How to Remove & Keep Pigeons Away from your Property?

07/13/2020

When compared to other bird species, pigeons are considered as the worst type of bird that you could have infest your home this is because not only do pigeons carry a variety of diseases along with them, but they also make a big mess of your property, driveway and your vehicle by scattering their nesting material or defecating on them. But that's not all, once a pigeon decides to make your home or rooftop as their own, it is almost impossible to get rid of them without hurting them.

You may shoo the pigeon away and consider them gone, however, once the pigeon has considered the place safe once again, they return, making it harder for you to control the infestation. This is why it is essential to first find out the main cause and terminate the problem directly from its roots.

What Attracts Pigeons to Your Property?

While other pests, choose resting places based on if it provides food, water and shelter, Pigeons choose their nesting place depending on how comfortable it is and if it provides easy access along with a good view.

With that being said, this is the main reason why pigeons choose your rooftops. Another reason that pigeons could be attracted to your home is if your drains and gutters are not cleaned often and provide ample nesting material for them.

As compared to other pests, like rodents or cockroaches, pigeons aren't afraid of humans due to the fact that pigeons were once trained and tamed by humans to deliver messages around the country which is why it is easier for them to stay close by to humans. It is also because of this reason, that it is harder to control and remove this type of bird from your home.

Are Pigeons Dangerous?

Although a pigeon won't directly harm a human, pigeons can still be dangerous to have around due to the plethora of airborne diseases pigeons carry around with them.

Through bird poop, these birds can transmit almost 60+ diseases that could infect your children, family members, or even your pets. Some of these diseases are;

Histoplasmosis: A growing fungus found in bird droppings can lead to this respiratory disease which can be fatal if not treated soon.
Salmonellosis: This bacteria is present in bird droppings and if any food that has been contaminated by their poop, is indigested, it could lead to this disease.
Cryptococcosis: This pulmonary disease which is also found in bird droppings affects a human's Central Nervous System.

These birds also carry around 40+ types of ectoparasites that could affect the health of a human, some of them are;

Bird Mites: These tiny blood-sucking mites are often found on birds, having a bird in your house will not only cause you illness but will also cause you and your pet discomfort due to these mites. This is why it is best to keep them away from your home.
Bed Bugs: They can enter your home through pigeons and once a bed bug infestation begins, it is very hard to remove. You can avoid a bed bug infestation completely by simply acting fast and chasing away those pigeons and setting up a secure system.
Yellow Mealworms: Not only are they found in your cereals and grains but they are also found in bird nests.

Tips to Remove Pigeons without Harming Them:

Use Scarecrows: This old and efficient technique still works if used correctly. Purchase a scarecrow at a local gardening shop or make a dummy scarecrow using wooden planks and some old clothes along with straws. However, the right way to execute this technique is by changing the location and position of the scarecrow after few days as these birds are smart and can get used to things that stay still.
Animal Decoys: Pick up a few animal decoys from your general gardening shop and place them in locations most visited by these birds. However, you must ensure that you select animal decoys that are considered as pigeon predators, such as snakes, coyotes, swans or owls and change their location and position too.
Balloons: Tying balloons to the branches of your trees will keep all types of birds away from landing on your branches due to them constantly moving around with the wind. If you wish for double security just in case the balloons might burst, you can tie the balloons with a reflective string as it will make the birds uneasy to land due to the reflection.
Reflective Objects: Since pigeons prefer staying away from reflective surfaces and bright lights, using reflective objects such as old CDs, mirrors, aluminum sheets, etc. can keep these troublesome pests away from your property.
Get a Pet: What better way to get rid of a pest than with a pet! Dogs and cats are well known for chasing anything and everything that moves around the place, having a dog or cat will not only make them think twice before entering but will also remove any existing pest in your home.

How to Prevent Pigeons from Entering Your Home?

Remove Water and Food Sources: If you want to keep them away, you must first get rid of any easy access to food and water that means disposing of waste effectively and sealing the bins to ensure that the pigeons don't have any way of removing the waste from inside. You must also remove any birdbaths and feeders that might be around your premises.
Eliminate Entry Points: If there is no entry into your rooftop, the pigeons won't be able to enter. Seal up any exterior holes and secure the rooftop to remove any entry points. You must also regularly clean and secure your gutters and drains to prevent them from building a nest.
Use Bird Netting: If these birds are targeting your bushes in your backyard, shoo them away first and then drape your bushes with a nylon or plastic sheet or net to keep them away from targeting them.
Use Bird Spikes: Installing bird spikes to your roof ledges, patio covers, gutters, and any place targeted by birds. This will scare them away and stop them from visiting. However, if you have children or pets in your home, first get professional advice before using them.

Get a Professional Bird Control Treatment Conducted:

By using these prevention steps mentioned above, you can easily keep away birds from your property, however, if this still doesn't work, it is best for you to get a professional bird control treatment conducted as soon as possible, as any delay in doing so might worsen the situation sooner than you may think.

Now that you are fully aware of the damage birds can cause to your health and property, it is best to adopt these prevention methods and if still existing, then it is important to conduct a professional bird control treatment to completely terminate the infestation and prevent them from returning, to safeguard the health and well-being of your family members and pet's health.

About the Author: Muzi Tsolakis is the founder of Protech Pest Control that is well-known for its same-day pest inspection in Melbourne and efficient bird pest control services.