Pigeons are often seen as pests, dirtying up buildings and parks with droppings. However, these birds can also be a nuisance for property owners and businesses. In addition to the mess they leave behind, pigeons can also damage roofs and ventilation systems with their nesting materials. As a result, many people want to find ways to keep these birds away from their homes and workplaces.
Here are some of the most popular methods to keep pigeons away:
Netting
Netting is one of the most effective ways to keep pigeons away from an area. It can be used to cover vents, ledges, and other areas where pigeons like to perch. The net creates an impenetrable barrier preventing birds from entering the area. It is also a humane solution, as it does not harm pigeons. Be sure to use heavy-duty netting so the pigeons cannot easily tear through it. You’ll also want to ensure that the netting is installed securely, so it doesn’t become a hazard for people or animals.
Scare Them Away with Noise
One of the simplest ways to keep pigeons away is to scare them with noise. You can use an air horn or whistle whenever you see a pigeon on your property. The noise will startle the bird and make it fly away. You can also use an automated machine that makes these noises on a timer. This will give the pigeons the impression that your property is constantly being patrolled and is not a safe place for them to roost.
You can also use ultrasonic deterrents. These deterrents emit high-frequency sound waves that are meant to startle and repel animals like pigeons. These devices can be purchased online or at most hardware stores and are relatively inexpensive. Simply place the deterrent near areas where pigeons tend to congregate, and they should stay away.
Use Decoys/ Scarecrows
You can also use decoys to keep pigeons away. These can be anything from plastic owls to mechanical devices that make noises and move around. The idea is to make your property seem less inviting to these birds by making them think there are predators nearby. You can purchase these decoys at most hardware stores or online retailers.
Cover Their Food Sources
Any farmer will tell you that keeping pigeons away from barns is a never-ending battle. These pesky birds are always looking for an easy meal, and they’re not above raiding a barn to find it.
One of the best methods for keeping pigeons away from barns is to cover their food sources, such as grain storage bins and feeders. Doing so can make it more difficult for pigeons to access the food and hopefully deter them from hanging around the barn.
If you have an outdoor eating area, ensure all garbage cans are covered tightly with lids. You may also want to consider hanging bird feeders out of the reach of pigeons or using special bird feeders with small openings that only smaller birds can access.
Use Repellents
There are various repellents that can be used to keep pigeons away from an area. Many of these repellents work by emitting an unpleasant smell or taste that birds don’t like; others work by making surfaces slippery so that birds can’t land on them. You can purchase repellents online or at most hardware stores; just be sure to follow the instructions carefully when applying them.
Remove Their Nesting Sites
If there are already pigeons in your area, one of the best things you can do is remove their nesting sites. This won’t make them leave immediately, but it will encourage them to find somewhere else to nest eventually. Check your property for potential nesting sites, such as ledges, gutters, trees, and bushes. If you find any, make sure they’re cleaned out regularly so that pigeons can’t use them again in the future.
Use Anti-Roosting Spikes
Anti-roosting spikes are a physical barrier that pigeons can’t cross. They can be installed on ledges, gutters, trees, and other surfaces where pigeons like to roost. These spikes won’t hurt the birds but will make it impossible for them to land or nest on your property.
Use Reflective Material
Pigeons don’t like bright, reflective surfaces. You can use this to your advantage by covering ledges and other potential roosting sites with materials that reflect light, such as foil or mirrors. The reflection will scare the birds away and discourage them from coming back.
Falconry
If you have a serious pigeon problem, you may want to consider hiring a falconer. Falcons are natural predators of pigeons and can help keep the birds away from your property. This is a more expensive option, but it may be worth it if you can’t get rid of the pigeons using other methods.
Conclusion
These are just some of the ways that you can keep pigeons away from your property. If you’re having trouble with these birds, try out one of these methods and see if it works for you.
Pigeon control is an important issue for many people. These birds can carry diseases and cause damage to buildings and property.