How to Get Rid of Pigeons

Launceston is a city just north of the state of Tasmania, Australia, at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. It is the second largest city in Tasmania with a population of over 100,000 people. The city recently sought advice on how to get rid of pigeons. A recent pigeon plague across inner Launceston rooftops created a smelly mess, cost local businesses thousands and threatened to potentially spread serious diseases.
The pigeons made their nests in some of the city's landmark buildings, including the old gasworks, the Telstra tower, and several of the city's historic banks and government institutions.

Some referred to the putrid pigeon infestation as a major nuisance and potentially toxic. The problem got so bad that one office was forced to close while hundreds of pigeons and their chicks were destroyed as the building's roof cavity was cleared and cleaned. Clearly, something had to be done to get rid of the pigeons.

Business owners noted that the pigeon problem was worse than dealing with rats. People were warned not to feed the pigeons to reduce the amount of droppings, which not only carry disease like salmonellosis, aspergillosis and histoplasmosis, but can create dangerous slip-and-fall liability for a business.

Commercial property owners demanded the problem be addressed. Some businesses had to move into temporary alternative workplaces in remote locales.  Other building owners spent thousands removing the pests. The roof of a former bank drew hundreds of pigeons. The bird droppings were knee deep and had to be pumped into a waste disposal truck. To get rid of pigeons, they had to cast a bird net over the entire roof and put up bird spikes. 

Bird netting works well to get rid of pigeons. For pigeons, a 1-1/8-inch mesh size is ideal. 
When installing netting on rooftops or other outdoor areas, U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof netting is best. One brand of bird proof netting currently being marketing is said to be able to withstand severe temperature extremes--from 250-degree Fahrenheit to "sub-zero" temperatures. Non-conductive netting is ideal for installations where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference could cause problems.

Another way to get rid of pigeons is to use bird spikes. These come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The spikes look threatening, but they won't harm birds or people. They have even been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).  Bird spikes are available in various sizes and colors. Thee stainless steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; their plastic counterparts come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. The plastic spikes are more economical, and they can be used near RF transmission equipment like cell phone antennas because they won't interfere with radiated energy. Bird spikes even come in a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

How to Prevent Pigeons from Nesting

by Alex A. Kecskes

Except for the polar ice caps, the ubiquitous pigeon (sometimes called rock dove) is just about everywhere on the planet. Feral pigeons live in close association with humans, yet they possess the characteristics of highly adapted wild birds. Pigeons typically feed on seeds but they can easily survive on vegetables, meat and other food discarded by humans. Nests are built by the female using material collected by the male.

If you want to keep pigeons from nesting on your property, you’ll have to eliminate their sources of food, water and shelter. When pigeons are on the lookout for places to nest, they’ll first make sure there’s plenty to eat for themselves and their young. If you own or manage a restaurant, particularly, an outdoor eatery, you’ll need to be ever vigilant about food scraps under tables, benches and chairs. The same holds true of dipsy-dumpsters--keep the lids closed and clean up any food around them. Also eliminate any sources of standing water left by sprinklers and maintenance crews.

In terms of shelter, feral pigeons often build their nests in hard-to-reach places, such as covered crevices along building ledges, in the nooks and crannies of building beams and rafters, or in other hidden-away places. Sometimes they’ll use very little nesting material and lay their eggs on bare ground. Nests are usually hard to find and often used over and over. Loose tiles and broken windows will give pigeons easy access to nesting spots. Pigeons are particularly fond of roof spaces, especially those that have open water tanks. In general, gutters, window air conditioners (in particular, empty air conditioner containment boxes), chimney pots and external ledges serve as ideal nesting sites.

There are a number of effective pigeon control measures you can implement to discourage pigeons from nesting in and around these areas. A few are listed below.

Bird Sonics. No pigeon alive wants to build a nest in the presence of Peregrine falcons—a pigeon’s natural enemy. That’s what Sonic Bird Deterrents rely on to discourage nesting. These bird-proofing devices emit predator and distress sounds that make pigeons very nervous. One sonic system emits distress and predator calls for up to 22 types of birds. You can select the “pigeon mode” and the system will broadcast sounds for 10 minutes, stop for 2 minutes and repeat the cycle.

The sounds emitted by the best sonic systems sound like normal bird sounds to the human ear. Look for systems that come with a built-in speaker and cover up to an acre of land. You should also be able to add speakers to cover larger areas. The best sonic systems use U.V. protected materials and are weatherproof. They can also be programmed to turn on/off at night.

In some locales, you may need to combine bird sonic deterrents with other pigeon control measures, which brings us to the king of bird deterrents.

Bird Spikes. Pigeons just can land in the presence of these spiked strips. They’re easily mounted on rooftops, parapet walls and ledges using glue, nails or screws. Bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or high strength, durable stainless steel. The more economical poly spikes are recommended for use around RF or cell phone antennas. These spikes also come in various colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear to blend in with their surroundings. When installing bird spikes, make sure to leave no gaps for birds to squeeze through.

Before installing any bird control device, clean the area thoroughly of bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Pigeons are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to reduce your exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. In some cases, it may be necessary to equip cleaning crews with PPE (Proper Protective Equipment) in the form of eye and respiratory protection.

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Get Rid of Pigeons with Pigeon Spikes

by Fran Prisco

Pigeons have become public enemy number one in many large cities.  They are in public parks, food courts, and landing or roosting on public buildings.  Each year governments and municipalities spend thousands of dollars cleaning up after and repairing damage caused by pigeons.  Pigeon droppings are acidic and can damage building materials as well as carry any of 60 different diseases.  Bird droppings are also slippery and a big cause of slip and fall accidents on sidewalks and building walkways.  It is important that the public feel protected from illness as well as physical harm when using public facilities.

To get rid of pigeons from public areas, the pigeon spike is the answer.  Pigeon spikes keep pest pigeons from landing and roosting on flat and curved surfaces such as roof ledges, windowsills even channel letters.  The best pigeon spikes come are made from polycarbonate plastic with built in U.V. protectors for long life.  They are manufactured in two-foot sections for easy and quick installation. 

Installing Pigeon Spikes

Before installing any type of bird control product or system, it is important to do a thorough clean up.  All debris and droppings left behind by the birds must be removed.  It may be necessary to power wash the area to remove bird droppings and other debris before installing the pigeon spikes.  A clean surface is needed in order for the spikes to adhere to the surface being treated when installing with adhesive.

Pigeon spikes are easily installed using glue, screws or tie downs.  When using glue, choose a construction grade adhesive that will keep the spikes in place regardless of weather or temperatures.  It is important that the entire surface be covered with the spikes.  If there is space of more than an inch in front of or behind the spikes, pigeons will be able to land and use the spikes to drop nesting materials and make nests. 

Once installed the pigeon spikes are virtually invisible and will not take away from the building aesthetics.  Pigeon spikes are practically maintenance free.  It is a good idea to inspect the spikes periodically to be sure there is not a build up of leaves or twigs in the spikes, or that they have not come loose. 

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How to Get Rid of Pigeons from Commercial Buildings

by Fran Prisco

Pigeons that are a pest in our cities and suburbs across the Nation are ancestors of the Rock Dove.  Rock Doves built their nests high on rock cliffs, very similar to our city buildings of today.  Pigeon nests are made up of loose twigs and other material that is found nearby.  Along with nesting material, pigeons also leave behind a mess with their droppings and molted feathers.  Each year building owners spend thousands to get rid of pigeons from their buildings.

Clean up First

Before installing any type of bird control system, it is important to do a thorough cleanup. It is best to power wash or spray bird droppings down and remove them while wet.  Dried bird droppings can cause dust which when breathed in may carry any of 60 plus communicable diseases.   Bird Droppings are also acidic and can quickly erode building and roofing materials, not to mention that they are a safety hazard on sidewalks, causing slip and fall accidents.

Bird Control Products to Get Rid of Pigeons:

Bird Spikes are probably the easiest to install and one of the most effective bird deterrents.    They are ideal for roof edges and peaks, parapet walls, windowsills and ledges.  Installing bird spikes is as easy and gluing or screwing onto the surface.  Be sure to cover the entire surface with bird spikes so that the pigeons do not have anywhere to land.  Once installed the spikes are virtually invisible and very easy to maintain. 

Electronic Bird Repellers are electrified track that give pigeons a small “jolt” when they touch the track.  They are easily installed on parapet walls, roof edges and peaks, ledges and even channel letters.  Install the track with an outdoor adhesive and connect to a solar or direct charger.  When the pigeons are “Zapped” by the electrical current running through the track, they will change their landing and roosting habits and find another more comfortable area.  Electric bird deterrents are low profile, usually no more than ¼” high, which does not take away from the buildings aesthetics.  These bird control tracks are one of the most specified systems by architects, government offices and contractors.

Bird Spiders are used when pigeons are a problem on roof top machinery such as A.C. Units, vents and air handlers.  Pigeons will often land and roost on roof top A.C. units because all of their needs are provided, water, rocks or stones and shelter.  Installing bird spiders on these units will get rid of birds from the rooftops.  The Bird Spider is a visual and physical bird deterrent used to prevent large birds from landing.  The Bird Spiders’ “arms” bounce and sway in the wind. This creates a visual distraction that frightens birds away from the treated area. 

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How to Get Rid of Pigeons

Launceston is a city just north of the state of Tasmania, Australia, at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. It is the second largest city in Tasmania with a population of over 100,000 people. The city recently sought advice on how to get rid of pigeons. A recent pigeon plague across inner Launceston rooftops created a smelly mess, cost local businesses thousands and threatened to potentially spread serious diseases.

The pigeons made their nests in some of the city's landmark buildings, including the old gasworks, the Telstra tower, and several of the city's historic banks and government institutions.

Some referred to the putrid pigeon infestation as a major nuisance and potentially toxic. The problem got so bad that one office was forced to close while hundreds of pigeons and their chicks were destroyed as the building's roof cavity was cleared and cleaned. Clearly, something had to be done to get rid of the pigeons.

Business owners noted that the pigeon problem was worse than dealing with rats. People were warned not to feed the pigeons to reduce the amount of droppings, which not only carry disease like salmonellosis, aspergillosis and histoplasmosis, but can create dangerous slip-and-fall liability for a business.

Commercial property owners demanded the problem be addressed. Some businesses had to move into temporary alternative workplaces in remote locales.  Other building owners spent thousands removing the pests. The roof of a former bank drew hundreds of pigeons. The bird droppings were knee deep and had to be pumped into a waste disposal truck. To get rid of pigeons, they had to cast a bird net over the entire roof and put up bird spikes. 

Bird netting works well to get rid of pigeons. For pigeons, a 1-1/8-inch mesh size is ideal.  When installing pigeon netting on rooftops or other outdoor areas, U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof netting is best. One brand of bird proof netting currently being marketing is said to be able to withstand severe temperature extremes--from 250-degree Fahrenheit to "sub-zero" temperatures. Non-conductive netting is ideal for installations where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference could cause problems.

Another way to get rid of pigeons is to use pigeon spikes. These come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The spikes look threatening, but they won't harm birds or people. They have even been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).  Pigeon spikes are available in various sizes and colors. Thee stainless steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; their plastic counterparts come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. The plastic spikes are more economical, and they can be used near RF transmission equipment like cell phone antennas because they won't interfere with radiated energy. Pigeon spikes even come in a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

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8 Ways to Get Rid of Pigeons

Get Rid of Pigeons

by Alex A. Kecskes

 

Not long ago, feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square became an offense with violators being fined. In one city, pest birds had learned to associate a school's lunch bell with feeding time and would aggressively pester children for food. The fact is, "get rid of pigeons" has become the battle cry in many cities, towns and parks throughout the world. Especially as city health officials become increasingly aware of the many diseases carried by pigeon droppings.

The truth is, pigeons can create a number of serious problems. Gathering in flocks on buildings, pigeons can constitute a threat to human health and safety. The mess and droppings left by pigeons can negatively impact the appearance of a business. Often, the sheer weight of bird droppings can lead to structural collapse, particularly ceilings. It can also have a negative impact on a business's workforce. This includes the slip-and-trip hazards bird droppings leave on walkways, steps and entrances. It's no wonder more property owners seek ways to get rid of pigeons.

Clean-up costs can be prohibitively expensive. Removing nesting materials and accumulated droppings can be difficult, sometimes requiring specialists in "moon suits" to protect them from disease-carrying droppings that are aerated during removal by sand blasters.
Through bird egg removal, birth-control pills and food deprivation, problem pigeons can be driven out of most areas in three to five years. While these methods may be humane, they are too time-consuming to appeal to most property owners and municipalities.  Fortunately, there are far more efficient and expedient ways to get rid of pigeons.

Bird Spikes…they Only Look Painful

Time and again, Bird Spikes have helped get rid of pigeons in buildings and structures around the world. The spikes work because pigeons can't negotiate a landing around them. It's just simple physics. The spiked strips come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate, or longer-lasting, slightly more expensive stainless steel. And lo and behold, bird spikes now come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes are easily glued or screwed to any surface. You can also get a Girder Spike for keeping pigeons off girders or I-beams (they come with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder). There's also a Gutter Spike, which prevents pigeons from cluttering up rain gutters. The best bird spikes are blunted, GSA approved, and safe for birds and maintenance crews.

Plastic Bird Spikes Get Rid of Pigeons

by Alex A. Kecskes

Get rid of pigeons

For years, the U.S. military recruiting station in New York's Times Square--often referred to as "The Booth"--has been invaded by growing flocks of pigeons. The birds left behind pounds of smelly disease carrying droppings and created a noisy nuisance. Lately, however, the U.S. Army has gone on the offensive to get rid of pigeons, making sure its office is the "Best it Can Be."
The initial plan of attack was to broadcast intimidating predator sounds, specifically the sounds of pigeons under attack. Speakers were strategically placed and the volume turned up. But the pigeons held fast, refusing to budge, actually ignoring the threat. Bird experts reasoned that because the birds are so accustomed to the high-decibel Times Square soundscape, the pesky pigeons simply couldn't hear the "predators."
Another problem was that the pigeons really couldn't resist the free meals constantly provided by passers-by. In terms of an ideal habitat, the pigeons had it made--free rent, free food and free heat from the subway grates. 
The Army will also be using chemicals to repel the pigeons. If that fails, they'll try placing spikes on the recruiting station roof to keep the pigeons from landing. Smart move by the Army, especially if they opt for plastic bird spikes. For these have a number of advantages.