Pigeon Identification

Commonly found in large flocks, pigeons are usually grey in color and can be identified by their pinkish-red feet and a pair of black bars visible on their wings. Their natural diets consist mainly of seeds and grains, but they will eat almost any scraps provided by humans (bread, french fries, crusts, garbage, etc).

Health Risks and Property Damage

Like most birds, pigeons can carry fleas (Learn how to get rid fleas naturally), ticks (learn how to remove ticks from pets), or mites (learn how to get rid of mites). It has been argued that they also carry diseases which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with either the birds or their feces but these reports seem to be largely unsubstantiated. Their droppings however can damage the paint on your car or the finish on a building, and their highly-flammable nesting materials can clog up drains and vents.

Pigeon Control Methods

Nature follows the law of least resistance. Unless your problem with pigeons stems from overpopulation, making your building or home harder to nest on or in than most of the other buildings or homes in your area should cause them to stick to easier targets. This section delves into each available method of doing this.

If you're considering poisons, traps, or other lethal measures to kill the pigeons, you should first check with you local authorities to see what control methods are legal and how to implement them safely.

Pigeon-Proofing

The first step in getting and keeping pigeons out of any particular area is to make it as inhospitable as possible. Pigeons prefer to nest in high, out-of-the-way places like awnings, rafters, ledges, and attics. Search your property for any places that would make a good safe haven and seal them off using screens, fillers and plates. Flat, open areas can be protected by employing a tactile repellent (discussed below).

Pigeon Deterrents

There are many methods of deterring pigeons; the one you pick should be based on your unique requirements. Following is a brief explanation of each:

Tactile Repellents

A tactile repellent is any device or substance that can deter a pigeon from landing on or touching a surface. Examples of these include:

• Anti-Roosting Spike Strips – These spike strips can be attached to places a bird might perch to make it less attractive as a landing strip. They can be found online and at many hardware stores.
• Chemicals - Chemicals can also be used, the most common types are either sticky and uncomfortable for birds to perch on, or can produce pain on contact with their feet. These are specialized products and can be purchased in most places that specialize in pest control.
• Do-It-Yourself - A surface or perch can easily be made unusable with a little ingenuity. High, tight loops of chicken wire, modifications that turn a level surface into a sloped one, automatic sprinkler systems, and electrified wiring/fence kits are all good examples. Browse your local home improvement store for anything that looks like it would fit the bill.

Scarecrows

Scarecrows have been used for ages to keep birds away from crops (Learn how to make a scarecrow). Scarecrow types that deter pigeons include owls, snakes, cats, and people. The key to using one of these successfully is to make it appear as lifelike as possible. Move it from one location to another every few days. A scarecrow that moves either randomly or responsively is usually more effective then one that does not. Windsocks that are made to look like animals can work well so long as there is enough wind to keep them ‘alive'.

Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents are commercially available for every possible pest you can imagine, and for every pest we've researched they have been found to be complete failures at repelling any of them. Pigeons are no exception. Don't waste your money on one of these.

Relocation

Trapping and relocating a pigeon is a complete waste of time. Even if you release the bird hundreds of miles away, it will still be able to find its way back home in no time flat (It might even beat you back!).

Professionals

If you're sick and tired of fighting an army of pigeons by yourself, calling a professional pest control expert is a good choice - especially if you are considering lethal measures. Professionals will know all of the local laws and be able to pigeon-proof your property legally, humanely and effectively. Make sure you ask for references and speak to others who have successfully used a professional to eliminate their pigeon problem.

Off-Site Resources

• University of Florida: Pigeons and control measures.
• The Urban Wildlife Society: Pigeons and human health
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: PigeonWatch