Top Pigeon Prevention & Deterrent Tips.
We all love the iconic image of feeding pigeons in the park. Still, the same swarming scenario becomes a severe pest problem when these birds invade the space of a home. The homeowners who live in areas where these birds are prevalent know all about the mess and property damage the birds cause when they use a house to congregate or dwell.
Damage includes bird droppings on every inch of the surface and 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 with the top pigeon control tips, including pigeon control spikes and pigeon netting, to help you stop damage.
Prevention
Preventing pigeons from finding your home and yard hospitable is essential and, as such, is the number one action a homeowner can take. Once they find a nesting spot, not only are they difficult to remove, but they have a memory of nesting places that can last for generations!
Food availability is necessary for all pests to make a home, and pigeons are no different. 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 get 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, from easiest to most costly and involved.
Props and sounds
The easiest way to discourage these birds from your patio, deck, or balcony is by using 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, 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 bit of wind, these props make your home uninviting. However, this technique can fall flat when the wind dies down.
Barriers
A simple and low-cost option for a balcony that attracts birds is to attach a “slinky” type toy along the top. The barrier of the coils, wrapped around the railing, prevents the bird from finding a comfortable spot. Like this approach, tie a string a few centimeters on your balcony rail, and birds will have difficulty gaining a foothold on your railing.
Another level up is 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 bird’s roosts and discourage perching. This approach can be expensive and requires installation, but they are effective and will stand the test of time.
For sheds, buildings, 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 a very effective and long-term solution.