Pigeons are beautiful, smart and entertaining, but they can be quite a menace. In the city, where food is abundant, and there are enough places to roost, pigeons have gone from becoming a pleasant sight to a terror. Their droppings mess up popular tourist spots, compel people to take different routes, change parking spots and even spread diseases. However, that does not warrant drastic and cruel measures. Bird and animal control should be humane, no matter how annoying they are. Always check the local and national laws regarding animal/bird protection laws before you take any steps.
Here are a few humane ways to deal with your pigeon problem
Make roosting spots less accessible to pigeons:
- You can use anti-roosting spikes in their favorite roosting places. That will prevent them from perching. Another cheaper alternative is using a slinky toy. You can coil it around the handrail of the balcony with the gap between each coil around 1.5 inches.
- You should try sloped sheathing made from plywood, PVC or metal. Lay it out at a 60-degree angle from the surfaces. It will make perching uncomfortable for the birds. Use it on the eaves, window sills, and ledges.
- Check out the favorite roosting spots and install weatherproof strings. Tie these from one end to another with a 1-inch gap between the string and the perching spot. Speak with Bill’s Pigeon Control Phoenix for guidance on installing weatherproof lines effectively.
- Do not leave food lying around on purpose or by accident. Once you cut off their food source, pigeons are less likely to return to roost on your roof, balcony or window sill.
Seal off all entrances
- If the pigeons are nesting inside your home, you might want to seal off the entries immediately. Seal the attic windows, by using bird netting or silicone caulk. Both are cost-effective options.
- Seal the gaps and cracks on your roof through which pigeons can enter the attic. It is a common problem with older homes.
- Pigeons and chimneys have a long-standing relationship. Cap the head of the vents. Install the stainless-steel mesh that can prevent animals and birds from entering your home through the outlet.
- Put a mesh cage on the outdoor HVAC and air conditioning unit. It will deter them from stuffing nesting material in the equipment. Pigeons can create a mess by nesting in AC units and power meters, but they also increase fire hazards.
Scare them off
- Scaring them off is a challenge since these are brave and curious species. Sometimes, well-known methods of scaring them also fail You can try spraying water from a garden hose when they are away from electrical units. The reach and effectiveness of this process are limited.
- Try using a hawk silhouette kites and balloons to scare the pigeons off. Use them near their perching points. Some people also find installing owl cut-outs useful.
- You should try installing reflective surfaces like foil balloons and reflective tapes. To save money, you can put your old CDs to use as reflective surfaces to keep the pigeons away.
Pigeons can be a festering problem for suburban homes, city apartments, office buildings and public spaces. Irrespective of what challenges you are facing from constant roosting and nesting, you should consult with bird control experts, who know about their behavior.
September 10, 2018