Pigeons are smarter than the average bird. In fact, they're one of the most intelligent birds around. They can recognize their own reflection in a mirror, a feat only 6 species and no other non-mammal can perform. They can also recognize all 26 letters of the English alphabet. They can even differentiate between two different human beings in a photograph when rewarded with food for their efforts. It's no wonder pigeon control has presented such a challenge.
The Days of Shotguns, Cannon and Poisons Are Over
There's a whole new breed of pigeon control solutions. Borne out of society's increasing need to control the damage caused by pigeons, these new devices have proven successful in deterring the winged pests from our homes, boats, parks and commercial buildings. Property owners began to realize that the cute little bird had a nasty habit of pooping all over everything, that these droppings could transmit any of 60 known diseases. And amidst the rising chorus of environmentalist's objections to killing or harming these birds, the mantra of humane deterrent was born.
Balloons and Foils
What could be more humane than harmlessly shooing pest pigeons away with bright, colorful banners of foil that crackle and flap in the wind? Birds get annoyed and they look for "safer" places to land and nest. Banners take just minutes to tie to any post or ship's mast. Equally effective as a pigeon control device is the pigeon scare balloon. It spins, bobs and weaves in the wind, typically displaying a large predator eye to convince pigeons that trouble is near.
Spiked No-Landing Zone
Pigeon's fly well but sooner or later, they have to land. And when they do, they don't want to make things complicated. Bird spikes do that. These pigeon control devices have blunted splayed-out spikes that no bird wants to deal with, which makes pigeon spikes both humane and highly effective. Spikes are available in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high durability stainless steel. You can also get girder spikes, recommended for keeping pigeons off girders or I-beams. Finally, there's the gutter spike, which will keep your rain gutters free of nesting pigeons.
Trap and Release
Here's an effective pigeon control device for those with just a few annoying pigeons. The pigeon motel is basically a live-trap cage that lets you move the offending birds to an out of the way location. These sturdy galvanized wire cages can be used indoors or out. The typical trap will have a funnel trap door that let birds in and an easy access door that lets you get them out.
Flat Out Effective
Another pigeon control device that has earned the respect of many is the flat PVC panel. Pigeons will struggle to land on these panels and simply slip and slide off with harm no fowl. Ideal for beams, eaves, ledges, and other 90-degree nooks where pigeons often nest, the PVC panels are easily attached to most surfaces using glue, screws or nails. They come in several neutral colors to match a building's aesthetics. The best panels are made of U.V.-stabilized polycarbonate for lasting durability.
Wired to Deter
As we mentioned earlier, pigeons like landing-friendly zones. And one pigeon control device that makes for a very unfriendly landing spot is a bird wire setup. Basically a post-and-wire system, these wobbly wires will keep pigeons off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and other areas. Safe and humane, pigeons will try to land but move on to a more stable perch after just a few tries. This is one pigeon control device that's been approved for use on Federal and State government structures. The best systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to stand up to tough weather.
The Net Result: No Pest Pigeons
Bird netting is an ideal pigeon control solution that relies basically on the barrier method of deterring pest birds. Bird netting has been widely used to keep pigeons from gathering on rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas. The best netting is made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric, U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof.
Pigeons Will Make Tracks…and Leave
Commercial property owners have used electric track devices as an effective pigeon control solution for years. Pigeons are quick to leave after landing on these electrified tracks. One mild jolt of juice is usually all it takes to convince them this is no place to land or nest. Ideal for ledges, signs and other elevated or out-of-reach areas, the tracks install easily and are virtually invisible from below.
Icky, Sticky Solution
Like electric tracks, once pigeons land on bird gel, they can't wait to leave. The gel goes on gooey and stays that way for a long time. The stuff is non-toxic, harmless to birds and pets and is easily applied using a simple caulking gun.
Sounds like Pigeon Control to me
Pigeons, all birds, really, are fairly tuned in to sounds around them. Which is what sonic pigeon control devices fully exploit. These nifty devices produce a variety of annoying distress and predator calls. One sonic system emits the distress and predator calls of over 22 types of birds. This includes the sound of Peregrine falcons--a pigeon's worst enemy--defending their territory. The best sonic systems will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of the sounds they emit. Since the sounds are emitted in a random fashion, pigeons are constantly on a state of alert--a condition not conducive to nesting. Sonic deterrents are ideal for gardens, rooftops, courtyards, pool areas and other large open areas.
Scary and Wet
Finally, here's a nifty little pigeon control device that uses its brains to deter pigeons. Called the Scarecrow, this motion-activated sprinkler delivers a jet blast of water whenever it senses a pigeon approaching. The water blast, the scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--provide a one, two, three punch of deterrence that no pigeon will tolerate. Ideal for gardens, backyards, pools/spas and other exterior areas.
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