How to Get Rid of a Bunch of Fucked up Pigeons
Pigeons are pests. City dwellers do not call them “rats with wings” for nothing: they multiply rapidly – multiply in just a few weeks – and drive away other species of birds. Their droppings are rough and they can carry and spread a range of parasites and diseases. They can also cause problems in your home :
- Slippery passes due to accumulation of droppings (coarse)
- Corrosion from sour feces (ugh)
- Clogged gutters, drains and flues from nests, increasing the risk of fire or flooding
Once the pigeons decide to sleep on your balcony or rooftop, it can be difficult to get them out. Access to food, water, and a safe nesting area are key factors in making pigeons feel at home in your area, so these are the issues you will want to address to prevent and manage pigeons.
Here’s how to deal with the pigeon problem.
Get rid of everything they can eat
Close trash cans, cover compost piles and remove bird feeders. Don’t force pigeons to use your home or yard for food. If you need to keep bird feeders make sure they are protected from pigeons – you may find feeders with holes that are too small for pigeons, or that have weight sensors that are too sensitive for larger birds.
Block them with bird net or spikes
The next step to getting rid of pigeons is to make it difficult for them to hatch in your home. Hang bird nets vertically to prevent them from landing on pitched roofs or eaves, and blocking any openings such as chimneys and gutters.
Spikes mounted on flatter surfaces or railings are another way to keep birds from sleeping. They are usually uncomfortable but harmless, so you don’t have to feel guilty about hurting them. They deserve it though.
Install containment devices such as electrified tape, gels, or sound emitting devices.
Solar powered stripe strips give a little shock when the bird lands and are generally considered humane and safe. You can also use gels that provide a visual deterrent to birds before landing, or physical if they do.
Bells and sound scaring devices can scare pigeons away from balconies and porches. A scarecrow with reflective surfaces and movement – such as CDs on strings – can also scare birds away.
Good luck – and don’t eat acidic feces just yet.