Protect Your Home from Pest Pigeons with Pigeon Spikes

The feral pigeon is often the primary pest bird that needs to be deterred, with conflicts typically arising when they invade homes. Bird flu and other transmittable diseases are frequently associated with pigeons, but another major concern is the physical damage they cause to property. In urban areas and most cities, an abundant, year-round food supply attracts these pests to settle on homes and other structures, finding comfortable habitats for breeding and roosting. Because pigeons lay eggs up to six times per year, their populations can multiply rapidly if left unchecked.

Gutters, air-conditioning units, loose tiles, and external ledges are all spots that pigeons gravitate toward, as these elevated, level surfaces make ideal vantage points to look down on food sources. The most effective way to control where they roost is through structural modification—which doesn't mean altering the building itself, but rather installing professional bird control. An ideal deterrent is the installation of pigeon spikes. Versatile and available in both stainless steel and plastic, spikes offer a virtually invisible, safe, and humane way to keep pest pigeons off roof ledges, out of gutters, and away from flat or curved surfaces like light poles, garages, and patio coverings.

Pigeon spikes can be applied using adhesives or nailed and screwed into place. Plastic pigeon spikes come in multiple colors—including white, tan, brick red, brown, black, and gray—and range in width from 3 to 7 inches to match the structure. These strips act as a barrier to exclude birds without harming them or the installer, but they should be installed before droppings are allowed to accumulate. If feces pile up, cleaning and repairing caustic damage to paint, cement, wood, and metals can become quite costly.

Beyond property damage and unpleasant odors, accumulating pigeon feces poses serious health risks. Pigeons and other pest birds carry and spread diseases to humans and livestock through their droppings, transmitting conditions such as pigeon ornithosis, cryptococcosis, encephalitis, and salmonella food poisoning. Under the right conditions, pigeon feces can also harbor airborne spores of histoplasmosis, a systemic fungus disease that spreads when dried droppings are disturbed and inhaled. This disease can be especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Pigeon spikes are easy to install, and the average homeowner can easily handle installation over a weekend. Featuring blunt ends that ensure they will not harm installers or landing birds, professional guidance is also available for those who prefer expert assistance or full-service installation.