Pigeon Control: Problems & Solutions…by the Numbers

Pigeons can create all sorts of annoying problems for today’s property owners.

1. Pigeons Carry Diseases. These “dirty birds” often gather in huge flocks on buildings. When they do, they pose a threat to human health and safety. Their droppings can carry a virus called encephalitis, which can cause an inflammation of the brain. In fact, they can carry any of 60 known diseases, including salmonellosis and ornithosis, a disease similar to viral pneumonia.
2. The Stench & Mess of Droppings. This can negatively impact the appearance of a home or business. The sheer weight of bird droppings has led to the structural collapse of ceilings. The slip-and-trip hazards bird droppings leave on walkways, steps and entrances can be especially dangerous. 
3. Major Clean-Up Costs. For businesses, this can become a major expense. Removing nesting materials and accumulated droppings can sometimes require specialists in "moon suits" to protect them from disease-carrying clouds of droppings created when hardened droppings are sand blasted away.
4. Fire Hazard. Pigeons roosting and nesting near electrical equipment and wiring can create a fire hazard. 

Using pellet guns and poisons to get rid of pigeons can be dangerous to pets and children. These measures are also considered inhumane. Egg removal, birth-control pills and food deprivation take three to five years to be effective. Fortunately, there are far more efficient, expedient and humane ways to achieve pigeon control.

1. Bird Slopes Blend In to Keep Pigeons Out. These angled, slippery PVC panels simply won’t allow pigeons to purchase a landing. Ideal for the many 90-degree nooks and crannies found in most structures, the panels even come in several colors to blend in with a structure’s aesthetics. The best bird slope panels are made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate to last longer in tough outdoor weather.
2. Bird Wire Systems Keep Pigeons off Balance. Most birds prefer a stable landing area. Bird wire systems provide anything but that. These post-and-spring-wire set-ups make pigeons “wobble and weave ‘til they leave.” Ideal for railings, rooftops and similar extensions where pigeons prefer to land, wire systems install easily and are  often used on Federal and State government buildings. The best bird wire systems feature nylon coated stainless steel wire for lasting durability.
3. Bird Spikes Create a No-Landing Zone. Making it virtually impossible for pigeons to land, Bird Spikes come in rigid UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or longer-lasting stainless steel. These pigeon control strips even come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear—to make them far less conspicuous. The bird spikes can be easily glued,  screwed or nailed to any surface.
4. Sonic Repellers Drive Pigeons Away. Pigeons won't nest or roost near the sound of peregrine falcons (a pigeon's dreaded enemy) defending their territory. And that’s exactly what Sonic Bird Deterrents imitate—the sounds of their most fearsome enemy attacking and squawking. Sonic repellers repeat these sounds on a regular basis. And they won’t annoy pets or humans.

Pigeon Control for Gas Stations & Convenience Stores

There are about 146,000 retail gas stations and convenience stores in the United States. That's the good news for late-night shoppers and folks running out of gas. The bad news is, many of these stores lack effective pigeon control, which means feral pigeons can pretty much do what they please.

The last thing customers want to touch is a pump handle covered with pigeon poop. Or see the roof or hood of their car splattered with poop when they return with snacks in hand. Theses stores have a pigeon problem because the pesky little birds love to roost in gas station and store canopies. And they do so hundreds at a time.

Without effective pigeon control measures, this often-neglected nuisance can cost commercial property owners thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs. Keep in mind that just one healthy pigeon creates an average 66 pounds of droppings each year.  If you've got a flock of these birds nesting in your gas station canopy, you're looking at several tons of poop over a short period of time.

If you think the damage is all cosmetic, consider what happened to a gas station canopy in Yuma, Arizona. A build-up of pigeon poop clogged up the canopy's drains, causing it to crash to the ground after a heavy rain. A Hummer and a BMW were smashed in the process. Needless to say the gas station owner's insurance policy went up.

Roosting and nesting pigeons can create an unsightly mess on signage, windows and gas pumps. They can clog drains, block out security cameras and jam doors and windows. They can also wreak havoc with rooftop AC units.

As if that weren't enough to implement aggressive pigeon control measures, pigeon droppings are also breeding grounds for a number of diseases. Fecal droppings in pigeon infested canopies can create an environment for bacteria and fungi spores to grow and multiply. This filth can attract mites, black widows, rats, mice and other vermin.

Consider the problems such an environment presents to a gas station that has a full-service food preparation kitchen. If you've got flocks of pigeons gathering on your rooftop or near air induction vents, these air conditioning and air circulation systems could easily suck in pigeon dander, spores and viruses.

Cleaning roofs, parapets, HVAC, ventilation systems and other roosting sites can aerate these areas and increase the risks of exposure to disease. Gas station and store canopies offer the ideal place for pigeons—plenty of food in garbage cans and safe roosting areas.

Failure to implement pigeon control measures can be very expensive in the long run—repairing a canopy can set you back as much as $100,000. And that doesn't include lost sales, city or health violation fees or full canopy replacement.

Some effective pigeon control measures include bird netting, which works to effectively exclude the pests. You can also use chemical fogging systems to drive out entrenched flocks. Both measures are safe to use on pigeons and will save you a lot of grief and expense.

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The Many Ways of Pigeon Control

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pigeons are fun to feed, but when they gather in big numbers on your property, they cease being fun. And start being expensive. Specifically, they can take the paint or finish off wood and metal, crumble concrete and ruin expensive statues over time. Pigeon poop also poses a sizeable health risk. The fact is that pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. And that's not even counting the diseases carried by the fleas, mites and ticks that attach themselves to pigeons. It's time for some serious pigeon control.

One solution that combines effectiveness with economy is the bird-scare product family. Here you'll find bright, colorful banners of foil that rattle and wave in the breeze. They're easily mounted to virtually any post, eave, mast or beam. Another pigeon control device, the Bird Scare Balloon, bobs and weaves in the breeze and uses the added tactic of large predator eyes to frighten pigeons.

Still another pigeon control solution is basically a catch-and-release device known as a Bird Motel. These humane live-trap cages are ideal for low populations of pest birds that gather on rooftops, courtyards and other areas. Made of sturdy galvanized wire, the cages can be used indoors or out. Your basic trap will have funnel doors that let birds in, but not out. Captured birds are easily removed via an access door. You can get these traps in various sizes to catch all manner of pest birds.

Pigeon Control for the "Big Apple"

New York City is home to over 1 million pigeons. They mate for life, nest on windowsills, swoop down for scraps of food, and leave droppings on the shoulders of hapless pedestrians. Here, pigeon control is a must.

New Yorkers will tell you that the pigeon problem is everywhere. At brunch style outdoor restaurants, they silently wiggle their way beneath the tables and chairs. One can barely cross his or her legs without the risk of brushing a foot against the filthy birds. They bob and weave and hysterically flap their wings at the slightest irritation. Yes, you can shoo them away with a menu or a napkin, but they come right back. At some restaurants, they've developed the nerve to hop onto empty tables or lounge on the backs of chairs. They've even been known to take food from a child's hand. Without pigeon control, things can get pretty chaotic.

At the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, pigeons have a nasty habit of snatching away breakfasts and defecating on commuters. Urban pigeons dominate city plazas, street-side cafes and monuments. Their droppings plaster Times Square in New York, where they peck endlessly at crumbs or leftover food.

Not helping matters are the people who love to feed the pigeons near commercial food establishments. They draw pigeons to these stores and restaurants creating a nuisance for customers. In some stores, the smells and bacteria from the pigeons are sucked through the ventilation system and can literally cause patrons to leave the store. Pigeon control here is strongly recommended.

Outside, in areas like Times Square and other major intersections, food cart vendors complain of pigeons annoying customers and interfering with business transactions. The smells of pigeons and their droppings near a food cart can be quite overwhelming.
Storeowners in the Big Apple also complain of dead pigeons on sidewalks and entryways to their establishments. Air conditioning units, gutters and downspouts are often clogged with pigeon feathers and nests, causing AC units to jam up and roofs to leak.  Pigeon control can save storeowners hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

For commercial property owners who have an occasional pigeon problem or are simply bothered by a few pigeons, a Bird Motel will often suffice. These catch-and-release pigeon control motels are ideal for relocating just a few annoying pigeons. They can be placed virtually anywhere pigeons like to gather. The best motels feature an easy-access door and are constructed of galvanized wire so they won't rust or corrode.

If, on the other hand, you have a store sign or ledge that attracts pigeons by the dozen, you might look into installing some Bird Spikes. The king of pigeon control devices, bird spikes keep virtually any flying pest from landing. To assuage your bird loving customers, they are harmless to birds, pets and people. Spikes come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or the longer-lasting, slightly more expensive stainless steel models. You can even get spikes in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes are easily glued or screwed to any surface. The Big Apple is beautiful with the right pigeon control.

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Urban Areas Need Pigeon Control

By Arlene Connelly

Many urban dwellers are unaware that more than 60 human diseases — including avian flu, salmonella, E coli and West Nile virus — are related to pigeons, other pest birds and their droppings. Besides being a public health issue in many cities, they often create a safety hazard for pedestrians, and they carry dangerous parasites and harmful bacteria. Some of these illnesses can even be fatal to humans; they can be contracted through contact with the skin and exposure through inhalation as people go about their daily activities.

Why pest pigeons are especially dangerous

Pigeons are generally considered to be “the number one bird pest” in America today, their numbers are increasing, and their nesting instincts are strong. They usually mate for life, live in communal flocks that travel together, and tend to roost where they can find adequate food and shelter. Along with that, experts in the field now consider pigeons to be a genuine “urban menace,” threatening the quality of life in America’s great cities, including San Francisco, Chicago and New York.

Pigeon droppings can be found on walkways, roofs, window ledges and the sides of some of our finest buildings— anyplace these birds can access. This is especially dangerous around air vents and areas that surround water sources; the germs they carry can easily be transmitted to humans, especially those with a weakened immune system. They also attract insects that can spread disease as well, creating serious liability issues for businesses and restaurateurs.

The corrosive affect of pest pigeon droppings results in extensive and expensive damage to our public buildings and monuments, and they can cause a serious disaster like the collapse of the Minnesota Bridge. Feathers, droppings and nest paraphernalia can also be sucked into pipes and vents, creating a fire hazard in a city’s high-rise buildings where people work and live.

Today, Bird-B-Gone sets the standard for urban pigeon control, their products are humane and easy to install, and they require little maintenance. If you live in an urban environment or are responsible for building maintenance in one of our country’s fine cities, you can choose from many options for complete pigeon control.

Sound deterrents are often used to deter pest pigeons, and since they will soon become used to hearing one repetitious sound, you will want to use a device that features the sounds of predators and birds in distress with variations, which is more effective.  Good sound bird deterrents will use state-of-the art technology to provide easy volume adjustment, and it is also an inexpensive way to keep these birds away from your building. The system’s rigid construction makes it resistant to sun and weather, and you can easily adapt this device to your particular situation. It provides the distress calls of 22 types of birds and comes with an internal speaker; you can also connect four external speakers to the system to reduce the probability of damage to your building and increase your coverage area as well.

Visual bird deterrents are another good alternative

Visual bird deterrents are used to repel pest pigeons and other birds.  For example, The scare balloon is an “inflatable scare device” that confuses and deters pigeons with its lifelike predator markings and mysterious eyes they will avoid as they move on to a more appealing location.

The Scare Eye Diverter has an iridescent foil eye to protect your building from pigeons during the day and a glow-in-the-dark back to keep them away after the sun goes down. You can also use flash tape, made from iridescent red foil, to create what bird control experts call “an optical distraction zone” to do drive pigeons away.

Some pigeon control devices make it difficult for pigeons to land

Roost inhibitors, which are quite effective in keeping pest pigeons away from roofs, beams, ledges and various other surfaces, are probably the best-known methods of pigeon control, and they include bird spikes and bird netting. Bird spikes are available in two varieties and various colors and sizes to solve your pigeon control problem. Made from unbreakable polycarbonate, the plastic spikes are very strong and rigid, and the marine-grade stainless steel spikes are also available.

The polyethylene knotted bird netting in Bird-B-Gone’s product line is a favorite with architects because of its durability in all kinds of weather conditions. It deters pest pigeons and all species of birds from landing, comes with a 10-year guarantee, and is very affordable in these budget-conscious times.

The bird repeller sweeps pigeons away with its 5 ft radius-rotating arms. It a solar panel that powers the motor, and two AA rechargeable batteries for extended operation during dark periods.  The bird repeller is ideal for use on rooftops, AC units and roof vents to keep pest pigeons away.

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Best Pigeon Control for Pest Pigeons

by Alex A. Kecskes

The ubiquitous pigeon has been man's friend and foe for centuries. Rising to nuisance level as they invaded our cities and towns, pest pigeons cause over one billion dollars annually in damage and cleanup costs.


It's not surprising. Pigeon poop alone can cause all sorts of damage. It can eat into wood and metal, ruin fine stonework, and seize up AC units. Worse yet, pigeon poop is teaming with bacteria, fungi and parasites, which is why it poses such a high health risk. After all, pigeon droppings have been known to carry any of 60 known diseases. And no less hazardous are the fleas, mites and ticks that infest pigeons. It's no wonder that pigeon control has become so important. Thankfully, there are a number of highly effective pigeon control methods on the market..

One can't talk about pigeon control without mentioning the various Bird Scare products currently available. These flash tape banners wave, flap and crackle in the breeze to frighten pigeons looking for a safe place to land and roost. The same holds true for the inflatable, Bird Scare Balloon. Imprinted with menacing looking predator eyes, these devices turn and flail in the breeze to frighten pest pigeons away.

Next up--Bird Wire Systems. These nifty pigeon control arrays incorporate a post and wire system to create a wobbly landing site for pigeons. The low-profile systems are ideal for keeping pigeons off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and similar areas. Pigeons don't like to land on anything unstable and will quickly move on to more solid footing. Humane and economical, bird wire systems have been approved for use on Federal and State government structures. The best systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire, which holds up better in punishing weather.

Called the granddaddy of pigeon control--and bird control, for that matter--the Bird Spike has saved more signs, buildings street lights, and AC units than perhaps any other anti-pest bird device. Pigeons just won't land near the threatening looking spikes. You can get rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes, or opt for longer lasting slightly more expensive stainless steel spikes. The stainless steel spikes are available in a non-reflective metal finish and are often recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies. Installation is easy for they can be glued or nailed down to virtually any surface. They even come in a selection of colors so they'll blend in with your building's exterior décor. So successful are spikes as a pigeon control device that they have morphed in design to fit specific applications. For example, you can now get Girder Spikes, which will keep pigeons and larger pest birds from landing on girders or I-beams. They come with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder. There's also the Gutter Spike, ideal for preventing pigeons from landing and roosting in rain gutters.

Another pigeon control device that's shocking in its ability to deter pest pigeons is the Electric Track. Ideal for discouraging pigeons from settling on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, signs, I-beams, and flat or curved surfaces, these electrified tracks impart a mild electric zap to a bird's foot. Electric tracks are easily mounted on any flat or curved surface. The best are low profile in design and virtually invisible to anyone looking up from ground level.

Somewhat entertaining to watch as birds try unsuccessfully to land on it, the Bird Slope has proven itself a worthy adversary to the determined pest pigeon. Essentially just a slippery, angled PVC panel, pigeons just slide off them faster than you can say pest pigeon. It doesn't take long for pigeons to decide, this is a no-landing zone and leave. Bird slopes are ideal for beams, ledges, eaves, and other L-shaped areas where pigeons like to nest and roost. The panels come in several colors. Opt for UV stabilized polycarbonate panels if you can, as they will last longer.


If you believe only bird barrier deterrents will suit your application, you might try Bird Netting as a means of pigeon control. While pest pigeons may be able to land on these, they won't be able to get through. Netting is ideal for sealing off rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas, including groves and vineyards. The finest netting is ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. For rugged outdoor use, opt for U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof netting.

If the sounds of pest pigeons landing on your property annoy you, you can now fight back with sound. Known as Sonic Repeller, these pigeon control devices produce a variety of annoying distress and predator calls only pigeons can hear. Ideal for a wide range of outdoor applications, these systems are easy to set up and install.

Our next pigeon control solution is actually a gel--called Bird Gel. Humane and highly effective, this chemical skins over but never really dries. When pigeons land on it, they can't wait to leave. The icky, sticky surface is one thing most birds, including pigeons, can't stand. The gel is easily applied to any surface using a caulking gun.

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Got Pigeon Control?

by Alex A. Kecskes
Pigeons, pigeons and more pigeons. They're everywhere. Nesting and roosting and laying claim to our homes, businesses and parks. On occasion, we like to feed them. Which unfortunately just encourages them to gather in larger flocks. And that means a bigger mess and more long-term damage. Damage that costs America upwards of one billion dollars annually.

We've seen what pigeon poop can do. It can ruin wood and metal, crumble concrete and fancy stonework, even stop a big industrial sized air conditioner. And since pigeon poop is rich in bacteria, fungi and parasites, it poses a considerable health risk. Experts will tell you that pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. Add to that the fleas, mites and ticks that bury themselves in pigeons and you've got one disease carrying bird on your hands. All the more reason for getting the best pigeon control available.

What to do? Cull and destroy our fine-feathered friends? No need. Not with today's more effective methods of pigeon control. And there are so many to choose from.

For starters, there's the inexpensive category of pigeon scare products available today. These include bright, colorful banners that rattle and wave in the breeze. Sometimes referred to as foil or flash tape, they are easily affixed to almost any object and will discourage pest pigeons from landing and nesting. The same holds true for another pigeon control device, the balloon. It not only whips about in the breeze but has large predator eyes to scare pigeons away.

Highly successful in keeping pigeons from landing and roosting are bird wire systems.

This method of pigeon control uses a post and wire system that provides an unstable landing area for pigeons. The low profile bird proof deterrent is ideal for keeping pigeons off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and similar troublesome areas. Once pigeons try to land on the wobbly wire, they simply move on to find a better perch. Approved for use on Federal and State government structures, bird wire systems are humane, safe and economical. Better systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to withstand harsh weather.

Just about everyone has seen our next category of pigeon control devices--the bird spike. These have proven so successful that you can now get them in a variety of styles and materials. There's the plastic spike made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. These can be glued or nailed down to virtually any surface and come in a variety of colors. Next is the steel spike made of durable stainless steel. It comes in a non-reflective metal finish and is often recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies. Then there are also girder spikes, great for keeping pigeons and larger pest birds from landing on girders or I-beams. These typically have adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder. Last in the spikes family is the gutter spike, ideal for keeping large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons from sitting on or in gutters.

Next up is the bird slope. This clever pigeon control device is essentially just a slippery, angled PVC panel. Pigeons who try to land on these do quite a dance as their feet "squirrel cage" to try and get a footing. Frustrated after a few tries, pigeons move on to more stable surfaces. Ideal for beams, ledges, eaves, and other 90-degree areas where pigeons like to nest and roost, the panels come in several of colors to match a building's décor. The best panels are made of UV stabilized polycarbonate for lasting durability.

To keep pigeons from landing on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, signs, I-beams, and flat or curved surfaces, there's the electric-track pigeon repeller. These electrified tracks discourage pigeons from coming back by imparting a mild "jolt". Ideal for almost any flat or curved surface, the low-profile electrified tracks are easy to install and almost invisible to anyone looking up from below.

As a physical barrier, nothing beats bird netting for pigeon control. Correctly installed, pigeons simply can't get through, give up and leave. Netting is widely used to keep pigeons away from rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas. If you want the netting to last, opt for ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. It's U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof.

Bird gel is another pigeon control solution that's been proven effective over the years. The chemical goop skins over when it dries and leaves a sticky surface that birds can't stand. Best of all, it's non-toxic and harmless to birds.
Last but not least is the scarecrow, a motion-activated sprinkler that pulses out a water stream each time it senses a pigeon flying or walking near it. The water spray, the scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--all combine to convince birds to stay away. Ideal for keeping pest pigeons away from backyards, gardens, pools/spas and other areas you want to keep clean and bird free.

The Many Ways of Pigeon Control

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pigeons are fun to feed, but when they gather in big numbers on your property, they cease being fun. And start being expensive. Specifically, they can take the paint or finish off wood and metal, crumble concrete and ruin expensive statues over time. Pigeon poop also poses a sizable health risk. The fact is that pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. And that's not even counting the diseases carried by the fleas, mites and ticks that attach themselves to pigeons. It's time for some serious pigeon control.

One solution that combines effectiveness with economy is the bird-scare product family. Here you'll find bright, colorful banners of foil that rattle and wave in the breeze. They're easily mounted to virtually any post, eave, mast or beam. Another pigeon control device, the Bird Scare Balloon, bobs and weaves in the breeze and uses the added tactic of large predator eyes to frighten pigeons.

Still another pigeon control solution is basically a catch-and-release device known as a Bird Motel. These humane live-trap cages are ideal for low populations of pest birds that gather on rooftops, courtyards and other areas. Made of sturdy galvanized wire, the cages can be used indoors or out. Your basic trap will have funnel doors that let birds in, but not out. Captured birds are easily removed via an access door. You can get these traps in various sizes to catch all manner of pest birds.