We all love the iconic image of feeding pigeons in the park, but the same swarming scenario becomes a serious pest problem when these birds invade the space of a home. Homeowners who have lived in areas where they are prevalent know all too well the mess and property damage these birds can cause when they use a home as a place to congregate or dwell.
Damage includes bird droppings on every inch of surface,damage to gardens, bird feeders, birdbaths, outdoor fountains, statues or yard displays. Damage to the structure of a home can include the roof, soffits, gables, and eaves.
This article complies the top pigeon control tips, including pigeon control spikes and pigeon netting, to help you put a stop to damage.
Prevention
Preventing pigeons from finding your home and yard hospitable is essential and as such is the number one action a home owner can take. Once they find a nesting spot, not only are they difficult to remove, but have a memory of nesting places that can last for generations!
The availability of food is necessary for all pests to make a home, and pigeons are no different. Therefore, keep your outside living spaces clean, including: sealing trash, removing food scraps, cleaning your barbecue grill after each use and keeping pet food indoors.
Another key prevention factor is to mitigate pigeon-friendly spots around your home. Soffits and vents that are high up are instinctively inviting for them to establish a nest and start a family. Make sure vents and chimneys are sealed using fine-mesh screening. Soffits should be functional with no inviting gaps. Check gutters and eaves and consider gutter coverings if these birds are attracted to this area of your home.
Deterrents
There are several ways to deter birds from using your space. Here are a few of them in order from easiest to most costly and involved.
Props and sounds
The easiest way to discourage these birds from your patio, deck, or balcony, is the use of props. Most garden centers and big-box stores carry fake owls and rubber snakes for this purpose. The birds will eventually recognize these props as fake however, so you will need to move the props around from time to time to make the effect last longer.
Wind-chimes, aluminum foil pans, and mylar-type balloons also work to deter them. With a little wind, these props make your home uninviting. However, this technique can fall flat when the wind dies down.
Barriers
For a balcony that attracts birds, a simple and low-cost option is to attach a “slinky” type toy along the top. The barrier of the coils, wrapped around the railing, prevent the bird from finding a comfortable spot.Similar to this approach, tie a string a few centimeters above your balcony rail and birds will have a difficult time gaining a foothold on your rail.
Another level up are Pigeon control spikes, also known as anti-roosting spikes. These spikes are available at most home and garden centers, or hardware stores. They can be attached anywhere the birds roost and discourage perching. This approach can be expensive, and requires installation but are effective and will stand the test of time.
For sheds, outbuildings and gardens, consider installing pigeon netting. This product is readily available at garden centers and will effectively keep birds out – not to mention other pests! Installing netting is a more involved and costly process, but very effective and a long-term solution.
