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How to Get Rid of Pigeons - A Guide For Pigeon Control
Understanding Pigeon Behavior and Effective Control Methods
Our expert guide will go over exactly how to get rid of pigeons and some of the most popular pigeon repellent products. We will also cover why you need to address any pigeon problems quickly.
This blog covers pigeon control best practices:
- Why you need to get rid of pigeons
- Four Proven Pigeon Control Methods
- Products for Ledges and Flat Perches
- Pigeon Scare Tactics
- Pigeon Repellent Gels & Smells
- Exclusion Netting for Pigeons
- Five Common Pigeon Problems and Advice
Pigeons are everywhere; every park, town square, outdoor café, loading dock, and high-rise ledge has its own friendly flock of pigeons bobbing and cooing the day away.
While there’s no denying the charm of the occasional pigeon, there’s also no denying the total mess and health risks a mass of pigeons can cause. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the troubles pigeons cause and discover effective solutions for every kind of pigeon problem.
#1 Pest Bird in the US: Pigeons
A pest is any species that is detrimental to human concerns. Pigeons are clearly pestilential, especially in large numbers. In fact, they are often considered the number one pest bird in the United States, causing more damage to public and private property than any other bird species. New York City alone has a pigeon population estimated at over 1 million birds. One single pigeon produces 25 pounds of droppings each year—that adds up to 25 million pounds of pigeon waste for just that one city. Their nests and nesting materials also create health risks and unsightly messes on ledges, rafters, beams, under bridges, and inside buildings.
Why Do You Need To Get Rid of Pigeons?
Uncontrolled, unmanaged pigeon messes are a significant issue. Here is why:
Pigeons Are an Invasive Bird
The feral pigeon is an invasive species. They quickly adapt to almost all environments, especially urban metropolitan and residential areas. If you’ve set out a bird feeder, pigeons will rapidly consume every speck of seed and bully other birds away. Pigeons completely take over your micro-ecosystem, stomping on plants and tearing up planters.
Pigeons Are a Health Risk
Pigeon waste may carry over 60 different transmittable diseases, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. Any property that stores, prepares, or serves food has a responsibility to keep their area clear of pigeons. Health inspectors can shut down a property when they find evidence of bird droppings or suspect the presence of pigeons.
Pigeons Damage Your Property
Pigeon droppings are corrosive and highly acidic. Droppings left to sit will eat into paint, metal, plastic, wood, and even stone and concrete. The caustic nature of pigeon waste is known to damage roofs, sometimes cutting their lifespan in half. Nesting and roosting pigeons also peck at walls, eaves, and windowsills, leaving behind unsightly holes and clogging drains and gutters with their tar-like nesting material.
Pigeons Are Expensive
Cleanup for large pigeon messes is costly and requires professionals, as pigeon waste is considered hazardous. Prevention is always the best answer; the cost of effective pigeon control is significantly lower than the cost of constant cleaning and property repairs.
Humane Pigeon Control Methods
Preventing a pigeon problem is easier than cleaning one up. We recommend humane solutions over lethal traps or poisons.
1) Ledge Products
Preventing birds from landing and roosting on ledges and roof peaks is key to keeping them off your property.
- Bird Spikes: Made from stainless steel or plastic, these can be mounted on horizontal surfaces to make it impossible for pigeons to land comfortably. They are an industry standard for a reason—they require little to no maintenance. Read our Buyer's Guide.
- Electric Track: A highly effective, humane solution. The electrically charged track delivers a mild, yet effective, shock that conditions birds to avoid the area.
2) Scare Tactics
Scare tactics use motion, sound, or optical effects to create fear. These are ideal as a first step for many pigeon repellent regimens.
- Predator decoys (e.g., hawks or coyotes).
- The Predator Eye: Found on balloons and flags, the distinct black, yellow, and red eye design creates an illusion of a predator.
- Holographic Flash Tape: Rustles in the breeze and reflects light to create a distraction zone.
- Bird Chase Super Sonic: Uses sound to scare pigeons away from open areas. Read more about visual deterrents.
3) Pigeon Repellent Gels and Aromatics
These sensory deterrents are perfect for seasonal bird problems.
- Sticky Repellent Gels: Pigeons dislike sticky surfaces and will avoid them. These are humane and won't trap the birds. Read more about gels.
- Aromatic Repellents: Utilize grape seed extract (methyl anthranilate), which triggers an irritating sensation for birds. Harmless to people and pets, these come in easy-to-use pouches or dispensers. Read more about aromatics.
4) Get Rid of Pigeons with Exclusion Products
Scare tactics and sensory deterrents are effective means to avoid small-scale pigeon troubles, but if you’re dealing with large-scale, recurring pigeon problems, you’ll need to include exclusion products in your control strategy.
- Bird Netting: The best solution to block pest birds. If pigeons are nesting, netting is the only effective way to prevent them from rebuilding.
- Bird Slope: A PVC ledge cover with an angled design that makes it impossible for birds to land or nest on horizontal surfaces.
Examples & Solutions for Specific Areas
The bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone are available to design a custom strategy for your unique situation.
- Balconies: Use balcony netting or SpectrumV Holographic Bird gel discs.
- Houses: Clean up messes, secure food sources, and use a combination of netting, slope, and aromatic repellents.
- Warehouses: Use spikes on parapet ledges and netting over loading dock canopies.
- Parking Garages: Netting is excellent for deep ledges; spikes can be installed on pipes to protect cars below.
- Roofs: Check out our ultimate roof spikes guide to choose the right fit for your property.
Trust Bird B Gone
We've developed a slew of effective pigeon control products and strategies designed to help anyone live a pigeon-free life. Contact us today for expert advice!