Wood pigeons and other types of birds can cause a number of problems that can disturb you and even damage commercial and domestic properties. When it comes to deterring pigeons, not feeding the birds is the first crucial point. There are many ways to stop pigeon problems from occurring in certain circumstances.
Birds cause the following problems so it is important to stop them:
- Health issues: Thanks to the bacteria in pigeon poop (guano) you might get very sick from pigeons. Pigeon poop can also affect soil, so it is an issue for gardens and pets too.
- Fire risks: When birds roost on the roof they can build flammable nests, and small or hidden pigeon nests may remain even after you have got rid of pigeons. Stopping pigeons promotes better fire safety.
- Aesthetic damage: Pigeon guano can cause severe damage to properties if left to seep into the walls.
- We provide a wide variety of pest control solutions, so we are experts on how to stop pigeons from nesting, perching or otherwise disrupting daily life. We are happy to share our knowledge with you and if you require a professional pigeon control solution in the Midlands of the UK please feel free to contact us.
How to Stop Pigeons Landing on My Roof
Pigeons love a flat roof or pitched roof alike. Large groups of birds can easily perch on any part of the roof space. The reason pigeons like roof spaces, in particular, is because they offer a safe space that is free from predators and human activity.
You can stop pigeons from landing on your roof by using the following strategies:
- Decoys: Fake birds look real to other birds, which can easily help you to stop pigeons from landing on a roof. Using decoys that resemble falcons, owls and other predatory birds will make your roof look much less alluring to a pigeon. Also, you can usually place them so that they are invisible from the ground.
- Ultrasonic sound devices: Though it is easily possible to scare pigeons with decoys, ultrasonic sound devices can deter pigeons in a way that is invisible to birds. By putting out certain frequencies or sounds, which humans cannot hear, you can create a deterrent for your roof. They require a proper placement to work, but once installed they are low maintenance.
While there may be subtle opportunities for reducing the appeal of your roof, sometimes you might require a more rugged solution such as bird spikes – which will also prevent pigeons from landing on a roof. Spike strips are very effective
How to Stop Pigeons Roosting or Nesting on My Roof
Common nesting points include the appealing corners of a roof, which make ideal spaces for roosting thanks to their warmth and being shielded from the weather. Drains, gutters and soffits or fascias are also common roosting spots.
The following methods can help to stop pigeons from roosting or nesting on your roof:
- Pigeon netting: Using nets is an ideal way to cover a large area, which makes it perfect for larger commercial or industrial roof spaces. Bird netting effectively blocks many types of birds and will prevent them from nesting or roosting on roof spaces. You can cover vertical, flat or diagonal spaces by using roof netting so it is a versatile pigeon control strategy.
- Bird spikes: You can position spike strips on the edges of gutters, around the sides of solar panels and within any outside roof space that might be an alluring nesting space. Bird spikes are harmless to birds and are virtually invisible from the ground, which makes them ideal for larger houses and reliably prevents nesting pigeons or other birds from damaging a roof.
Nesting pigeons can cause serious issues to the structure of a roof, and the more pigeons that nest the larger the problems of pigeon poop and the associated health risks become. You can also try decoys to prevent nesting on smaller roofs.
How to Stop Pigeons From Cooing
Window sills make an ideal perching spot for pigeons, and while they may not poop directly on a sill or nest in the area they can cause noise-disruption from their incessant cooing. Ruined sleep from lively pigeons is a common complaint.
The following bird control strategies can help stop pigeons from cooing:
- Ultrasonic sound devices: One drawback of using ultrasonic sound devices for bird control is that they require very precise placement. As window sills are a small space it is an ideal opportunity to try out a highly-targeted pigeon deterrent. Ultrasonic sound devices are easy to place on a window sill and will cover the entire area with ease.
- Pigeon repellent gels: You can buy small pots containing gels that are easily placed on a window sill and can stop them from perching, getting comfortable and cooing. These gels manipulate the birds’ vision, causing the gel pots to resemble fire. Many are available with adhesive or magnetic undersides, so you can affix them anywhere that pigeon cooing is disruptive.
Cooing pigeons can be particularly annoying in the warmer months when pigeons breed, and it often occurs at all hours of the day. If you have a birdbath or feeder near a window sill, consider removing it or placing it further away from the building.
How to Stop Pigeons From Flying into Windows
Birds can often accidentally fly into windows, and window collisions can be dangerous if a bird hits glass windows with sufficient force. Wood pigeons can gain quite a bit of weight when they have a good food source, so they can easily break windows.
You can try the following methods to stop pigeons from flying into a window:
- Bird netting: If you can stop pigeons from coming near a window they are much less likely to fly into it. Bird netting can prevent access to the entire window frame, so it removes the opportunity for nesting or perching at the same time. The only drawback is for larger windows, such as balcony windows or patio doors, where netting can prevent easy use by humans.
- Removing plants, feeders and birdbaths: Pigeons can be attracted to windows due to nearby food sources or birdbaths. Unfortunately, the reflections from windows can confuse birds, causing them to think of plants and vegetation in the reflections as a safe space to land. Moving plants, trimming hedges and otherwise reducing any window reflections can help.
You can stop pigeons from coming into contact with a window without obstructing your view, bird netting creates a visual effect that still allows easy viewing and natural light to enter a room. In many cases, an occasional window collision can still occur but bird control methods can greatly reduce this risk.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons Anywhere
With the right solution, you can stop pigeons from nesting or roosting, perching, pooping and cooing in any situation. In some cases, you may require a professional solution, but once you have got rid of pigeons in any residential, commercial or industrial setting you can make use of preventative strategies.
As experts in pest control, we are well-placed to provide these excellent tips, which can effectively help to stop pigeons. You can use our professional services for a solution to pigeon problems and a variety of other pests in the Midlands region of the UK. Feel free to get in touch with us today for a free quote.
