Understanding the Life Cycle of a Pigeon
As a company specialising in pigeon control, we understand the importance of appreciating and respecting the life cycle of pigeons. These birds, often seen as
November 30, 2023
They are often considered the bane of urban dwellers; Pigeons have earned a notorious reputation as a common pest in cities and towns throughout the UK. While their presence may seem harmless at first, these birds can quickly become a nuisance, causing damage to property and posing potential health risks.
This blog post will explore many methods to effectively deal with the pigeon problem, from natural processes to more assertive measures. We will provide you with practical tips and guidance on how to get rid of pigeons and maintain a clean, bird-free environment around your home or business. So, let’s dive in and find the best solution for you! But first, we need to understand why pigeons may have chosen your property in the first place.
Pigeons, also known as rock doves, are highly adaptable birds that have managed to thrive in urban environments across the globe. Their natural behaviour includes living in large groups, or flocks, and breeding throughout the year, with a preference for cliff-like structures for nesting. Pigeons primarily feed on seeds, grains, and other plant materials, but they are opportunistic feeders and will readily consume food scraps found in human-populated areas.
There are several reasons why pigeons might choose a particular property as their ideal nesting site. First and foremost, they seek safety from predators, such as hawks and falcons. Buildings with ledges, balconies, or rooflines that provide shelter and security resemble their natural cliffside habitat, making them attractive nesting spots.
Additionally, easy access to food and water sources in urban settings is a significant draw for these birds.
Pigeons, although seemingly harmless, can cause various problems for property owners. One of the most noticeable issues is the damage they can inflict on buildings and structures. Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can corrode various materials, including metal, concrete, and stone. Over time, this can lead to the deterioration of roofs, balconies, and ledges. Additionally, pigeons often build nests using twigs and other debris, which can clog gutters, drainage systems and HVAC systems, causing water damage to the property or even creating a fire risk.
The mess created by pigeons is unsightly and can pose health risks. Accumulated droppings can lead to the growth of fungi and bacteria, which can harm humans. Pigeon droppings contain pathogens that can cause several diseases, such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These illnesses can affect the respiratory system and, in some cases, even prove fatal if left untreated. Furthermore, pigeons may carry ectoparasites like mites, fleas, and ticks, which can infest homes and cause discomfort or allergic reactions.
In addition to the damage and health risks associated with pigeons, their presence can also create a negative impression of a property, affecting its overall aesthetic appeal and potentially lowering its value. To protect your property and health, it is crucial to address pigeon infestations promptly and take preventive measures to deter these birds from choosing your property as their nesting site.
Getting rid of pigeons naturally is a humane and eco-friendly approach to managing these birds without causing them harm. Several DIY methods can be employed, although it’s important to note that these techniques may not always be wholly effective and could potentially allow pigeons to return.
One standard method is using reflective objects or shiny materials to deter pigeons from nesting on your property. Hanging CDs, aluminium foil, or reflective tape in areas frequented by pigeons can create a visual disturbance, making the birds uncomfortable and encouraging them to find a different location. Similarly, placing wind chimes, pinwheels, or other noise-making objects may help deter pigeons due to their sensitivity to sound.
Another natural method is to make the nesting area less appealing by modifying its structure. Installing bird slopes or angled boards on ledges can make it difficult for pigeons to land and nest. Additionally, sealing gaps or openings where pigeons may attempt to build their nests can prevent them from finding shelter on your property.
Introducing natural predators, such as owl or hawk decoys, can also be an effective deterrent. Placing these decoys in visible locations around your property and occasionally moving them to maintain the illusion of a natural predator can discourage pigeons from nesting nearby.
Lastly, planting bird-repellent plants like lavender, mint, or marigold around your property can help create an unwelcoming environment for pigeons. The strong scents these plants produce are generally disliked by birds, making them less likely to settle in the area.
While these natural methods can help deter pigeons, they might only sometimes provide a permanent solution. To ensure long-term effectiveness, it’s essential to combine these techniques with proper maintenance and cleanliness of your property. Regularly cleaning up food waste and removing pigeon droppings can significantly reduce the chances of pigeons returning. However, if the infestation persists, consulting a professional pest control expert for more effective solutions may be necessary.
A professional bird control company has many solutions at its disposal when attempting to get rid of pigeons from commercial or residential buildings. Each solution has unique advantages, and the best choice depends on the specific scenario.
These devices emit ultrasonic sounds or distress calls that deter pigeons without causing harm. They are ideal for large open areas or places with impractical visual deterrents.
Bird-repellent gels create an uncomfortable surface for pigeons to land on, discouraging their presence. They are suitable for ledges, roofs, and other flat surfaces where pigeons frequently perch. Fire gel is another product where small disks get placed on locations pigeons would look to land. These disks appear like fire to pigeons deterring them from the property.
Bird netting provides a physical barrier that prevents pigeons from accessing rooftops, balconies, or courtyards. It is ideal for protecting large spaces or historical buildings where other deterrents may not be permitted due to aesthetic or preservation concerns.
Bird spikes prevent pigeons from landing on ledges, roofs, and balconies. They are an excellent choice for narrow surfaces where netting is impractical or when maintaining the building’s appearance is a priority.
This system uses thin, tensioned wires to create an unstable surface that pigeons cannot comfortably land on. It is ideal for parapets, ledges, or architectural features where spikes and netting may not be suitable.
Natural predator decoys, such as owls or hawks, can help deter pigeons from nesting in the area. They are best used with other deterrents and are most effective when moved periodically to maintain the illusion of a live predator.
Falconry is an effective and eco-friendly pigeon control method that utilises trained birds of prey, such as falcons or hawks, to deter and disperse nuisance pigeons from urban areas.
Pigeons often choose roofs and balconies as their nesting sites because they provide the perfect nesting location. It is essential to employ the best professional methods for bird control. Bird spikes can effectively prevent pigeons from landing and nesting on ledges, while bird netting is a physical barrier restricting access to specific areas. In some cases, a combination of methods may be required, depending on the situation and the severity of the infestation.
Pigeons can also cause considerable damage to a roof when nesting under solar panels and can have a severe impact on the panels performance.
By understanding why pigeons are attracted to roofs and balconies and utilising professional control techniques, you can effectively remove these birds from your property and prevent future infestations.
Pigeons are often attracted to gardens due to access to food, water and shelter. To get rid of pigeons from your garden, it’s essential to employ various methods depending on the situation. Start by eliminating food sources, such as bird feeders or open garbage bins, to discourage pigeons from frequenting the area.
Utilise visual deterrents like reflective objects, predator decoys, or even scarecrows to create an unwelcoming environment. For more persistent infestations, consider professional methods like bird netting to cover fruit trees or vegetable patches, thus restricting access to food. Again, various methods may need to be deployed in order to get the best results.
Pigeons are a common nuisance in urban and rural areas, but fortunately, many effective methods exist to control them. By understanding why pigeons choose specific locations to nest and utilising the proper bird control techniques, you can successfully remove these birds from your property and prevent future infestations. From physical barriers like netting or spikes to visual deterrents such as decoys or reflective objects, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to pigeon control. With the right combination of measures explicitly tailored to your situation, you should be able to keep pigeons away from roofs and balconies as well as gardens with relative ease.
If you’re struggling to remove a pigeon infestation from your property, contact the team at Hawkeye Bird Control today and see how we can help!
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