How to Get Rid of Pigeons from Your Buildings

Many people wonder, "how do I get rid of pigeons?" because they are becoming more brazen than ever around buildings. Their droppings are not only unsightly but destructive, eating into wood, plastic, vinyl and stone surfaces. Removing these droppings is not only difficult and expensive but can cause even more damage than bird droppings. To explore comprehensive strategies, read our guide on how to keep pest pigeons off buildings.

Dangers of Uncleaned Pigeon Droppings

Fail to get rid of pigeons, and their nest droppings and feathers will soon block rainwater pipes, causing water damage. Pigeons often lift loose roof coverings, tiles and battens to gain entry into roof voids. This can cause major damage by allowing water to enter and lead to wood rotting fungi. Insects are attracted to this damp, rotting wood, resulting in further decay.

Pigeon nesting materials, feathers and droppings often block parapet gutters and hopper heads, allowing water to enter a building. This can lead to the growth of decay organisms, resulting in even more damage.

It’s important to get rid of pigeons before ladders, scaffolds and fire escapes become coated in pigeon droppings. This can make them dangerously slippery and unsafe when droppings become wet due to rain or damp weather. Startled pigeons may take flight suddenly and create a hazard to building maintenance crews and window cleaners on ladders or scaffolds.

Get Rid of Pigeons--Permanently

Using water hoses, pellet guns or loud noises has proven ineffective in getting rid of pigeons, as the birds invariably return once the threat is gone. The best way to get rid of these “rats with wings” is with professional-level bird control deterrents. For more insights on facility protection, check out our overview of pigeon control products that protect commercial buildings. Here’s what the bird control pros at Bird B Gone recommend to get rid of pigeons using effective pigeon control products for buildings.

• Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. Ideal for getting rid of pigeons 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 from specific building areas. 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.
• Bird Spider 360. This multi-legged “Daddy Long Legs” device gets rid of pigeons and prevents them from landing on AC units, lights, signs and rooftops. Ruggedly designed for outdoor use, it features marine grade stainless steel “arms” in four leg lengths to protect diameters up to 8 feet. A PVC base allows the Spider to be easily placed wherever pigeons gather most often.
• Bird Wire. A highly efficient pigeon deterrent, this post-and-wire system discourages pigeons from landing on ledges, rails, signs, rooftops, and many other curved or flat surfaces. The system uses a wire attached to springs, which are attached to posts, walls or other fixed mounts. When pigeons land on the wire, the system causes them to wobble, zig and zag, making them feel very insecure. This quickly prompts birds to move on to another more secure landing zone.
• Bird Chase Super Sonic. This weatherproof sound system broadcasts distress and predator calls that intimidate and disorient pest birds, covering up to an acre. Easily programmable and versatile, it operates via AC power to effectively deter pigeons from large open areas without relying on traps or chemicals.

Additional Prevention Measures

In addition to pigeon control products, there are a few steps you can take to rid your building of pigeons. These include keeping trash containers closed, eliminating water puddles (caused by rain or sprinklers), and discouraging visitors and employees from feeding them.

Backed by Expert Assistance

If you’re unsure about which product would work best to get rid of pigeons from your building, we can help you with product selection, installation and cleanup. Just call us at 800-392-6915 for a catalog, pricing, or product samples or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a nationwide network of authorized installers.