Get rid of pigeons
Even if you like birds and other animals, no one likes a pigeon (or its entire family!) hanging around your home. The problems are obvious, such as constantly leaving pigeon messes, making loud cooing sounds and in general, leaving droppings around that can actually spread disease. Hearing them sitting above you on your roof is very annoying! So, how you do you get rid of pigeons on your roof or anywhere around your place, you ask? Well, you’re not alone…and we’ll assume, you haven’t come to the point of buying a gun or a sling-shot to solve your pigeon problem (this is illegal in case you didn’t know!). There are definitely easier and more humane ways to rid pigeons from around your living space and on top of your house or building.
Getting rid of pigeons
As you’ve probably figured out, pigeons like to nest and sit in particular kinds of places on your house, such as on your roof or under eaves. You may have pigeons on your balcony, deck, patio or yard. You may also find pigeons on your window ledges or roof lines, hanging out (and leaving their evidence) around dormers and chimneys.
Aside from thinking your home is like their home in the wilderness (with small caves and protective perches), you need to find out if there are other reasons for pigeons to be around so much. Make sure any pet food or garbage is out of site and smell, and or unreachable by pigeons. If you live in a densely populated city, getting rid of pigeons by trying to remove food and trash may be a challenge. Pigeons love to go where there is free food, of course.
The most effective and best way to rid pigeons is to block them or remove the areas where they roost. First, see where pigeons are sitting. Then, try blocking these areas. Some ideas…
- Place blocks or small pieces of wood on or in front of the areas pigeons congregate. You can paint the wood the same color as your house or trim to make it look better. Block vent openings, lofts and eaves.
- Another option is to place broken glass or brick pieces directly on the surfaces where pigeons land and gather.
- Whatever you do, you need something solid. Don’t use cloth or nylon netting. Pigeons have no problem getting this kind of material out of their way!
- If you want to “screen” them out, pick up some wire mesh or chicken wire that can easily be cut and form-fitted into the small opening you’re blocking. Be sure to fasten this material down with screws or nails.
If pigeons are sitting along your roof line at the edge, the best method to rid them here is to run a wire a few inches above this area. This may be difficult to place and secure, but it would do the trick in blocking and ridding pigeons from along the roof’s edge. In addition, you can lay out some “porcupine wire”, the kind with small metal spikes. This stuff can easily attach to edges and other surfaces of your house without looking too bad. It can last a long time (e.g. no rust in the elements) and can 100% keep pigeons out.
If you have pigeons on the ground, in your yard or garden, decide if it’s reasonable to install chicken-wire or dark netting to block them. If this is unsightly, then it doesn’t hurt to try an old standard. Place a large replica of an owl or other predators, such as plastic snake or black crow. Again, if this is not something you wish to decorate your yard with you may be forced to get rid of pigeons on a day-by-day basis until they leave. One such tactic is to create loud noises or spray them with a hose each time they arrive, or if they begin to settle in for a nap. Like humans, pigeons will soon realize that your yard or garden is not a fun place to camp out, and they will leave.
Getting rid of pigeons can be done. Just make observations about where they go, and then use your creativity to block them from these places or create disturbances that force them to vacate. You’re sure to enjoy your home and surroundings much better after you get rid of those pigeons. Hey, you can always go enjoy them in the park!