Pigeon Control

Begin looking into pigeon proofing. Exclusion, or pigeon proofing, is the most effective means of pigeon control. It involves the installation of bird netting, pigeon spikes, bird wires, electric tracks or wiring, ledge modification (giving flat ledges a 45- to 60-degree angle), or any other physical barrier between your property and pigeons. Which route should you take? That depends very much on your property and situation. All are a bit pricey and require some expertise to install, but if you're constantly having pigeon problems, this will save you time and money in the long run. If you're going to hire a pest control firm, make sure they are experienced with pigeons and are willing to guarantee their work.

Disturb the nests and break the eggs. Messing with nests works for pest birds of all kinds. Get yourself a long pole (tent pole, tree branch, roof rake, etc.) and give those nests the business. Scramble it all up and break some eggs. Harassment is probably just a temporary solution. Pigeons are stubborn, especially if they've been roosting for awhile. You'll need to attack the nests every two weeks to keep the birds from producing young. They'll eventually flee your property, but unless you employ some of the other pigeon control methods found in this article, new birds may try to claim this obviously pigeon-friendly niche.

Use pigeon repellents. Applying pigeon repellent to the places birds like to roost or loaf will keep them away for a time. These products—available in liquid and gel form—are either sticky or soft, and some contain capsaicin (the hot in hot peppers). The bottom line is that bird pests avoid treated areas. However, there are a few downsides. While less expensive, they are not as long lasting as pigeon spikes or bird netting, and some of the sticky products collect dirt and melt away in hot weather. Bird Off, Bird X Bird Proof, and 4 the Birds are popular brands.

Use live traps for pigeon control. Trapping is a highly recommended form of pigeon control. Most experts recommend the bob-type pigeon traps (many different sizes), which have doors they can push in, but not out. Cracked corn and wheat work well as bait, and keeping a few decoys birds inside will speed things along. Pigeons are known for their uncanny homing ability, so you won't be able to release them across the street or even fifty miles away. They'll just fly back. It's best to call in an expert to humanely dispose of the birds (kill them). Whatever you do, never put a cage full of pigeons in your home or car, unless you're fond of ticks and lice.

Deny pigeons easy access to food and water. Though pigeons can fly great distances for a meal, they're more likely to roost where food and water is plentiful. Pigeons prefer grains and greens, but they'll eat a month-old cheeseburger, too. Secure those garbage cans. Use pigeon proof bird feeders (cage or tube feeders). Install a motion sensing sprinkler near your garden. Curse that bird lady. Drain that standing water. Fill in that low spot. Fix your leaky air conditioner. Take a moment to observe the birds to find out what they are after, and remove it from the equation.

Control pigeons with bullets. If you're dealing with a small number of birds—and you're in an area where using a firearm is safe and legal—you can shoot pigeons. They are not protected birds. A nice .22 [caliber] with bird shot will work, as will a shotgun. If there is a large pigeon population in the area, it will be a waste of time and money unless you work toward pigeon proofing. Your cold steel cannot outpace the breeding capacity of pigeons.

Be safe. Pigeons harbor lice, ticks, mites, and fleas, and they can carry and transmit a host of diseases. While the danger posed by these diseases is often overstated, err on the side of safety. If you're working in an enclosed area that was infested by birds, wear a respirator, gloves, and goggles.