Get Rid of Pigeons

Pigeon droppings deface many roofs, monuments, and public spaces. The uric acid (white material) in their droppings is not just unsightly; it can damage the finish on buildings, automobiles, etc. When birds occupy warehouses and defecate on stored goods, this creates an expensive problem for the warehouse management when their customers (retailers) refuse to accept contaminated goods. This article provides different methods for you to consider using, depending on your particular context.

Steps

 * 1) Exclude pigeons from entering spaces to prevent the situation from happening in the first place. Make sure that all attic and soffit vents are properly screened to keep birds and other animals out. Some of the things to do immediately include:
 * 2) *Filling large openings and doors with heavy door curtains of plastic strip to discourage entry. If they do get inside, pigeons can be discouraged from roosting on ledges and light fixtures by creating sloping surfaces over the flat surface.
 * 3) *Sealing the edges of places where birds nest, using hardware cloth and silicon caulk or plastic bird netting. In large open structures, like barns and warehouses, close off the space above the rafters where pigeons roost and nest with industrial bird netting.
 * 4) *Tuck netting under places where they nest.
 * 5) *Use string tied from one end of another where the pigeons seem to like to roost, to prevent them from being able to balance anywhere, so they cannot roost. Use weatherproof string.
 * 6) Use anti-roosting spike strips that you can attach to just about any place that a bird might want to perch on, like house roofs. Buy these at the hardware store or garden centers. Attach according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 * 7) Try using sticky chemicals that make it very uncomfortable for birds to perch on it. Once sprayed, they will stay away. Buy these chemicals at places that sell pest control products. Use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 * 8) Eliminate pigeons using ultrasonic devices, if you find it difficult to get rid of them any other way. These devices have been found to work well in lofts or high ceilings of warehouses, dry-docks or other large indoor areas that have high spaces.
 * 9) Avoid feeding pigeons under any circumstances. Do not make your home or area a place where pigeons get fed. Never feed them, or allow bird feeders to remain on your property.
 * 10) *Contact the local municipality for help if someone starts to feed pigeons near your residence or business.
 * 11) Spray pigeons with water from a garden hose. Pigeons won't appreciate the force or concentration of the water being targeted at them. You will need to spray them consistently, however, so that they get used to your building being the one to "stay away from"!
 * 12) Use reflective features. While these may not work long-term, it is worth trying to install reflective tape, noise devices or foil balloons and try to scare away the pigeons. In tandem with one of the other measures, these short-term scaring devices might enable you to get in the heavy-duty pigeon deterrents.
 * 13) Try scaring away the pigeons with a bang. A low-tech method is to buy some party snaps from a party favors/joke store and to place them in the area where pigeons are likely to land. When the pigeons land, the snaps will explode.
 * 14) *If you're deterring pigeons from a relatively small area, this can be very effective.
 * 15) *Snaps are harmless and safe around children.
 * 16) Use predator birds to frighten off the pigeons. Unless you own a real bird of prey though, you'll have to resort to plastic or concrete statues of owls or hawks. Place them where the pigeons usually roost. Note that these may not work, however, once the pigeons grow used to the presence of the mute and unmoving statue.
 * 17) Try spices. Pigeons don't like spices. Sprinkle cayenne pepper, cinnamon, pepper, etc., where they usually roost. Be generous and repeat after wet weather.

Tips

 * Pigeons are intelligent, and have a powerful drive to return home. If you can reach them, they are easily caught in the dark, but removed pigeons cannot be released at any distance: They will come back unless they are established in a new home by "locking them in" until they raise babies in the new location.
 * There is no magic spray or device that can make pigeon just go away.
 * If the problem gets severe, consider calling in a professional to get rid of them for you.
 * You may not like the idea of shooting animals, but if you're serious about getting rid of pigeons, you should consider it. The lack of fear pigeons seem to exhibit around humans makes them easy targets, requiring little more than a small caliber rifle like a .22. An air rifle works really well also.   Be prepared with a trash bag or the blood will cause a large mess. Since pigeons are an invasive species of bird, and are considered pests in many states, laws usually do not restrict the extermination of pigeons. However, you may want to consult your local law enforcement center for information about firearms laws in your township or district. The direct control of pigeons with guns is particularly effective in rural areas where pigeon populations are lowest. Always use humane methods and do not cause pain.
 * Remember, don't hurt pigeons needlessly. They're living creatures.
 * If you can't beat them, harvest them. Squab was one of the primary meat staples of human diet until the 20th century when confinement chicken farming replaced them. That's where all these pigeons came from! They escaped or were turned loose from farms raising them for meat. Birds are best harvested when they are nearly full size but still on the nest. They taste like Cornish hens.
 * Feral Rock Doves (City Pigeons) are probably not the best to eat as they can build up resistances to poisons, and can potentially carry lethal amounts in their bodies, as well as high volumes of lead due to their eating habits.

Related

 * How to Get Rid of Birds
 * How to Tame Pigeons to Be out of Cage Permanently
 * How to Get Rid of Ants
 * How to Eat Dove or Pigeon
 * How to Appreciate Pigeons
 * How to Get Rid of Groundhogs
 * How to Get Rid of Garden Slugs
 * How to Get Rid of Raccoons