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Pigeons are a determined bird, doggedly living near humans because of the ample food supply. These birds are indiscriminate eliminators of waste, leaving liquid splatters of dropping anywhere they travel. Their lack of concern for cleanliness extends into their everyday activities, and water contamination has been traced back to pigeon carcasses and feces in water towers near roosting sites. The waste from these birds, which are most commonly seen in urban areas, is very corrosive. Concrete, limestone and metal all suffer from the ill-effects of pigeon droppings. In cities, constant cleanup alone costs thousands of dollars.
Because of the homing ability of pigeons, there are difficulties with relocation. This species of bird was once used as a messenger between civilizations, finding their way over hundreds and thousands of miles. The only way to get rid of pigeons is to discourage them and prevent them from frequenting undesired locations. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, some proven to show more success than others. Information about pigeon trapping - analysis and methods for how to trap.
Unsuccessful methods of pigeon control deal mostly with predator fear. Plastic owls are a favorite of the public when, in reality, the fake predator appears as just that—fake. A pigeon will not be any more leery of an unmoving owl than it would an unmoving human. Pigeons are largely unaffected by unpleasant smells, though it has recently been proven that their homing ability is based on scent mapping and not electromagnetic fields. Sounds are another flop when it comes to pigeon control. Ultrasonic sound emitters may very well produce noises humans can't hear, but rarely are those sounds ‘annoying' to birds. If a pigeon can put up with all the noise congestion in a busy city, some random sounds from an ultrasonic radio aren't going to bother it.
The most practical ways to get rid of pigeons is to convince them that they do not or cannot stay near your home or business. Any ledge can be a roosting site. By installing pigeon nets, bird spikes or electric shockers, pigeons will be less inclined to settle on those surfaces. Nets and spikes prevent roosting all together. Electric strips may be difficult to install at higher locations, but many brands offer solar power and require little maintenance. Electric strips do require more attention than netting and are often more expensive. If your building has smaller sections of roof, bird “spiders” are useful instruments. The wire device resembles a sprinkler in design with thin lines of arced metal extending outward from a central location. These wires are loose and are not strong enough to support the weight of a bird.
Information about how to keep pigeons away - prevention techniques.
There is something to be said for determination, too. Even though most scare tactics do not work on pigeons, harassment techniques can prove beneficial if done frequently and without fail. If pigeons have taken over your yard, letting your dog out will chase them away. Yes, they will come back when the dog is gone, but if this scenario is repeated often enough the pigeons will learn that your yard is not the easiest place to visit. When it comes to opportunistic birds, life is all about easy.
Some towns and cities have experimented with employing the use of falcons to control pigeon populations. The benefit to using birds of prey is that they often keep the pigeons moving, preventing any one roosting area to become long-term. Unfortunately, falcons cannot eliminate a large enough number of the nuisance birds to make a noticeable difference without becoming a nuisance bird themselves.
Pigeons are products of their environment. If they were not deliberately fed in parks and on streets a decline in their nuisance behaviors would be seen. These birds can live on naturally occurring food sources. Unfortunately, it is the poor sanitation habits of people that keep these animals desiring our leftovers. If pigeons have overrun your home, be sure that all garbage and compost is carefully disposed of. You may not be able to control the habits of the neighbors on your block, but you can make your house that much more uninviting by following good hygiene habits.

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email. Use an Ultrasonic Bird Repeller That Works. Our favorite option to remove and deter pigeons around.

More in-detail how-to pigeon removal articles:

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Information about how to kill a pigeon - with poison or other methods.
Information about how to catch a pigeon - remove one stuck in the house.
Information about pigeon repellent - analysis of types and effectiveness.
Pigeon Appearance: Pigeons are robust birds with short necks, usually gray in color with a faint iridescence to their feathers. They have a characteristic back and forth rhythm to their head. This bobbing is a mechanism that allows the birds to focus their vision and perceive depth. Pigeons have duplicate black bands on each wing, but the coloration on the main part of the body can vary. Their feet are suited for perching on ledges and high peaks. The beak of the pigeon is medium in both length and width, ideal for pulling apart bread, picking up small food pieces, or fishing spiders out of cracks.
Pigeon Habitat and Behavior: Pigeons are most often seen in cities. This habitat preference is largely due to the surplus of food available and the high roosting opportunities. Pigeons are fond of the water towers on tall buildings, often building messy nests on the rim. For this reason, most cities require water towers be completely sealed to prevent the birds or their waste from contaminating the water supply. A pigeon will nest almost anywhere and will often do so with many others of its kind. A roost can be made atop any vertical surface. Pigeons are known in invade gutters, ducts, air conditioners, attics, warehouses, and drains. They are not overly concerned with sanitary conditions and will utilize any vertical object in any location for their purposes.
Pigeons are also very food-driven. This problem has been made serious by the continued, deliberate feeding of the birds in urban areas. The birds have little fear of humans and will often converge around people in parks and near restaurants. Pigeon feeding is a common hobby of many city-goers, yet another reason for the lack of caution around humans.
Egg laying can take place as often as every other month. Courtship between the male and the female is brief, and the resulting egg clutch usually only contains two eggs. An abundance of pigeons will result in quick overpopulation, regardless of how many eggs are laid per pair. Some cites have sought population control by replacing viable eggs with fake or unfertilized eggs. This tactic may be effective short-term, but pigeons will lay another clutch once the original appears unproductive.

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Pigeon Diet: Pigeons will scavenge for almost any type of grain-based food source. The habit of city restaurants discarding stale bread into parks increases the role this type of food plays in the pigeon diet. In nature, the birds eat insects, berries, seeds, grains, and spiders.
Pigeon Nuisance Concerns: Pigeons are not as bold as some species of birds adapted to living off human leftovers. The major concern when it comes to this species centers on its roosting habits. Pigeons most often roost in number. They are not a sanitary bird, often eliminating waste in their own nests, and living on top of the bodies of their own kind. Pigeon waste is caustic and will do permanent damage to stone and concrete. In many cities, water contamination due to pigeons and their droppings has been a major concern. Because these birds pool around areas with a high opportunity for food (such as restaurants), there is a logical concern for public health.
Pigeon Diseases: The most common zoonotic disease associated with pigeons is called histoplasmosis. This disease is caused by a fungal infection facilitated by the dried powder of pigeon feces. People with compromised immune systems should also be wary of cryptococcosis, another fungal infection affecting only those without healthy defenses. Psittacosis, more commonly transmitted by exotic birds, has been reported in larger cities. These illnesses present with flu-like symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment difficult unless the disease is well underway.
This site is intended to provide pigeon education and information, so that you can make an informed decision if you need to deal with a pigeon problem. This site provides many pigeon control articles and strategies, if you wish to attempt to solve the problem yourself. If you are unable to do so, which is likely with many cases of pigeon removal, please go to the home page and click the USA map, where I have wildlife removal experts listed in over 500 cites and towns, who can properly help you with your nuisance pigeon.
Read more about pigeons in my educational articles. Learn about using Sound Repellants, and the symptoms of a sick Pigeon. Learn about pigeon shock track, what to do about pigeons in the Chimney and if rice or alka-seltzer will kill a pigeon. Find out if you should relocate or poison a pigeon, and if a pest control company will remove a pigeon. Learn the kinds of noises and sounds and about the pigeon's mating habits. Read about pigeon needle strips and if the city or county animal services will help with a pigeon issue. Learn if your homeowners insurance will pay for pigeon damage, and the areas of your house that a pigeon can enter through.
Read my best advice about how to use One-Way Exclusion Funnels to remove pigeons from your home, and what to do about pigeons in your chimney. Learn what to do with a pigeon after you catch it and how to keep pigeons out of a barn. Read whether or not you should ever feed pigeons and if pigeon feces are dangerous to touch or breathe. Learn about the best material to exclude pigeons, what to do when a pigeon Enters Your Home, the Diseases Pigeons Carry, and if Repellents will get pigeons out of your attic.

Need to hire an exterminator? Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area.

How to get rid of pigeons when these birds are iconic messengers of peace and purity?

Picture a kindly old gentleman sitting on a bench in a city park, tossing crumbs to a patient flock of birds as they gather, awaiting their handout. The pigeons coo and waddle and peck at the ground looking for treats.

Now, think about the statues in that same “any park”, the benches, the trees, and picture the mess left behind by those same pigeons. Not so peaceful and pure now, eh? In fact, they are pretty disgusting. Your car agrees as well.

Note: This is a comprehensive guide. Short on time? Skip straight to the removal and deterrent methods.

Are Pigeons a True Pest Problem?

People have a very good reason to want to learn how to get rid of pigeons. While some question the morality of it all, pieons are pests. Here is why:

• The fine-feathered rabble-rousers move in and take over all sorts of property.
• You can find them deep within cities and all the way out to some suburban areas.
• They are prolific breeders. So, where you see a few, there are sure to be many more.

Photo Credit: Geraint Rowland

• Pigeons are fairly dirty birds. They carry a host of diseases and parasites (although they are not, as once thought, carriers of the West Nile Virus).
• Pigeons do carry the threat of disease, and that should be of concern, especially in areas where these birds frequent and children play.
• As we all know, they leave pounds of droppings each year.

The Legal Way to Get Rid of Pesky and Pervasive Pigeons

So, what can you do about these pesky fowl? And how to get rid of pigeons to safeguard your home, balcony, patio, car, and just about anything they can destroy?

There are many ways to eradicate pigeons from your home, or, at least, deter them and route their flight elsewhere. Most homeowners and apartment dwellers prefer a more humane approach to removing pigeons from the immediate area. There are several successful methods which will accomplish the task.

Remember, it’s illegal in all states to shoot a wild or nesting bird, no matter how much of a nuisance they become. You may not use a pellet gun or any other weapons, no matter how seemingly benign. These codes are strictly enforced and you don’t want to run “a-fowl” of the law.

How to Get Rid of Pigeons and Why

Pigeons Threat Your Property

• Pigeon droppings are disgusting, to say the least.
• Their feces can attract vermin, such as mice, rats, and flies.
• Because it is highly acidic, pigeon poop will stain, and possibly eat away the underlying surface.
• The caustic nature of pigeon droppings has caused significant damage to roofs, especially tar-based structures, and has been known to cut the roof life in half in some cases.
• The droppings can cause a huge mess to your apartment balcony and patio, staining and threatening the surfaces of your outdoor furniture.
• The acidic quality of pigeon droppings can eat away at your car’s paint, causing significant and costly damage to your automobile.
• Anyone who’s ever dealt with pigeon “poop” on their car, home, or clothing, can tell you that it’s difficult to remove.
• Tar-like and heavy, pigeon droppings are not like any other bird waste.
• The durable dung keeps their nests intact for the nesting season. In short, their droppings act as a binding agent, much like mortar to bricks.
• In addition to the threat to your home and car from droppings, the heavy, end-of-season pigeon nests have been known to clog gutters and eaves troughs.
• Droppings can also cause water build-up and degradations to your roof and eaves.
• They can damage an apartment or place of business by creating unsightly damage through droppings and pecking around window sills.

Pigeons Damage Your Landscape

Living in the city provides little opportunity for landscaping or vegetable gardening. But if you’re fortunate enough to have either, you’ll need to find a way to discourage pigeons from damaging your plants and produce.

• Although pigeons are not your normal garden pest, they will, given the chance, cause just enough distress.
• You’ll need to take steps to protect your garden, landscaping, and any patio plants you may have.

Pigeons Disrupt Your Micro Eco-System

Often referred to as “bully birds” pigeons don’t have the best manners when it comes to sharing. Everyone who’s ever filled a bird feeder knows that somewhere nearby lurks a squirrel ready to spread the word that the free buffet is now open.

• If that bird feeder is anywhere near a pigeon stronghold, the squirrels should better get in line.
• No matter the seed-type or feed-type, from wild bird seed to suet, to breadcrumbs, pigeons will eat it all.

Everyone who’s had the pleasure of observing a fully stocked bird feeder knows that there are “bully birds” among patrons of the feeder. Crows, blackbirds, grackles and pigeons are the biggest offenders.

• Not only will they pilfer your feeder, they’ll scare off the smaller birds.

Keep the peace by keeping bullies away from your bird feeder altogether.

How to Deter Pigeons from Your Home

For those who live in a large urban area, the threat of pigeons is constant. There’s little more you can do than simply discourage their presence.

At-Hand Solutions to Scare Off and Repel Pigeons

• The first and easiest way to discourage pigeons from your patio, deck, or balcony, is to fasten a wind-chime.
• Other pigeon deterrents include aluminum foil pan, Mylar-type balloon, or regular balloons. Poke a hole in your aluminum foil pan and fasten to your balcony railing by string.
• Try tying a Mylar balloon to your patio table.
• A decoy owl or hawk, or some shiny rubber snakes can also scare the pigeons away. Prop the owl in the corner of your balcony, where it will be visible to the pigeons, or scatter some rubber snakes in the vicinity of your porch. Most garden centers and big-box stores carry the owls and snakes for this purpose.
• You may consider anti-roosting spikes. These spikes are available at most home and garden centers, or hardware stores. They can be attached anywhere the birds roost and discourage pigeon perching by creating an “unperchable” environment. If you live in the city, you’ve likely seen these spikes on commercial and municipal buildings. They aren’t cheap and installation takes some time, but they are a sure-fire deterrent and will continue to be so for years to come.
• Commercial gel-repellent also works well, especially if you’re a renter and can’t install a more permanent solution. This gel gives your solid surface a sticky, slippery, or tacky layer. This makes it impossible for the pesky perpetrator to perch. He will move to another location. As weather and wind take their toll on the gel, you will find it necessary to reapply every few weeks to months. Make sure the product you use is environmentally safe.

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How to Deter Pigeons from Your Balcony

• For a balcony rail that attracts pigeons, a simple and low-cost option is to attach a child’s coiled “slinky” type toy along the top. The barrier of the coils, wrapped around the railing, prevent the bird from finding a comfortable spot.
• Another way to keep these feathered invaders from setting up camp on your balcony or porch is by creating a barrier. By using weather-proof string, you can prevent the birds from finding any negotiable way onto your balcony. Tie the string an inch or so above your balcony rail and pigeons will have a difficult time gaining a foothold on your rail.
• Affix mesh screen along the inside of your railing to prevent entry onto your porch or balcony.

How to Get Rid of Pigeons from Your Suburban Property

For homeowners in pigeon-heavy areas, you have a special set of circumstances.

Not only will these dirty birds cause distress by relieving themselves on every surface around your home, but these fearless fowl can annoy and aggravate by vandalizing your garden, pilfering your feeders, making a mess of your birdbath, outdoor fountain, and any statuary or yard display you may have.

Your roof, soffits, gables, and eaves will also suffer if these nuisance birds are left to their own device.

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Common Pigeon Deterring Methods

Scrutinize your property for pigeon-friendly places. Soffits, vents and large gaps up high are instinctively inviting for pigeons to establish a nest and start a family. Once there, it will be difficult to relocate your happy homesteaders. They have long memories and will utilize a roosting site for generations.

Easy Solutions

• Use a fine-mesh screen over chimneys, attic vents, soffits, and open areas near your roofline.
• Check gutters and eaves frequently and consider commercial installation of gutter coverings.
• For sheds and outbuildings, consider bird netting, sold at garden centers, to keep pigeons out. The netting is also a great way to protect your garden from pigeons and many other pests.
• Keeping pigeons from taking over your statuary and yard ornaments, fountains and bird bath, you can utilize the Mylar balloon, owl, or snake method. Eventually, the birds will recognize the “fake” snakes and owls as such. They may resume their appropriation of your yard decor, patio, picnic table, and the like.
• Changing where you place these scare-tactic items can ensure pigeons are properly discouraged for a time. Wind-chimes are handy for startling the birds, but you can’t always count on a breezy day.
• Keep your trash enclosed and make sure there’s no food scraps left around.
• Put things in order after outdoor parties and gatherings where food is served.
• Clean your barbecue grill after each use.
• Feed pets indoors.

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Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pigeons

Organic, homemade deterrents are usually pretty effective.

• Place “pomanders” of strong spices, such as chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and cinnamon around your patio and exterior window sills, or wherever pigeons tend to gather.
• You can take a generous amount of these spices and wrap them in cheesecloth.
• Alternatively, simply sprinkle the spices along railings and sills. You’ll need to replenish frequently, but spicing up your area tends to be fairly effective in discouraging pigeons.
• Make anti-pigeon spray mixing chili powder, water, and vinegar and spray around the areas where pigeons gather the most.
• You can also try a motion-activated sprinkle in your garden or front lawn that can scare pigeons away when they approach.

Ultrasonic Devices

Some homeowners who are particularly bothered by pigeons resort to ultrasonic devices. This method employs ultrasound technology to create a sort of sonic “net” which confuses and confounds the birds. This causes them to want to get away as fast as they can.

Ultrasonic devices are so thoroughly successful that commercial buildings throughout the agriculture business utilize the method. Relatively new to the home market, an ultrasonic device can be hard to find.

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How to Get Rid of Pigeons from Your Business: Re-routing

Nothing is more aggravating to both business owners and their clientele than having to navigate around pesky pigeons. The mess they make can be extremely off-putting, to say the least. Pigeon droppings and discards are disgusting. If your patrons need to worry about the condition of your store or warehouse showroom, they may think twice before doing business with you.

How To Pigeon-Proof Your Store or Warehouse

• Consider installing roosting spikes around any ledges near your roof or upper story. If you have an awning, make sure to shore-up any openings and provide a barrier against intruders.
• Especially in warehouses, make sure vented windows and ceilings are screened to prevent pigeons from entering and setting up house. Warehouse ceiling provide the perfect height for instinctual roosting.
• Ultrasonic devices provide an ideal way to avert the intruders with the least amount of disruption to your business. Commercial sound deterrents are designed with warehouses in mind. Commercial pest control specialists are your best source for these items.
• Consider barbed wire along sills and ledges, and porcupine wire in ceiling joists and fans.

If your store or warehouse is in a city, and has been around a while, employing no successful way of deterring pigeons, you may have your work cut out for you. Aggressively rerouting the birds is time-consuming and may try your patience. However, with dedication and diligence, rehoming these birds can be accomplished. Employ a variety of all of these methods.

No Solution is Absolute

Short of lethally harming or exterminating pigeons, there is no sure-fire way to get rid of them. Remember, these birds have likely homed somewhere nearby for many years. They exist on just about anything for sustenance and they are year-round breeders.

Your best bet is to employ these methods of discouraging pigeons from roosting near your home or business. Dissuading these city pests is your only sure way of preventing the damage they unleash on you and your property.

Cleaning Up the Pigeons’ Mess

If pigeons have trashed your porch, patio or balcony, you can’t simply hose-away the mess. Because of the bacteria and fungi inherent in pigeon excrement, you’ll need to thoroughly remove their droppings and nests, using a proper method.

• First, wearing a mask and gloves, remove the initial debris and throw the nests away. (This is not something your child should take to school for “show-and-tell”!).
• Then sweep off any surface where pigeon debris has gathered.
• Use a strong antibacterial cleaner, or, where appropriate, chlorine bleach (with great care) to scrub the area.
• If permitted, use a hose to remove the cleaner.
• Make sure the area is free from any caustic properties, such as in the use of chlorine bleach.

If your building or apartment community doesn’t allow the use of a hose on your balcony, inquire with management on how to remove pigeon debris. There are many professional cleaning services who perform this task regularly.

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Points to Consider

Lastly, remember there are over 300 different members of the pigeon family. From desert doves, to rock doves to mourning doves, to the more common city version, the rock pigeon, these birds have laid claim to the area around your home for centuries. Their instincts and long memories have them returning to their home again and again. Changing their pattern won’t happen overnight, but your resilience will eventually pay off.

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Now tell us how do you get rid of pigeons? Do you have other means you employ?

Need to hire an exterminator? Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area.

Why should I get rid of pigeons?

Besides the fact that they are prolific breeders that make a huge mess, they carry parasites and diseases that endanger people (children being particularly vulnerable).

Is it legal to shoot pigeons off my property?

It is illegal in all states to shoot a wild or nesting bird. You may not use a pellet gun or any other weapons, no matter how seemingly benign.

How do I remove pigeons from my property?

Some of the most common methods include
1. Fasten a wind-chime, aluminum foil pan, a Mylar-type balloon, or regular balloons.
2. Use a decoy owl or hawk, or shiny rubber snakes to scare away the pigeons.
3. Use anti-roosting spikes.
4. Use commercial gel repellent.
5. Attach a child’s coiled “slinky” toy along your balcony railing.
6. Use a weather-proof string to create a barrier for your balcony.
7. Fix mesh screen along the inside of your railing to prevent entry onto your porch or balcony.
8. Use motion-activated sprinklers for your front lawn/yard to scare the pigeons away.
9. Use ultrasonic devices.
10. Try homemade organic deterrents for your home and garden.

What home remedies help get rid of pigeons?

Homemade repellents include mixtures and sprays based on chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, and vinegar.

What does scare pigeons away?

1. Ultrasonic bird repellents.
2. Automatic water jets for bird discouragement.
3. Fake predators.
4. Bird-repellent gel.
5. Pungent smelling home remedies.