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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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.

They check in and they check out. That's the principle behind our next pigeon control device--the Bird Motel. The live-trap cages are quite good at catching pest pigeons and are ideal for use on rooftops, courtyards and other areas where birds tend to gather. And once they're caught, a handy easy-access door lets you reach in and release them to a more remote location. The better motels are made of tough galvanized wire and you can use them indoors or out. The traps come in various sizes to capture various size pigeons.

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 bird 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 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.

Pest pigeons really hate this next pigeon control device. Called the Scarecrow, it's basically a motion-activated sprinkler that blasts a jet of water whenever it senses a pigeon approaching. The sudden burst of water combined with the scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--all unite to create a formidable deterrent. It's the perfect solution to deter pest pigeons from gardens, pools, spas, backyards, and other outdoor areas.

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Effective Pigeon Control Methods

by Terra Anders
Pigeons, crows, grackles and blackbirds are all well known for their frequent gathering and roosting on rooftops, gutters, air conditioning vents and other structures.  This problem affects private homes, public establishments and businesses.  Pigeon control is important, not only because of the damage their feces causes to finishes and paint, but also because of the disease that the bacteria and small parasites in their feces may carry.  Businesses may find that customers avoid their establishment if these birds are allowed to remain unchecked.
These birds do deserve to set down and rest once in awhile, but having them settling in on your property means dealing with quite a mess.  Controlling pest birds, like pigeons, does not have to be complicated or harmful to their health.  There are several humane bird deterrent methods that can be used quite effectively to send these birds on their way.  Any one of these methods can be used without the need for complex or expensive installation.
Bird netting can be used when you want to keep birds away from flowers and crops, or from gaining access to any valuable structures.  This type of netting is not used to trap the birds, but to keep birds out of a specific area.  The most common use of netting is in orchards, vegetable gardens, and vineyards, but it can also be use indoors in larger structures where birds can fly in, and nest up high in the ceiling beams.
Most netting is made with knotted strands of plastic cord, and is available in several thicknesses.  Lightweight netting is often used indoors to stop bird pests from nesting inside large warehouses, hangers, or tunnels.  Heavy-duty bird net is used outdoors, and is designed to resist deterioration in sunlight, rain and extreme heat.  It is also available in different widths and lengths.  Specially designed plastic clips can be used to attach the netting, preventing damage to the surface being protected.
Pigeons, or other bird pests, look for a landing surface that is flat and even. Bird spikes is a method commonly used to deter these birds from roosting on their favorite flat surfaces, such as roofs, ledges, gutters, or signs. These spikes are available in steel or plastic and in many colors, so once installed they are virtually invisible.  The spikes are not sharp enough to cause harm, but they are severe enough to create an uncomfortable landing place for winged pests, forcing them to fly onward to find a more suitable area.
Another bird control method is an electric bird deterrent system. This system uses a polycarbonate insulator wire embedded in an insulted PVC track that conforms to straight or curved surfaces.  They are most effective when laid down over a large, flat area that is likely to invite pigeons or other pest birds to roost.  As the bird lands on the unassuming strip, it will receive a light warning shock, causing it to immediately fly away. The shock is not harmful, but it is uncomfortable enough that the pest birds will quickly learn that this is not a suitable landing or nesting spot. This method employs a behavior modification technique that does not interfere with the birds flying patterns, but does change their landing patterns. 
Controlling pigeon flocks and other feathered friends from becoming damaging pests, is one way to continue to enjoy watching their fanciful flights without the worry of the mess they leave behind.  Bird netting, bird spikes and electric bird deterrent systems are all effective and humane choices to consider when deciding which pigeon control methods to use. 

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Pigeon Control for Architects

by Alex A. Kecskes

Today, more architects than ever are integrating pigeon control measures into their building designs. They know that the image of beautiful arches, clean lines and walls of glass can quickly be ruined by bird droppings. They also know that the acid in bird droppings can eat into wood, composites and even stone surfaces to permanently damage areas that were once showpieces of design.

The fact is, many clients ask for references when contracting architects. The references are often in the form of completed projects. If these artistic creations are covered in bird droppings and their surfaces eaten away, they become useless as samples of one’s work—often to the point of excluding an architect from future bids.  So the importance of effective pigeon control—or any bird control—for that matter, can’t be understated.
Adding pigeon control and bird control services is an excellent way to round out an architectural firm’s repertoire of capabilities. The goal is to install effective pigeon control measures during the design-build process and to use low-profile humane deterrents that are easy to install and maintain.  Keeping pigeons and other pest birds away from commercial, civil or large federal structures can be an added profit center for any architectural firm.

When integrating pigeon control measures into an architectural design, one must take into account the aesthetics. Building materials and surfaces should be analyzed to ensure that the bird control methods minimally impact the overall structure. When enlisting the services of a bird control firm, that firm should offer products that are easy-to-specify. Any bird control repellents and/or deterrents used should meet the approval of local, state and federal agencies for humane operation. The products specified should be of the highest quality and be easy to “drop in” to projects specs. They should be backed by extensive warranties and the firm should offer support to help with the bird control designs. 

Here are two popular and highly effective pigeon control/bird control measures architects have been incorporating into their building designs:

Bird Spikes. Designed to deter pigeons and larger birds, Bird Spikes are often used by architects to prevent birds from landing on structures. The spikes come in rugged stainless steel or rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. The poly spikes are more economical than steel spikes and are recommended in areas where the electrical conductivity of steel is a concern. Poly bird spikes are also preferred in structures that have cell phone and dish antennas. To keep very large birds away--like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors--there’s the Mega Spike, which features 7-inch spikes of marine-grade stainless steel. Finally, there’s the Gutter Spike, which is ideal for keeping pigeons and other large birds out of rain gutters and drains.

Bird Slopes. This is an architect’s favorite because it’s a pigeon and bird control device that’s integrated into the design of the building or structure. What makes the bird slope so effective is that birds slip right off these angled PVC panels. They are ideal for keeping pest birds and pigeons away from eaves, ledges, beams and other niches. They can be easily installed on virtually any surface using nails, screws or glue. The panels even come in a variety of different colors to blend in with a building's color scheme.

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Pigeon Control—A Must for Commercial Property Managers

By Alex A. Kecskes

One of the many concerns facing today’s property managers is pigeon control. Pigeons are pest birds that remain unprotected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. They can cause property managers a lot of grief.

So what attracts pest pigeons to a commercial building, its edifices and rooftops? A combination of factors. First off, commercial buildings usually offer covered areas that provide shelter from the elements. Things like rooftop AC units, electrical boxes, and ducting offer ideal places to nest and roost. Ledges and parapet walls offer high altitude perches for scouting predators and prey, especially if they overlook trash bins and dipsy-dumpsters.

Also, if your commercial building is the only one in the area offering such vantage points, it will attract flocks of pest pigeons. Another attractive feature of your building may be that it lies close to ponds, fields, and electrical wires. And if you’re unlucky enough to have a flock of pigeons already nesting on your building, the droppings will attract other pigeons, making your building a prime gathering spot. In general, pigeons will be strongly attracted to nesting spots they have already claimed as their own.

Without effective pigeon control measures, a pest pigeon infestation can result in costly and repetitive clean-ups. Long-term infestations. Can severely damage a commercial building’s facades, sills, parapet walls, roofing, water drainage systems and rooftop AC units. The annual damage/repair/cleanup cost of pest birds to commercial buildings is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Getting Pigeons Out of Your Commercial Building

By Alex A. Kecskes

If you own a commercial building, you no doubt have had problems with pigeons. In most cases, the larger the building, the bigger the problem. For strip malls, commercial centers, warehouses and other large structures, pigeons can cause all sorts of headaches for property managers and property owners.


If your building has a flat roof, pigeon debris, feathers and droppings can damage AC units, ventilators and drainage areas.  Pigeons love to gather around rooftop equipment, and as you know, AC units are not cheap. They cost plenty to maintain and repair.


Without proper pigeon control, pigeon debris can stop up rain vents and gutters, causing flooding.  Hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water trapped on a long flat roof can lead to structural problems and ultimately roof collapse. Once this occurs, you have a huge problem in terms of damage to inventory inside a building. 

Whether your building is covered by a roof made of wood shingles or tiles, pigeons waste can be highly destructive.  The acidic content of pigeon droppings can eat into the sub-roofing materials and eventually cause leaks. Bird droppings can also deface and damage your expensive signage—whether your signs are fabricated of metal, wood or plastic. Pigeons can also create an image problem. Bird droppings on entryways, walkways, display windows, benches, umbrellas and nearby lampposts can be a real turn off (and costly daily cleanups for you).

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective pigeon control methods you can employ to keep pigeons from returning to your commercial building or strip mall.  Before you install these measures, you’ll no doubt be faced with cleanup efforts. Keep in mind that contact with pigeon droppings may pose a health risk. These droppings have been known to cause such diseases as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. So during any clean-up effort, precautions should be taken to protect the public as well as work crews. The use of disposable gloves, eye protection and facemasks are recommended. If clean-up crews are working in enclosed areas, such as attics, respirators should be used.

If you only have an occasional pigeon problem, consider installing a Bird Motel in areas most frequented by pest pigeons. These catch-and-release pigeon control motels are humane and allow you to safely relocate those few stubborn pigeons that simply won’t go away. Bird motels can be placed virtually anywhere pigeons like to gather. The best motels feature an easy-access door and are made of galvanized wire so they won't rust or corrode if left on rooftops.

If you’re being inundated with pest pigeons, you need the granddaddy of pigeon deterrents: the Pigeon Spike. These pigeon control devices have proven themselves time and again in a wide range of commercial applications. Pigeon spikes work because, there’s simply no way birds can negotiate a landing on or near them. The blunted spikes are harmless to birds and maintenance crews. 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.

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