Pigeons are commonly found in urban areas and will nest in buildings, roofs, balconies and trees across our towns
Finding a pigeon, or multiple pigeons, nesting in a building is very common but leaving them to continue nesting can cause a number of problems.
Below, we have outlined the most effective ways to get rid of all pigeon types, including wood pigeons, feral pigeons and other small wild birds from any commercial or domestic building.and cities.
1: Trapping and Relocating
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in buildings? – Yes
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in gardens? – Yes
How long does it take? – anywhere up to one month to remove all pigeons from the building
Pigeon trapping is one of the most effective ways to get rid of pigeons in any domestic or commercial environment. Pigeons have a genetic homing instinct which can make them particularly hard to deter. However, our certified pest control technicians are able to employ a structured programme that can remove up to 70% of a pigeon community (which takes around 18 months to recover).
This trapping method creates disorientation within the pigeon community, as it focuses on removing dominant birds and relocating them elsewhere. In turn, this disperses the pigeon population and forces other pigeons to follow suit or simply disband. This technique is humanely performed by Safeguard and focuses on removing both pigeons, their nests and their eggs in a safe and controlled manner.
2: Bird and Egg Nest Removal
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in buildings? – Yes
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in gardens? – Yes
How long does it take? – typically up to a week, depending on the number of nests
Egg nest removal is another effective way to get rid of pigeons, but this method must be carried out by trained pest control professionals. Removal of pigeons nests and eggs means they will be unable to raise their young in this environment and they are unlikely to return as they will deem this area unsuitable to raise young.
3: Bird Scarers
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in buildings? – Yes, but only outside of the building
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in gardens? – Yes
How long does it take? – immediate effect
Bird scarers can be an effective way to get rid of and deter pigeons from returning to almost any outdoor area. As their name suggests, bird scarers are designed to scare away problem birds such as pigeons, starlings, gulls and more. They can come in many forms, such as a large statue of an owl, or ones that are tied to an object and mimic the flight of a predatory bird. By replicating the physical presence and flight path of predator birds, bird scarers naturally deter pigeons from nesting in your garden.
4: Bird Spikes
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in buildings? – Yes
Can this method be used to get rid of pigeons in gardens? – Yes
How long does it take? – once applied, bird spikes will stop pigeons from returning to this location and deter others from nesting and perching
Bird spikes rank among the most common and effective ways to get rid of pigeons from any building. The spikes work by stopping pigeons from roosting, nesting and even perching on ledges and any targeted area around the building. They can be made of plastic or metal and come in strips that can be cut or bought to specified measurements. Bird spikes can be placed anywhere and they are very easy to install. You will first need to identify where the pigeons are, remove them via a certified pest control technician (or other means mentioned in this article) and then fix the spikes into the specified area.
Spikes essentially deter pigeons in a safe and humane manner. However, if the pigeon(s) have already nested, spikes won’t help unless you remove the nest and insert spikes in its place.
Other Methods
5: Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic pigeon deterrents are relatively new and their effectiveness is highly questioned in the pest control world. Although they may offer positive results in first instances, pigeons and other problem birds are able to quickly acclimate to the noise. While ultrasonic is used in larger-scale commercial areas such as airports (and with positive effects), they are not well-suited to smaller commercial and domestic environments.
6: Low-level Shock Strap Systems
Not as popular or tried and tested as other methods, these systems work similarly to bird spikes by not allowing the pigeons to nest or perch in certain areas. The straps give a very minor electric shock to the pigeon, alerting them that this is not a safe area to be.
7: Controlled Shooting
Bird shooting can only be carried out by trained professionals and in accordance with the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. Safeguard are certified to carry-out such controlled shootings if and when required.
8: Bird Netting
Bird netting is another popular method for deterring pigeons from nesting in both domestic and commercial environments. However, while it is effective at deterring birds, you will first need to get rid of the pigeons. Netting is commonly used in outdoor areas such as cafes and restaurants to stop birds from stealing food or generally disturbing the public (ideal for seaside cafes, bars and restaurants). Bird netting can also be used to stop pigeons from accessing and damaging crops in gardens.
For Commercial or Large-scale Pigeon Problems in the UK, Contact Safeguard Today
While the above methods for getting rid of pigeons may prove useful in certain scenarios, if you’re suffering from a severe infestation or crowding, you may require professional intervention. This is where Safeguard can help. We employ a range of pigeon deterrent methods that safely move and relocate pigeons without hurting them. These methods are typically fast, cost-effective and minimally invasive.
Contact our team, explain the specific problem you have and one of our pest control experts will be able to help.
