It should be clear that pigeons are not protected animals. Thus, just like how "normal and right" it is for people to kill pest rats and mice, pigeon killing is also permitted by the state. These birds even earned the labelled as "rats with wings" which only emphasizes just how troublesome these birds have become. While the idea of having hundreds or thousands of pigeons in a park may seem alluring, the reality behind this picturesque scene is the fact that these birds can cause damages both to our health and to our properties.
Although the problem with pigeons is mostly related to their population and is generally a problem to the entire community and not just to a single household, individuals are still advised to participate in pigeon control in order to mitigate the effects of their habitation. Anyway, when a pair of pigeons finds your place suitable for nesting, it will be quite difficult to persuade them not proceed with what they want to do. In the end, you will also have your own personal share of pigeon-related problems. Thus, it is important that you pigeon-proof your house, most especially if pigeons are already habituating in your community.
You need to understand how pigeons behave in order to make your pigeon-proofing measures work. For example, the basic knowledge that these birds prefer to live in high areas will immediately give you a hint that they will most likely nest in your attic, ledger, rafter or awning. Having known this, you will already realize that you need to make these areas in your house inhabitable to pigeons by installing seal fillers, plates or screens. Apart from physically pigeon-proofing your house, you can also use tactile repellents which are quite effective in discouraging pigeons from landing on specific places in your house (i.e. your roof, porch, etc.). Examples of these repellents are:
1. Anti-Roosting Spikes - Call it deliberate and desperate but these spikes are actually very effective keeping the pigeons away. These spikes are simply fitted into some portions of the area which the pigeons land. Pigeons avoid these spikes because it can hurt them. However, the problem with this method is that it also makes that area inhabitable by other animals like your pet dog or cat. But that will not be much of a problem if you placed it somewhere high (like in your roof).
2. Chemical repellents - These chemical repellents are not meant to harm the birds. All that it does is it makes the surface on which the pigeon is supposed to land sticky. The chemical can also inflict pain to the bird once its feet touched a treated surface. These specialized chemical solvents are widely used in pigeon control because it is very easy to use.
3. Surface modification - Pigeons like to land on the top of buildings because of one reason: the top of these buildings are flat. Pigeons prefer to be on surfaces which allow them to move easily. Thus, you can actually make pigeons less attracted to come in your place if you modify the surfaces on which they perch.
4. Other Methods - You can use your creative mind to think of other ways to prevent pigeons from nesting in your house. You can actually hot-wire your fences to electrocute the birds (although this method may harm non-targets) or you can purchase an automated sprinkler control that turns on when pigeons land on your lawn.
Additional Tips:
1. One of the surest ways to lure pigeons into your house is feeding them. By all means, do not give these birds anything to eat, not unless you are ready for the repercussions.
Do not feed the pigeons!!! ;-)
2. You can make use of the natural predators of pigeons to scare them away from your property. One of the more prominent birds that feed on pigeons is the Red-tail hawk. Legal laws allow you to take a Red-tail Hawk at home as a pet. You can use this to your advantage and have your very own pigeon guard at home.
3. Pigeons and other pest birds usually nest on top of air conditioning units because these surfaces are warm and their nests are also difficult to spot when built on these surfaces. To prevent this from happening, you can actually use PVC panels and have them installed to serve as a barricade to your air conditioning unit.
People now refer to pigeons as "flying rats" for a good reason. These birds are actually quite difficult to drive away just like rats that there are instances when the problem with pigeons becomes too complex and difficult for non-professionals to handle. It is still most advisable for homeowners to commission the help of professionals whenever such situations arise. These are the same professionals who keep airports, schools, commercial centers and other significant infrastructures pigeon-free. Of course, a professional's service can be a little bit costly, but the added value of having a house that is free from pigeons can definitely outweigh whatever hesitation that you have about spending money on pigeon control. Nevertheless, just so you can make the most of the money that you will invest on pigeon control, try to find a professional pest control service provider or contractor who will offer quality services for a reasonable cost.
