The Definitive Guide to Getting Rid of Pigeons

Eliminate Your Pigeon Problems the Easy Way

Pigeons, one of the most common birds in the world, can be found roosting, nesting, and waiting for food just about anywhere you look. From the tops of high-rise buildings to barns on empty pastures, you can't escape a pigeon problem by moving somewhere else.

While they might be fun to look at and even feed on occasion, they are more dangerous and destructive than their chubby bodies and placid expressions would leave you to believe. Luckily, there are plenty of easy and safe ways to get rid of pigeons from your home or business.

At Bird B Gone, we provide a number of humane and inexpensive ways to deal with a pigeon infestation. But in order to protect your home or business from further infestations, you need to know more about the birds themselves.

A Brief Overview of Pigeons

Pigeons are found in almost every climate and environment throughout the world. They are also incredibly social animals. Those 2 facts alone make pigeons a serious threat no matter where you live. Because they are social animals, it is quite common to find them in flocks of 30 or more birds. They also usually mate for life, making partners and groups in general difficult to break up.

Despite what their dull appearance might suggest, pigeons are one of the most intelligent birds around. In fact, pigeons are one of the few animals that are self-aware and able to recognize themselves in recorded video or in mirrors. Because of their extreme intelligence, they can be difficult to trick, manipulate, or frighten away. That means you will need to take different elimination and prevention measures with them than you would a sparrow or other bird.

Pigeons are known to live for more than 30 years. Combine that with their ability to fly at speeds of over 70 miles per hour and you have a flock of birds that is able to cover great distances and cause lasting problems in their search for food. All of these traits and characteristics make pigeons one of the most difficult birds to permanently eliminate. Luckily for you, there are proven methods for doing so.

What Makes Pigeons Problematic

Now that you know some of the facts about pigeons, you may be wondering what it has to do with your home or business. A lot more than you might realize.

Because pigeons mate for life and flock in large groups, it means a single pigeon is a sign that there are going to be dozens more nearby. Pigeons are known to be prolific producers of excrement. Pigeon waste can quickly build up anywhere they roost—roofs, eaves, window sills, power lines, signs, lamp posts, and so on. If you own a business, even a few pigeons can produce enough waste in a single week to cover your parking lot, store, or shopping areas in a foul-smelling, thick layer of excrement.

Besides being awful to look at and terrible to smell, pigeon waste has been known to be corrosive, potentially damaging everything from neon signs to metal doors.

As pigeons nest or roost, they will use whatever is available to make their homes. That means not only will they pull apart your business or home from the inside out to find raw materials—taking insulation, wood debris, and even trash—but they will cause even more damage as they clear a safe spot to make their nests.

Pigeons are also know to carry a number of harmful diseases, which can easily be transmitted to humans through their waste, feathers, or by coming in direct contact with them. Research has shown they can carry histoplasmosis (a respiratory disease that can be fatal), candidiasis (a fungal infection), and cryptococcosis (caused by yeast in their intestines).

Permanent Solutions

Because pigeons are intelligent and ubiquitous, removing them can be difficult if you don't know what you are doing. At Bird B Gone, we provide a number of effective solutions for getting rid of the pests and keeping them away.

Here are a few products and solutions that are proven to work:

• Food and debris: All of the products in the world won't work if your home or business is like a bird buffet. If you want to keep pigeons away and prevent them from returning, the best thing you can do is to clean. Keep crumbs and spills to a minimum and remove trash and other nest-building materials as often as possible.

• Pigeon spikes: Pigeon spikes are a type of bird spike that are designed to prevent pigeons from making your home their home. Pigeon spikes are long strips of spikes that can be attached to eaves, the edges of your roof, patio coverings, fences, window sills, large billboards or signs, and anywhere else pigeons can land. The strips are made out of a durable metal or plastic and can be fastened to almost any surface with wood screws or an adhesive. They deter pigeons by making it impossible for them to land on or around your building. They are safe, nontoxic, and inexpensive to use. Best of all, they are proven to work.

• Audio/visual deterrents: Pigeons are very smart. Because of their intelligence, it can be difficult to trick them or scare them off. Luckily, at Bird B Gone, we offer a number of audio and visual deterrents that are proven to scare pigeons and keep them away. If you have questions about what products work well for pigeons, don't hesitate to contact us today.

• Electric track: Electric tracks are small, almost imperceptible strips of electrical wiring that can be attached anywhere pigeons land. Like shock fences for dogs and cattle, the tracks provide a safe and humane low-voltage shock, scaring pigeons away for good.

A Pigeon-Free Life

By using a combination of products and keeping your business or home clean, you shouldn't ever need to worry about pigeons turning your home into a bird condo development. If you ever do face a problem even with the products and tips listed above, wildlife removal experts can transport the individual birds away from your property.

If you have successfully eliminated a pigeon problem but still find yourself dealing with their mess, be sure to use a cleaner that is designed to remove hardened waste and sanitize the area. With just a little time and effort, you can permanently eliminate your pigeon problem, clean up their mess, and get your life—and business—back to normal.