Facts about Pigeons and how to control them
Pigeon control has become a major issue for building owners and managers. Known as “rats with wings,” pigeons have become the world’s number one pest bird, found in virtually every urban area of the globe. There are currently more than 400 million pigeons on the planet. In most cases, pigeons have become an urban pest, whose populations continue to grow, invading cities, brazenly building their nests in and around signage, ledges, rafters, AC units, solar panels, beams and bridges. Young pigeons will leave the nest 25 to 29 days after hatching. These birds have grown increasingly dependent on humans for food and shelter. They feed in flocks and will eat seeds, fruits and street scraps. While they consume about 30 grams of dry food per day, they only need 1 ounce of water a day to survive.
Problems they Cause
A single pigeon can produce up to 25 pounds of droppings annually. The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can deface and damage plastic, metal, vinyl, wood and stone surfaces. Pigeon droppings can also carry and spread diseases to both people and livestock. These droppings can harbor airborne spores that transmit diseases—like histoplasmosis, a systemic fungus that can infect humans. Left to gather on walkways, bird droppings can create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards leading to injury. Pigeon control is even more critical around airports, since the birds can collide with aircraft (they are considered a hazard to jet aircraft by the US Air Force).
Pigeon Control Strategies
Some preliminary basics to achieve pigeon control include keeping trash containers closed, eliminating water puddles (caused by rain or sprinklers), and discouraging visitors and employees from feeding them. For best results, professional pigeon deterrents should be installed. Here are three humane and effective solutions most often recommended by the bird control pros at Bird B Gone:
• Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. Ideal for keeping pigeons away from rooftops, parapet walls, light fixtures and other flat or curved surfaces, Bird B Gone bird spikes continue to be used by building owners worldwide. The spikes come in 1-, 3-, 5- and 8-inch splay widths to provide increasingly wider areas of protection—up to 10 inches wide. These rugged spiked strips feature a patented “bend-and-crush” design, which means the spikes are firmly embedded in an unbreakable UV-protected polycarbonate base. This flexible base bends a full 360 degrees, so it can easily “follow” a variety of curved mounting surfaces.
• Bird Net 2000 Heavy Duty Netting. This rugged netting blocks out pigeons and other birds. It’s ideal for excluding pigeons from overhangs and other semi-enclosed areas. The netting is easy to install using Bird B Gone’s complete line of professional grade installation hardware. Made of a tough UV-stabilized polyethylene mesh, industrial strength Bird Net 2000 is extremely durable, rot and water proof, and flame resistant. The netting comes in several area sizes and colors (black, stone or white) to blend in with its background. Bird Net 2000 is often specified in architectural plans and is backed by a 10-Year Guarantee.
• Bird Jolt Flat Track Kit. This low-profile, electric track system produces a harmless electric shock that “educates” pigeons to stay off ledges, signage, parapet walls and similar building surfaces. Lightweight and flexible, the track is easy to install—it bends 360° without compromising its electrical integrity. It’s the only electric track bird deterrent system with patented anti-arcing and glue troughs designs for improved safety and performance. Available in six colors.
Backed by Expert Assistance
If you’re unsure about which product would work best for your specific pigeon control issue. Bird B Gone has over 80 years of combined experience in the field of bird control. We can help you with product selection, installation and cleanup. Just call us at (888) 570-0360 for a catalog, pricing, or product samples or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a network of authorized installers, call today for a trained bird control professional in your area.