Pigeons are one of the most ubiquitous birds in the world, adaptable to a wide range of habitats and climates. Unfortunately, their ability to live in close proximity to humans has made them a pest in many urban areas.
They breed all throughout the year, so there is never a time when they’re not around.
Additionally, these birds are known for roosting on ledges and statues, making a mess of public areas. They also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
If you’re dealing with a pigeon problem, removing their food source, and making their nesting sites less inviting, are two of the best ways to get rid of them.
Alternatively, you can also contact a professional pigeon pest control company to get rid of the pigeons for you. There’s nothing more effective than a well-trained team of experts!
Common Problems with Pigeons
Pigeons are attracted to areas where there is a food source, such as garbage cans or bird feeders. They will also roost in places that offer them shelter and protection from the elements.
This can create problems for humans because:
- Pigeon droppings can damage roofs, cars, and other property
- Pigeons can be a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers
- They can transmit diseases to humans
- Cause food contamination
- Build nests and may be considered a fire hazard
- Block HVAC units, chimneys, and other openings
Pigeon Pest Control and Prevention Tips
There’s nothing worse than waking up to a coo and flutter outside your window, only to find a pesky pigeon perched atop your AC unit. They’re always cute and seem harmless enough, not until you realize the mess they’ve made or the diseases they carry.
Pigeon-proofing your home or business is the best way to keep these pests at bay.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
Get Rid of Bird Feeders
One of the main reasons pigeons congregate in certain areas is because there’s a food source. If you have bird feeders on your property, get rid of them. This will remove the incentive for pigeons to stick around.
Keep Garbage Cans Covered
Another food source for pigeons is garbage. Keep your trash cans covered at all times to prevent pigeons from rummaging through them.
Make Nesting Sites Less Inviting
Pigeons like to nest in areas that are dark and sheltered. To prevent them from nesting on your property, trim back trees and bushes. Cut down any overhanging branches, and remove anything else that may offer them shelter.
Block Off Holes and Openings
Did you know that a single pigeon can produce up to 25 pounds of waste per year? That’s a lot of mess, and it’s all thanks to their nesting habits. Pigeons will make their nests in any hole or opening they can find.
To prevent this from happening, block off any holes or openings on your property, no matter how small they may be. This includes gaps in your roof, vents, and chimneys.
Install Bird Spikes or Bird Netting
If you have a serious pigeon problem, you may need to take more drastic measures. Bird spikes and bird netting are two effective ways to keep pigeons away from your property.
Spikes can be installed on ledges, roofs, statues, and other areas where pigeons like to perch. Bird netting, on the other hand, can be used to cover larger areas, such as patios and balconies.
Contact a Professional Pest Control for Pigeons Company
Oftentimes, the best way to deal with a pigeon infestation is to contact a professional pest control company. With extensive experience and the right tools, they will be able to get rid of pigeons quickly and effectively.
How Does Pest Control Trap a Pigeon?
Residential property owners aren’t the only ones that have to worry about pigeons. Commercial properties are also at risk for these pests. If all else fails and you still can’t get rid of the pigeons, contact a professional pest control company.
They will use a variety of methods to trap and remove pigeons from your property, such as:
Netting
Netting is a practice used to help rectify extremely complex pigeon problems. In a nutshell, this involves the use of nets to cover an area where pigeons are roosting.
This method is often used in conjunction with other forms of pigeon control, such as spikes or bird gel.
Spikes and Wires
Another method that pest control companies use is the installation of spikes and wires. This is a physical form of pigeon control that works by deterring pigeons from landing or roosting in an area.
The spikes are usually made of stainless steel or plastic and are installed in a way that makes it impossible for pigeons to land.
The wires, on the other hand, are usually made of nylon or stainless steel and are installed in a way that makes it difficult for pigeons to roost.
Habitat Modification
Most of the time, pigeons find your residential or commercial property habitable because it offers them everything they need: food, water, and shelter. To make your property less attractive to pigeons, you need to modify their habitat.
This can be done by removing sources of food and water, as well as anything that can be used for shelter. Professional pest control companies usually offer this service as part of their pigeon control packages.
Pigeon Trapping
This method involves using different types of cage traps to capture pigeons. Most of these traps don’t harm the birds, making them a humane option for getting rid of pigeons.
Pigeon Baiting
This method uses food to lure pigeons into traps. Once the pigeons are in the trap, they can be relocated to a different area, depending on your preference.
How Much to Pest Control Pigeons?
Compared to other pests, pigeon pest control can be a bit pricey because of the different methods that are used to get rid of them. You can’t just trap them, release the birds somewhere, and your problems are magically gone. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.
The price will also depend on the severity of your pigeon problem. If you only have a few pigeons, you can probably get away with doing it yourself. But if you have a serious infestation, pest control professionals usually charge anywhere between $300 to $2,000.
Smaller jobs may require only the use of ladders and installing spikes. However, for medium and larger jobs, more pigeon traps and more materials may be installed. The cost may also vary depending on how difficult it is to access the area.
With that being said, the cost that you’re paying pest control companies doesn’t just involve getting rid of the pigeons themselves.
They will also perform different ways to ensure that property is and will remain inhospitable for pigeons themselves. This way, you won’t have to worry about them coming back.
Pigeon control can be a bit pricey, but it’s nothing compared to the damage that these pests can cause. While you can try to get rid of them yourself, we recommend leaving it to the professionals.
Not only will they be able to get rid of the pigeons quickly and efficiently, but they will also be able to prevent them from coming back.
Final Thoughts
Pigeons are cute, but they can be a real pain when they start roosting on your property. Not only are they messy, but think about the different kinds of diseases they can carry.
What’s the number one reason why pigeons are a problem? Their droppings, and when they nest, the mess they leave behind can be a real pain to clean up.
If you’re dealing with a pigeon problem, we recommend calling a professional pest control company to take care of it for you.
The difference between professional pest control companies and do-it-yourself methods is that the professionals will be able to not only get rid of the pigeons but also prevent them from coming back.
Safety, sanitation, and peace of mind are just some of the benefits you’ll get when you hire a professional pest control company.
