Call us quickly 1-800-463-2186

  • Pigeon Smallanimal pests

    Pigeon
  • Pigeon
  • Pigeon
Share

Elimination

Pigeons are merely a curiosity for some but can be a real nuisance in large numbers. Pigeon droppings are corrosive and can cause major damage to buildings.

What is more, these birds carry parasites that can infest buildings. Rubber snakes, plastic owls, and aluminum plates are some ploys used to scare them away, but the effect will eventually wear off, as the pigeons realize that they are fake. You can also use repellent gel, a chemical paste that makes treated surfaces heat up the birds' feet when they land . This can ward them off for a good year or two depending on the weather. The last—and best—solution is to install Nixalite, a permanent barrier of stainless steel spikes pointing in all directions that keeps the birds away.

Whatever solution you choose, be it repellent gel or Nixalite, be sure to rid the surface area of any bird waste beforehand.

Actions

  • Scare off birds
  • Keep all food where nothing can get at it
  • Block off horizontal surfaces where birds might perch

Prevention

  • Eliminate potential food sources
  • Limit access to perching and nesting sites

Description and development

Rock doves or domestic pigeons (Columbia livia )—known to most simply as "pigeons"—belong to the Columbidae bird family. They are very easy to recognize as their head is small in proportion to the rest of their body. Their bill is soft with a horned tip and plump base, while their tail is short and square. They are often confused with mourning doves, but the latter have a long, pointed tail.

The feathers of pigeons found in the wild tend to be some shade of gray, whereas those of their city-dwelling counterparts vary significantly in color.
Females lay one or two eggs in a nest made from assorted twigs and scraps. Nests are located in hard-to-reach areas, such as cornices, roofs, bridges, and balconies. Eggs take 17 to 19 days to hatch. Males and females both incubate the eggs and feed nestlings. When conditions allow, nesting takes place every season, enabling the birds to raise about 10 chicks a year

Habits

Brought over to the Americas as domestic birds, pigeons have long since turned feral and now reside in cities, villages, and farms. In the countryside, they rely on crop fields for sustenance while in urban areas, they feed on plant matter, garbage, and insects—not to mention the free meals they get from people in parks!

Pigeons mate for life; if they lose their partner for whatever reason, they quickly find another.

As keen observers of human activity, pigeons love vantage points with smooth, flat surfaces. They are also social creatures, and all members of a given colony share the same space for everyday activities.

Go to top