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How to Get Rid of Pigeons

March 8th, 2007 by admin
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Pigeon Identification

a pigeonCommonly 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

a pigeon's nestThe 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
  • 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

a scarecrow for pigeonsScarecrows 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.

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  1. July 3rd, 2010 at 9:44 pm    marion eta Says:

    I would recommend putting a bunch of diesel in the area where they nest, then in the middle of the night lighting it on fire.

    hope it helps.

  2. July 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 pm    marion eta Says:

    I would recommend putting a bunch of diesel in the area where they nest, then in the middle of the night lighting it on fire.

  3. June 15th, 2010 at 11:05 pm    Vance Says:

    For the ones trying to feed the wild but not the pigeons, there is an anti-cat mat that they sell at my local store called Daiso. It basically looks like the rubber mats inside restaurant kitchens (the black ones with holes on them), but is made out of plastic. It has spikes on it that I don’t think squirrels mind. Try putting your feeder on a mat like that. Not too sure about feeding other birds though. There is no such thing as segregation as much as we all want it ;) Was kidding about the segregation comment by the way.

  4. May 7th, 2010 at 11:36 am    KayIsWrong Says:

    Kay is wrong. I’ve personally witnessed pigeons “dropping” as they fly and they also live and nest in trees (at least they do in mine).

  5. May 7th, 2010 at 4:10 am    manfred Says:

    Bird netting can be used to deter all species of birds. This bird netting is available in all sizes and can be used on any part of a building to prevent bird nesting.

    Ultrasonic bird repeller is used for keeping birds away. They generate ultrasonic sounds beyond the reach of human hearing, but they drive pest birds away. Bird repellent Liquid and gel that Keep birds from roosting on surfaces

  6. March 28th, 2010 at 5:12 am    Paul Dubé Says:

    There is only ONE way to get rid of pigeons : common ordinary cloth washing powder soap. – Spread a spoon or so where pigeons hang about. – It’ll wash away with the first rain. – Do it again and that’s it. – Pigeons will NEVER come back. – Oh they will. Some 5 to 10 years later. – Just do it again. – Costs very little and it is the only method that I have seen work.

  7. Can I just confirm here, Pigeons do not crap as they fly… FACT, nor do ferals live in trees they only live on roofs/buildings and FACT crap only when they are walking/standing, so not in flight, so your beloved cars are being crapped upon crows/starlings etc, you know the little ones that everyone loves cause they are cute. Please get your facts right before you start. Yes they carry disease as do most animals, and yes you can get disease from them which can be harmful, but this is only if they crap and you eat it, so there is no way you can get a disease from a pigeon unless you hold it above your head and wait with your mouth wide open!!!!! Trying to rebuild your ego as obviously you were all picked upon at some point when a child, shame you have to do something like this to make you feel more like a man, make you feel in control, gives you satisfaction…Such a shame…

  8. Celine Dion played at a high level through a good hi fi system WILL do the trick. I defie anyone living thing to with stand that rubbish….worked a treat when i did it! make sure you got ear defenders!!

  9. October 20th, 2009 at 3:27 pm    G.I Gunner Says:

    Oh forgot to mention. You have to constantly bother them…. day & nite. Make it unpleasant for them & unsafe to raise their young on your property. BB Guns work good at night. they react slow so you can get in more shots. If you don’t like shooting like I do go out & buy the pigeon traps/cage. Those work too but the traps cost from $90-$175. I don’t really care for the war on terrorism but this war on pigeons is pretty fun :)

  10. October 20th, 2009 at 3:17 pm    G.I Gunner Says:

    Well we all know Pigeons are living creatures but so are fish, chickens, cows & pigs and most of the world has no problem killing & eating them. Survival of the fit I call it. I suggest killing them by any means. Pigeons aren’t just dumb ol birds. My sitituation; I just purchased a foreclosed home about a month ago & I noticed about 2 dozen pigeons on the roof. Looked like a block party. I figured they would fly away soon so no big deal right? Wrong! These mother%$#kers started sending “air mail” special delivery all over my wife & I’s cars. I talked to the guy next door & he said the old lady that lived there raised them in a pigeon-coop & let them go when she got kicked out the house. So I figuured they are not leaving so I have to make em leave. OWLs & HORNS dDO NOT WORK!! Pigeons just sit on top of the damn owl & drop poop all over it. Took it to the next level with a BB Gun & A high presure water hose. I used the hose to knock down the 2 nest they had & I attacked (assuming to be a female) with a $h%t load of bullets(haven’t seen her since lol). I’m down to about 4 pigeons left that come to perch as I’m leaving for work. Don’t worry they are next. I would have loved a non-violent way to remove them but they are stubborn creatures and besides I don’t think a rat under your sink would get love and an easy escape route from you. I say that to say this….BB GUNS DO work if you know how to shot. I aim for thier eyes. If they don’t fly away keep shooting. I also used water ballons with bleach (Use with extreme caution) in it

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