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.

The Smart Way to Achieve Pigeon Control

by Alex A. Kecskes

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.

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.

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.

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 bird deterrents are ideal for gardens, rooftops, courtyards, pool areas and other large open areas.