Pigeon Control

So what is pigeon control? Why is there still a need to control pigeons in our towns and cities when we have been researching different methods of pigeon control for decades? Surely by now we have the technology and the means available to us to deal with the problem in a humane, effective and cost-effective manner? Even in light of the multi-million dollar industry that has built up around the issue of pigeon pest control, however, and the vast number of pigeon pest control companies offering their services worldwide, pigeons still cause massive problems to property owners.

In the main it is the feral pigeon that we see in town and city centres that cause the greatest problems for property owners, although their rural cousin, the wood pigeon, can cause quite extreme problems for farmers and those involved in agriculture. The most common problem associated with pigeons is the soiling of buildings and yet when faced with a pigeon control problem of this nature most property owners will be confronted with highly conflicting advice as to what product or service should be employed to resolve the problem.

Pigeon control services available within the pest control marketplace include culling, the installation of deterrents, the use of artificial breeding facilities and even flying a hawk.

The only pigeon control product that is recommended by independent and expert bodies such as the Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PiCAS International) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the anti-roosting spike. This product is 100% effective as a pigeon control deterrent, certainly when installed according to manufacturers recommendations, and can be easily installed by the property owner rather requiring the services of a specialist contractor. The product is also humane and relatively inexpensive compared to a majority of standard pigeon control deterrents.

Of course pigeon control deterrents are only designed to protect individual buildings, so what can be done to control and reduce the size of pigeon populations in town and city centre environments? In the main, town and city-wide pigeon control systems will have to be provided by a Council or a similar body that has responsibility for an area rather than a specific site or building. These area-wide pigeon control systems will not only need to deal with the protection of properties and the removal of large-scale pigeon roosts in derelict buildings, but also deal with the source of the problem. In a vast majority of cases the source of the problem will be deliberate and persistent feeding of pigeons by the general public. If the source of the problem is not dealt with the problem will continue unabated and this is one of the main reasons why pigeon populations worldwide have continued to grow unchecked – a failure on the part of Councils to deal with the source of the problem.

Another method of reducing pigeon flock size at the same time as reducing problems for property owners is to provide one or more designated pigeon feeding areas in, for example a public park, where those that wish to feed pigeons can do so legitimately. The available food provided in the designated feeding area will draw pigeons away from their existing feeding and perching sites, thereby dramatically reducing problems for property owners. If a dovecote or other type of artificial breeding facility is provided adjacent to the designated feeding area, where pigeons are encouraged to roost and breed, this will further reduce pigeon-related problems for property owners. If eggs are then removed, as laid, and replaced with dummy eggs this will have the effect of reducing flock size at the same time as concentrating the problem in area where the birds can be accommodated without any of the usual problems associated with pigeons.

If an area-wide pigeon control system is provided, whether or not it deals with the source of the problem, pigeon control deterrents will need to be provided on buildings to force pigeons away from their existing roosting and breeding sites. Pigeons will always adopt specific buildings as a vantage point to exploit a food source in the same way that they will adopt a derelict building as an overnight roosting and breeding facility. If these problems are not addressed any attempt at providing an effective area-wide pigeon control system will fail.

So, how do I go about assessing and dealing with a pigeon control problem on my property? Always seek independent advice wherever possible from an organization like the PiCAS International or the RSPB in the first instance. Do not simply contract the services of a commercial contractor before you fully understand the extent of your problem and the various ways that the problem can be dealt with. A vast majority of pigeon control problems can be resolved by the property owner themselves without the need to instruct a specialist contractor. Always be aware that if you have pigeons perching on one area of your property, and you protect that area with anti-roosting spikes, the birds may move to another area of the same building. When assessing your pigeon problem prior to ordering and installing anti-roosting spikes you should identify all the areas where pigeons may potentially relocate to on your property and protect those areas as well. As anti-roosting spikes are the most cost-effective deterrent on the market the extra cost involved will be minimal. You will then have the satisfaction of knowing that you have comprehensively protected your property.