeons from returning to your property.
Removing Nesting Pigeons
Nest Destruction and Prevention
Nesting pigeons can be hard to remove once they establish a site. Nest destruction is part of breaking the pigeon breeding cycle. Bird netting prevents birds from rebuilding nests in high risk areas. Long term control should focus on making the property less appealing for pigeons to return.
Pigeon Removal Services
When all else fails, professional pigeon control services can be the solution. Experts assess the extent of the infestation and implement tailored control work. These services are especially useful for large sites and commercial properties where pigeon numbers are hard to manage.
Preventing Future Infestations
Long Term Control
Pigeon control requires a combination of deterrents and exclusion techniques. Parallel wires, bird spikes and gel repellents work together to deter pigeons. Regular maintenance and sanitation measures prevent birds from nesting on properties.
Precautionary Measures
Property owners should take proactive steps to stop pigeons from returning. Installing balcony netting and nylon netting can deter birds. Simple actions like sealing entry points and reducing food availability helps long term pigeon control.
Pigeon Proofing Specific Areas
Pigeon proofing specific areas of your property can prevent pigeons from roosting and nesting. Some areas to focus on:
- Roofs: Bird netting or spikes on rooftops prevents pigeons from roosting.
- Ledges: Spikes or other physical barriers on ledges deter pigeons from roosting.
- Balconies: Bird netting or spikes on balconies keeps pigeons away.
- Gardens: Bird repellent plants or bird netting around gardens keeps pigeons away.
Health and Structural Risks of Pigeon Infestations
Damage from Pigeon Droppings
Pigeon faeces is highly acidic and can cause damage to buildings and vehicles. Accumulated droppings can lead to costly repairs by erosion over time. Regular cleaning and pigeon control measures minimizes these risks.
Health Risks
Exposure to pigeon droppings can pose health risks especially to people with weak immune system. Pigeons carry diseases that can affect humans and pets. Taking steps to prevent roosting and remove pigeons from properties keeps the environment safer.
General Nuisance and Noise Pollution
Pigeons can be a big nuisance especially in urban areas. They can create noise pollution through their cooing and chirping and can create mess through their droppings. Pigeons can also carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans through contact with their droppings or feathers.
To mitigate these issues, you need to take steps to deter pigeons from your property. This can include installing bird netting or spikes, using repellents and destroying pigeon nests and removing nesting materials. By doing so, you can reduce the nuisance and noise pollution caused by pigeons and create a more peaceful and healthy environment.
Conclusion
Pigeon problems require proactive management to prevent long term damage and health risks. Address the pigeon problem quickly to prevent damage to properties. A combination of physical barriers, deterrents and control work can keep pigeons away. Home and business owners should consider calling wildlife removal services if infestations persist. By taking precautionary measures, property owners can stop pigeons from nesting and maintain a clean and safe space.
