Pigeons can be charming birds in the wild, but when they decide to nest on your property, they quickly become an unwelcome nuisance. Their droppings, nesting habits, and sheer persistence can cause significant damage to your home, business or outdoor spaces. If you’re wondering how to get rid of pigeons effectively and humanely, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. We’ll cover preventative measures, the best deterrents and repellents, and tips for dealing with specific problem areas. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive plan to keep pigeons away for good.
Understanding Pigeon Behavior
To truly understand how to get rid of pigeons, it’s essential to first understand their behavior and why they might choose your property as their next home. Pigeons are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, especially urban areas.
Common Reasons for Pigeon Infestations
Pigeons are drawn to places that offer shelter, food and safety. Tall buildings, balconies, roofs and barns provide perfect nesting spots because they mimic the high cliffs that pigeons originally used in the wild. Once pigeons find a comfortable spot to roost, they’re likely to return over and over again unless the environment is changed.
Pigeon Nesting and Breeding Habits
Pigeons are prolific breeders, capable of producing several broods a year. They typically lay one to two eggs at a time, and their nests—often built from twigs, leaves, and debris—can be found in hidden or hard-to-reach places like under eaves, behind solar panels, or on window ledges. Their nesting behavior leads to an accumulation of droppings, which not only causes unsightly messes but can damage property over time.
The Consequences of Pigeon Infestations
Aside from being a nuisance, pigeons can cause significant damage to your property. Their droppings are highly acidic and can erode metal, stone and wood over time. Moreover, pigeons can carry diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis, which can be transmitted through their droppings. Pigeons also attract parasites like lice, mites and ticks, further amplifying the risk to human health.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is the best method when it comes to how to get rid of pigeons. By making your property less attractive to pigeons, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with an infestation in the first place.
Pigeons are scavengers, and food is one of the biggest reasons they choose to roost in a particular area. To deter pigeons, it’s essential to secure all potential food sources. This means properly sealing garbage cans, removing outdoor pet food dishes, and avoiding bird feeders that may attract pigeons. While some folks may enjoy feeding birds, doing so can inadvertently encourage pigeons to linger.
Pigeons love to nest in secluded, sheltered areas. Make sure to block access to common nesting spots like ledges, window sills and rooftop corners. Installing barriers, such as bird spikes or netting, can effectively prevent pigeons from settling in these areas. Securing openings in attics, vents, and garages is another critical step in ensuring pigeons don’t find a way inside.
If pigeons have access to water on your property, such as birdbaths or standing water in gutters, they’re more likely to stick around. Regularly clean gutters and eliminate any standing water in outdoor areas to discourage pigeons from taking up residence.
What are The Best Deterrents and Repellents?
If pigeons have already started to roost on your property, it’s time to invest in effective deterrents and repellents. There are several pigeon control options on the market that can help you keep pigeons away humanely and without causing harm to the birds or to your property.
Bird Spikes
One of the most effective deterrents, bird spikes prevent pigeons from landing on surfaces where they like to roost. These spikes can be installed on ledges, roofs, and other flat surfaces to make it impossible for pigeons to perch comfortably. While the spikes may look intimidating, they are safe and humane, simply creating an uncomfortable landing zone for the birds.
Bird Netting
Netting is an excellent option for larger areas where pigeons tend to gather, such as roofs, courtyards, and gardens. By stretching a fine mesh net over the space, you can block pigeons from entering while still allowing light and air to pass through. Netting is especially useful in protecting crops or solar panels from pigeon damage.
Reflective Devices
Pigeons are naturally skittish and will avoid areas where they feel threatened. Reflective devices such as reflective tape, CDs or shiny wind chimes can be strategically placed around your property to scare pigeons away. These devices work by reflecting sunlight and creating unpredictable flashes of light, which makes pigeons uncomfortable.
Ultrasonic Devices
If you’re interested in a more high-tech solution, ultrasonic devices emit sounds that are unpleasant to pigeons but inaudible to humans. These devices are especially useful in outdoor areas like gardens, balconies or roofs, where other deterrents may not be practical.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
If pigeons are roosting in outdoor areas like your garden or lawn, a motion-activated sprinkler system can help keep them at bay. These sprinklers can detect movement and spray water when pigeons or other pest animals approach, scaring them off without causing any harm.
Avian Control
For a more comprehensive solution, consider something like Avian Control. This liquid bird repellent is effective and easy to use, and can be applied to various surfaces to deter pigeons from roosting. Unlike some other chemical repellents, Avian Control is non-toxic to birds, humans and pets, making it a responsible choice for pigeon control. Avian Control is formulated to irritate birds’ senses, which makes your property less appealing without causing harm to the birds.
Solutions For More Specific Areas
Certain areas of your property may be more prone to pigeon infestations, depending on the layout and structure. Here’s how to keep pigeons away from some of the most common problem areas.
Roofs
Pigeons love roofs because they offer height and protection from predators. Installing bird spikes, netting or reflective devices can make your roof less appealing. Additionally, regular roof inspections and maintenance will help prevent pigeons from nesting in hidden crevices.
Solar Panels
Pigeons often nest under solar panels, which can obstruct sunlight and reduce the efficiency of your system. Bird netting is the best solution for this problem, as it blocks access without damaging your solar panels. Regularly cleaning beneath the panels can also prevent pigeons from nesting near them.
Balconies
Because balconies provide ample shelter, they are often a favorite spot for pigeons to nest. Installing bird spikes along railings or using netting to hinder access can effectively deter pigeons. Reflective items like wind chimes, stained glass spinners and other reflective devices are effective and convenient to deploy on balconies, and they can double as outdoor decor.
Gardens
Pigeons can wreak havoc on gardens by eating seeds and plants, and their droppings can be particularly harmful here as well. Bird netting is a simple and effective way to protect your garden from birds. Motion-activated sprinklers are a great option for garden protection as well, since they can stop pigeons from landing in your garden and also help to provide hydration for your plants.
Barns
Barns offer plenty of hiding spots for pigeons to nest, protection from the elements, and even potentially a food source! To prevent pigeons from roosting inside your barn, seal off possible entry points and install bird spikes or netting along rafters and ledges. Keeping the barn as tidy as possible will also go a long way toward deterring pigeons from sticking around.
Nesting and Roosting Prevention
Once pigeons have decided to nest on your property, removing them becomes much more difficult. Preventing pigeons from nesting in the first place is the most effective strategy for keeping them away.
Hanging weatherproof strings or installing slopes on your ledges can prevent pigeons from finding a comfortable place to perch. These solutions create uncomfortable and unstable surfaces that pigeons tend to avoid when searching for nesting locations.
For more persistent pigeon problems, consider installing shock strips along ledges, railings, buggers and eaves. These strips give pigeons a very mild electric shock when they land, which startles them and discourages them from landing in that place again. Shock strips use very low voltage and do not harm the birds, which makes them an ethical and effective long-term pigeon deterrent solution.
Safe Removal Techniques
If pigeons have already taken up residence on your property, you may need to resort to safe and humane removal techniques. Humane pigeon traps can be used to capture pigeons without harming them. Once trapped, pigeons should be released at least five miles away from your home to prevent them from returning. Be sure to check local laws regarding pigeon relocation, as each area has its own guidelines for handling wildlife.
If you’re struggling to manage a large pigeon infestation or if humane removal techniques haven’t been effective, consider contacting a professional pest control service. These services can help you develop a comprehensive pigeon control plan, trap and remove pigeons for you, and even implement more advanced deterrent systems if needed.
Keep Your Property Pigeon-Free for Good
Getting rid of pigeons doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By understanding their behavior, implementing preventative measures and using the right deterrents, you can keep your property free from pigeon infestations. Avian Control offers a safe and effective solution for deterring pigeons while protecting your home, garden or business. For more information on how to protect your property, contact us today and learn more about our pigeon control products.
A Complete Guide on How To Get Rid of Pigeons