We all love the iconic image of feeding pigeons in the park, but the swarming scene itself turns into a serious pest problem when these birds invade a home space. Homeowners who have lived in areas where they are prevalent are well aware of the disorder and property damage that these birds can cause when they use a home as a gathering or dwelling place.
Damage includes bird droppings on every inch of surface, damage to gardens, bird feeders, birdbaths, outdoor fountains, statues or displays in the garden. Damage to the structure of a home can include the roof, soffits, gables, and eaves.
This article complies with the best pigeon control tips, including pigeon control spikes and pigeon nets, to help you stop the damage.
Prevention
Preventing pigeons from finding your home and garden hospitable is essential and as such is the number one action a homeowner can take. Once they find a nesting site, they are not only difficult to remove, but they have a memory of the nesting sites that can last for generations.
The availability of food is necessary for all pests to make a home, and pigeons are no different. So, keep your outdoor living spaces clean, including: sealing trash, removing food debris, cleaning your barbecue grill after each use, and keeping pet food indoors.
Another key prevention factor is mitigating pigeon-friendly spots around your home. Ceilings and overhead vents instinctively invite them to nest and raise a family. Make sure vents and chimneys are sealed with a fine mesh. Ceilings must be functional without attractive spaces. Check gutters and eaves and consider gutter covers if these birds are attracted to this area of your home.
Deterrents
There are several ways to discourage birds from using your space. Here are some of them in order from the easiest to the most expensive and complicated.
Props and sounds
The easiest way to deter these birds from your patio, deck, or balcony is to use accessories. Most garden centers and department stores carry fake owls and rubber snakes for this purpose. However, birds will eventually recognize these accessories as fake, so you will need to move the accessories from time to time for the effect to last longer.
Wind chimes, aluminum foil trays, and mylar balloons also work as a deterrent. With a little wind, these accessories make your home unappealing. However, this technique can fail when the wind dies down.
Barriers
For a balcony that attracts birds, a simple and inexpensive option is to place a “sneak” type toy on top. Similar to this approach, tie a rope a few inches above your balcony railing and birds will have a hard time latching onto the railing.
Yet another level are pigeon control spikes, also known as anti-perching spikes. These picks are available at most home and garden centers, or hardware stores. They can be placed anywhere birds perch and discourage posture. This approach can be expensive and requires installation, but it is effective and will stand the test of time.
For sheds, outbuildings, and gardens, consider installing pigeon nets. This product is available at garden centers and will effectively keep birds away, not to mention other pests! Network installation is a more complicated and expensive process, but a very effective and long-term solution.