When considering how to get rid of pigeons, it’s worthwhile remembering that these birds, although they may be classified as birds and some believe them to be stunning wildlife, these animals are vermin, and they are most definitely not clean birds. They spread diseases and can quite frankly be a complete nuisance. They can be destructive to your property and garden area and harbor other vermin and pest species that can be pretty challenging to eradicate.
How To Get Rid Of Pigeons
Are you feeling the strain of having pigeons roosting on your roof, attic, or drain pipes? Do you wish there was a way to get rid of them without hurting them? There are a few ways to get rid of pesky birds from nesting on your property. Even though they might be entertaining to watch, their droppings harm humans and other animals. And what’s more, these methods will not harm the pigeons in any way, allowing them to live a happy life somewhere away from your home!
Use Anti-Roosting Spike Strips
You can install anti-roosting spike strips almost anywhere you want to rid pigeons of and that they might mistake for a nesting area. You can buy them at most garden centers or hardware stores. Put them together using the manufacturer’s instructions, and you have a simple, effective way to prevent birds from landing on your roof.
Another option is to use a “slinky” toy, the ones that concertina down the stairs. They can be bought at a reasonable price online or at any toy store. All you need to do with this is, spread it across the surface of a balcony or window ledge with each coil not more than 1½ inches (3.8 cm) apart and wire it down, or secure it with duct tape every 1.7 cm. Birds will not like this springy surface, and it will be uncomfortable for them to nest on.
Putting String In Place At Popular Roosting Areas
Tie the string from one end of the area to the other. About 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the surface of the perching spot is ideal. It will make any bird lose their balance and prevent them from staying in that area too long, and they certainly won’t want to nest there.
How To Get Rid Of Pigeons On Roof
Install Sloped Sheathing
One great way to get rid of pigeons is to use sheathing made of metal, PVC, and plywood. When placed in a sloping position, they will provide a slippery surface that pigeons cannot use for nesting. When you buy sheathing products, they will have three sheaths forming a right triangle. The base should fit nicely into any flat roosting area. Place it on eaves, window sills, ledges, and other flat areas that pigeons may find appealing.
Never feed the pigeons or let them provide on your property. Eliminate any bird feeders to prevent pigeons from coming into your garden. They have excellent memories of where they can find food and will remember you as their provider.
You should also eliminate any other sources of food in your gardens. They include:
- Berries.
- Seeds.
- Even cat or dog food.
Don’t keep putting seeds on your grass if they won’t germinate. Controlling what you have in your yards will help you rid the pigeons and reduce the number that show up at your house. Once you have a few pigeons feeding around your home, it won’t take long for it to become out of hand.
Seal Off Any Entrances To The Inside Of Your House
Pigeons also like to nest inside houses. So, to prevent that from happening to you, you need to take some action. Block off all holes and entrances you would prefer not to be accessed. Some examples are:
- Filling gaps between the roof shingles or in the siding of your house.
- Cap your chimneys with stainless steel and mesh caps.
Pigeons tend to nest in vents. Install these caps to prevent them and other small animals from getting inside. Or hire a professional to seal your home. That is because trying to get rid of pigeons can be tricky. Not to mention that when you seal off their only entrance, you want to ensure that no animals are trapped inside.
How To Get Rid Of Pigeons – Scare Them Off
When you first see the birds, spray them with water from a hosepipe or sprinkler. Water will stop pigeons from flying as well as they like. Therefore, they do not like water being sprayed at them. It won’t hurt them, but it will hopefully prevent them from settling down on your property. However, if you wait until they set up home, it will be too late. So, it’s best to scare them off while you can. You can also place a pigeon scare on your roof. They are lightweight kites that take the place of hawks.
Pigeons don’t like hawks, and therefore they will be scared of going near your house. However, they will catch on and get used to the pigeon scare. Consequently, it works best when you re-position regularly. Another way to prevent them from roosting and scare them away is to place reflective surfaces on the roof of your house. It will reflect the sun’s light and shine into the sky, and the pigeons will see it, get irritated by the morning, and stay away from your home.
Kill Them
While I am not a gun person, it is always an option if you have the proper licenses and permits. One thing to consider, however, is that you will need to clean up the remains very quickly. Otherwise, you could be over-run with other infestations such as rats.
Conclusion
Pigeons can be a real pain if your home or garden becomes overrun with them. There are many ways you can learn how to get rid of pigeons, but it is far better to prevent them in the first place. They are an absolute menace and cause a lot of destruction so make sure you prepare your home and garden well with the handy tips we’ve given you in this article and save yourself a lot of hard work.
