Even if we don’t hate pigeons as much as New Yorkers do, we still don’t want them around the property. Dealing with their messy droppings is already annoying, let alone their tendency to carry diseases in those droppings. The good thing is there are several strategies that you can apply to get rid of pigeons from the yard. You have to start acting fast before they choose your roof to be their permanent roosting area. Let’s see which one among the tips below is ideal for the pigeon situation that you are having.
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10 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Pigeons
#1. Decoy
You can trick pigeons and other birds to stay away from your residence by using decoy raptors. The most common and effective options are falcons, hawks, and owls, and you can easily find and get them online. Pick the ones that are large and as life-like as possible so that the pigeons will leave fast. You want to make sure that your decoys can make sounds and move to make them appear real. Along with that, you should also rotate the location of your decoys instead of keeping them in one place. Pigeons will not be afraid of a decoy that stays in the same spot for days, they are smart too. So make sure to install your decoys in a high place and move them around daily, the results will show.
#2. Eliminate Food Source
Pigeons will refuse to leave your house no matter what you do if the food is abundant for them. This is why you also want to consider removing all the possible food sources that attract those pigeons. If your garden or lawn has beans, berries, fruits, grains, and seeds, you know why pigeons visit there every day. Things are the same if earthworms, snails, and other insects present on your property. I also want to stress on trash bins with human food because some pigeons also scavenge for those. Observe their activities to see if they congregate around the areas with items I mentioned. Cover the bushes or trees to prevent any access to the fruits, and get rid of insects from the ground. When there is no food available for them, those pigeons will look for another place.
#3. Homemade Pigeon Repellents
When it comes to homemade pigeon repellents, you want to make sure that they are as irritating as possible. This is why the best ingredients for them are things like chili, peppers, vinegar, and water. Mix all the ingredients in a heating crock pot for a few hours to infuse, and let it cool. Then transfer it into a spraying bottle and start spraying in areas where the pigeons are frequent. The strong smell from the mixture will deter pigeons and pretty much any birds from perching and roosting. You should also re-apply it every week until there is no more sign of pigeons.
#4. Let Your Pets Out
Cats don’t like birds and dogs love chasing birds, and your pets can definitely do the job. When your pets can run around the lawn and yard freely every day, pigeons will not stay. Things are simple as that because those birds don’t like to be around animals that can kill them. This simple method is ideal for pigeons that hang out on the lawn or yard of your home. When your pets chase them around long enough, the pigeons will give up and find somewhere else to hang out.
#5. Mesh Screens
A very easy solution to deal with pigeons is installing mesh screens in different areas at home. Use the ones with fine mesh so that they can prevent other smaller birds from coming as well. You can install mesh screens over various spots such as attic vents, chimneys, soffits, and more. This method is also great to have along the inside of your railings to prevent pigeons from entering your balcony or porch. It is fast and inexpensive, and it offers long-lasting results that you will like.
#6. Motion-Activated Sprinkler
This is an easy way to deal with pigeons who use your lawn or yard as a chilling spot. You have to know that pigeons will poop in areas that they hang out or roost in. That is not you want because cleaning up after them on a daily basis is not pleasant. These pigeons are not even your pets or benefit anything to the lawn, there is no point in letting them in. With a motion-activated sprinkler, no pigeons or critters will enjoy resting in your lawn or yard ever again. The moment they land, the water will start to spray on them which chase them away for good. It is humane and safe, and it works effectively every time. Some modern options even allow you to adjust multiple settings which is a total plus.
#7. Pigeon-Proof Feeders
Another reason that encourages some pigeons to come to the perimeter of your house is the bird feeders. It does not have to be fruits or insects, the food that you leave for songbirds can also attract pigeons. If you spot pigeons around your bird feeders, it is time to upgrade it to another level. There are many pigeon-proof feeders that you can get from the internet, and they also look great too. This is a simple solution to deal with pigeons who compete with other birds to get free seeds. Once you use the pigeon-proof bird feeders, they will not come back to bother your garden or lawn again.
#8. Pigeon Repellent Gel
A pigeon repellent gel works just like other bird repellent gels, and it is very effective. This gel comes in caulk tubes that you can easily apply to various areas around the house. Each tube can cover around 10 to 12 feet, and its effect also lasts quite long too. You can apply it either in dots or in lines, but avoid heavily smearing an entire surface with the gel. The birds can get stuck and hurt themselves, so don’t over-apply it. Pigeons and other birds that land will find the surface sticky and unpleasant to roost, and they will leave. Some pigeon repellent gels can last for weeks, and it is clear so it does not hamper your home’s aesthetics. However, don’t use it on areas where people touch like balconies or railings because it is very sticky and difficult to remove.
#9. Remove Standing Water
From bird bath to fountains and more, you might want to consider removing them if they attract pigeons. It is true that the purposes of those standing waters are for beautiful birds to visit your garden or lawn. But things need to change if pigeons think that they are pretty and want to come too. Pigeons often enjoy a good bath, so they will come and probably invite their friends over as well. This is when no beautiful birds will be there anymore because pigeons are also bullies. Make sure to remove the water and even small puddles until the pigeons are completely gone. In case you want to keep your bird bath, then the next tip may be useful for you.
#10. Ultrasound Pigeon Repellent
As you may already know, birds have a sharp sense of hearing which is an advantage for us in a sense. You can get an ultrasound device that emits only the sound that only birds like pigeons can hear. It can give off the ideas that the areas are not available or safe for them to stay. Some devices can emit both distress calls and ultrasound with various options that you can easily choose from. You should look for a versatile device like this because it makes the sound more believable and natural. Note that using a sound repellent device will need some time, but it works long-term which is a good thing.
How To Get Of Pigeons On The Roof
Too many pigeons on the roof are not pretty, and things are even worse when they leave their droppings. This is why you have to know how to get rid of pigeons on the roof to restore the home aesthetics. The good thing is that getting rid of and preventing pigeons from the roof is not too much of a challenge. I have several tips to recommend and feel free to use the ones you think are the most suitable.
1. Anti-Roosting Spikes
Nothing says no to roosting louder than having anti-roosting spikes on the roof or other higher places. These spikes do not harm the pigeons, instead, they make the areas difficult for those large birds to land. Once you install the anti-roosting spikes, your ledges or roof will not be a pleasant spot for pigeons to sit. Make sure to select the lightest options possible so that the birds won’t build nests on them. I like this option because it is not only effective but also long-lasting since the materials are durable.
2. Bird Shock Tape
It may sound harsh, but bird shock tape is not dangerous or harmful to the pigeons and other birds at all. This type of tape is clear, and it has the ability to conduct electricity from metal leads through its length. You will need to charge it with a regular charger or solar charger to make it work. Once the bird lands on the area with the tape, it will receive a quick zap that scares it off. It is safe to use, and it simply lets the birds know that the area is not for roosting. Bird shock tape is ideal for both homes and large buildings, and it works as long as you want it to. Here is an example of how it works that you might want to take a look.
3. Chimney Cap
Chimney is the highest and the bird-friendly place of the house where pigeons love to nest and roost in. When you notice pigeons building their nests, it is time to take action before it is too late. Check the chimney to make sure that there are no birds inside, and cap it. There are many chimney caps that you can find, and installing one is an easy and fast task to do. When you have a chimney cap, you will have to maintain it regularly whether or not you use the chimney. That is because ash, creosote, and soot can fill up the small mesh of the cap.
4. Clean & Remove Nesting Materials
Sometimes pigeon droppings and nests are the factors that attract more pigeons to your roof. This is why you want to clean all those things from your roof to keep them away. Although you don’t want to, you must clean all the pigeon poop because it can cause corrosion to the roof. Even worse, pigeon poop and urine can also be a source of zoonotic diseases that are transferable to humans. We don’t want to get there, and that is why cleaning their waste is compulsory. After that, you can install the pigeon repellent items of your choice to prevent those pesky pigeons from coming back. Make sure to wear a mask and protective gear to avoid inhaling dust while cleaning.
5. Reflective Surfaces
This method works both on the balcony and roof, and it is quite easy and simple to implement. Find objects that reflect light to install on the areas where pigeons frequently roost on. You should hang the lightweight ones so that they can move with the wind to reflect the lights even better. Generally, birds don’t like bright flashes or lights so they tend to avoid areas with reflective surfaces. You can use items like aluminum foil strips, foil balloons, small mirrors, old CDs, or outdoor reflective tapes. To make things even more convenient, you can also get reflective objects online to repel pigeons from your roof. This method is inexpensive and long-lasting, so don’t forget to give it a try.
6. Weatherproof String
Here is another simple way to deter pigeons and other birds from roosting on your roof. A weatherproof string is a fine and almost invisible piece of strings that you can install on their perching spots. The moment they grab the ledge, they will be caught off-balance because of the strings. If the spots are not comfortable for them to land, they will choose another areas to roost instead. Many people like this method because it is easy, and it does not affect the appearance of the roof. Not to mention that it is also inexpensive, weatherproof string could be your next favorite pigeon repelling method to use.
7. Wires
This is a very similar method to the weatherproof string, and its effects are equally satisfying. It is recommended to install either insulation wires or slinkies on the railings to discourage pigeons from perching. The purpose is to make the areas uncomfortable for them to land on so that they will find somewhere else. You can also choose the wires of your choice as long as they are easy for you to install. Making the railing difficult to land and sit is easy, and here is a quick video on how to do it.
Why Are Pigeons Bad?
Rural and urban pigeons are equally annoying, and they can also pose other health risks to humans. So when you notice pigeons in the perimeter of your home, you must act right away. Below are some of the reasons why pigeons are bad to have around the house, let’s take a look.
1. Disease
Pigeon droppings carry diseases such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis that can be dangerous or life-threatening to people with certain conditions. Those who have weak immune systems are also vulnerable to the risks that pigeon poop causes. In worst cases, they can get very sick with a chest infection or meningitis. Breathing dust or water droplets containing their droppings can also lead to flu-like illnesses and salmonella, according to BBC.
2. Corrosive Damages
Besides diseases, pigeon droppings are highly acidic which can lead to corrosive damages to buildings and objects. Their feces may stain and possibly eat away the underlying surfaces of certain things. We are talking about roofs, outdoor furniture, and other tar-based structures. If you used to clean pigeon poop, you can tell that it is also very difficult to remove. In some areas, pigeon droppings can also clog eave troughs and gutters which is a huge nuisance to deal with.
3. Fire Risks
Although not common, pigeon nests that block chimneys or flues can lead to fire risk. The combination of acidity in its poop and some nesting materials can lead to a serious buildup of poisonous gases. Not to mention that it blocks the smoke from coming out of the chimney, things will go back to the house. This is one of the reasons why you must never let pigeons build their nests on your chimneys.
4. Food Contamination
In the farm or places in rural areas, pigeons can contaminate food of humans and livestock with their droppings. Without a proper wash, especially for livestock, the contaminated food can pose serious dangers upon consumption. Along with that, they can also damage the crops, plants, and produce simply by stepping on those. Oh, they don’t care. Pigeons will walk on plants if they want to, and this is why many farmers and gardeners hate them.
Conclusion
Pigeons are more like pests because they do not provide any benefits with their presence at all. This is why it is better to keep them away to avoid other mentioned problems above that they may cause. Just like all tips and tricks that I always share, the ones today are also humane and safe for them. Pigeons can be persistent sometimes, but my methods above will definitely work. I am sure that at least a few of them can repel pigeons from your home, so try them out.