Pigeons can be more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant problems on your property. From messy droppings to potential health risks, these birds can turn a peaceful space into a constant source of frustration. Understanding how to keep pigeons away is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment. 

Whether you’re dealing with pigeons roosting on your roof or figuring out how to keep pigeons off your balcony, the right strategies can make a huge difference. Skedaddle’s professional wildlife removal services offer effective solutions tailored to your specific situation, ensuring both humane treatment of the birds and long-term prevention. In this article, we’ll explore expert tips and the best practices for managing pigeon problems, helping you reclaim and enjoy your property once again.

The Pigeon Problem

Pigeons are attracted to urban areas because of the easy access to food and shelter. They tend to roost on buildings, balconies, and other structures. The droppings they leave behind can damage property and create unsanitary conditions. Pigeons can also carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. Understanding why pigeons choose your property is the first step in preventing them from becoming a problem.

Pigeons are opportunistic feeders, which means they are always looking for an easy meal. If your property provides food sources like bird feeders, open garbage cans, or leftover pet food, pigeons will likely visit. Additionally, pigeons look for safe places to nest. Balconies, ledges, and roof spaces provide the perfect spots for them to settle down.

Aside from being unsightly, pigeon droppings can be dangerous. The acidic nature of the droppings can erode building materials, leading to costly repairs. Furthermore, droppings can harbor bacteria and fungi that pose health risks to humans. It’s clear that preventing pigeons from making your property their home is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Effective Strategies for Keeping Pigeons Away

• Remove Food Sources

The first step in deterring pigeons is to eliminate any potential food sources. Ensure that garbage cans are securely closed and that pet food is not left outside. If you have bird feeders, consider either removing them or switching to pigeon-proof feeders that restrict access to the seeds only to smaller birds. Maintaining a clean property by promptly cleaning up food scraps and spills will also discourage pigeons from frequenting your area.

• Protect Nesting Areas

Preventing pigeons from nesting on your property is essential. Use bird spikes, netting, or other barrier methods to make ledges, balconies, and roof spaces inhospitable to pigeons. Bird spikes can be affixed to window sills, railings, and other potential roosting spots, making it difficult for pigeons to land and build nests. Bird netting can be installed to block access to larger areas such as balconies and building facades. These deterrents provide a humane way to discourage pigeons from settling on your property.

• Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining a clean and pigeon-free property requires consistent effort. Regularly inspect your property for signs of pigeon activity, such as nests or droppings, and clean these areas thoroughly. Prompt cleaning of droppings is crucial, as it can prevent the spread of diseases and reduce the chances of pigeons returning. Scheduling a routine maintenance plan will help you stay on top of any potential pigeon problems.

• Professional Wildlife Removal Services

For persistent pigeon issues, it may be necessary to seek the help of professional wildlife removal services. Skedaddle’s team of experts provides comprehensive assessments and humane removal solutions tailored to your property’s needs. Our experienced technicians not only remove pigeons but also implement long-term prevention strategies to ensure they don’t return. Trusting professionals ensures that the job is done safely, effectively, and in accordance with all applicable regulations. 

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and prevent problems on your property. A proactive approach combined with the assistance of reliable wildlife removal services will help you maintain a clean, safe, and enjoyable space.

The Nesting Habits Of Pigeons

Pigeons are notorious for nesting in and around residential and commercial buildings, often favoring ledges, eaves, and other sheltered areas that provide safety from predators and the elements. Unfortunately, this proximity to human habitats can lead to several complications, both during the nesting period and after the chicks are born.

Nesting and Reproduction Timeline

Once pigeons find a suitable nesting site, the female pigeon lays one to two eggs, usually within a span of a few days. The incubation period lasts about 18 days, during which both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm. Once the eggs hatch, the squabs (baby pigeons) emerge, blind and dependent on their parents for food and warmth.

For the first week, the squabs are fed a nutrient-rich substance known as “pigeon milk,” which is regurgitated by both the mother and father. As they grow, the diet gradually shifts to include seeds and other food items the parents bring back to the nest. Around 4 weeks old, the young pigeons begin to leave the nest, although they may stay close by and continue to be fed by their parents for several more days.

From the time the eggs are laid until the young pigeons are independent, a full cycle takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks. However, pigeons can breed year-round, particularly in urban areas where food is abundant, leading to multiple broods annually.

Health Hazards and Dangers

Having pigeons nest in or around your home or business poses several health risks and dangers. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can cause structural damage to buildings over time. More critically, they can harbor harmful pathogens that pose significant health risks to humans. Some of the diseases associated with pigeon droppings include:

• Histoplasmosis: A respiratory disease caused by a fungus that grows in dried pigeon droppings.
• Cryptococcosis: Another fungal infection that can be contracted through inhalation of the pathogen found in pigeon droppings.
• Psittacosis: Also known as “parrot fever,” this bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans through contact with pigeon droppings and secretions.

In addition to the health risks, pigeon nests can attract other pests such as mites, ticks, and flies, which can further infest a home or business, creating additional health and sanitation issues.

Addressing a pigeon problem promptly is crucial to minimizing these risks. Sealing entry points, using deterrents, and maintaining regular clean-up and inspection routines can help prevent pigeons from making your property their nesting ground. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to consult pest control professionals to ensure a safe and thorough resolution.

Why DIY Methods Fall Short

Many home and business owners attempt to handle pigeon problems on their own using DIY methods. These can include installing spikes, using netting, or setting up decoy predators. While these methods might offer temporary relief, they often fail to provide a long-term solution. Pigeons are adaptable birds, and they can quickly learn to avoid or overcome these obstacles.

For example, pigeon spikes are designed to make roosting uncomfortable, but pigeons can find ways to nest around them. Similarly, netting can be effective in blocking off certain areas, but it needs to be installed correctly and maintained regularly. Decoy predators might scare pigeons away at first, but they will soon realize that these decoys pose no real threat.

Another issue with DIY methods is that they can be labor-intensive and require ongoing maintenance. Homeowners might find themselves constantly having to clean and repair these deterrents. This not only takes up valuable time but can also become costly. In many cases, homeowners end up frustrated with the lack of lasting results from DIY methods.

The Humane Solution

At Skedaddle, we believe in providing a humane and effective solution to pigeon problems. We do not trap or relocate wildlife. Instead, we focus on exclusion and prevention. Our trained professionals use techniques that ensure pigeons cannot access your property while respecting the birds and their natural behaviors.

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify potential entry points and nesting sites. We then implement exclusion techniques such as sealing gaps and installing deterrents that are designed to be both effective and humane. By addressing the root cause of the problem, we prevent pigeons from returning.

One of the key benefits of our approach is that it provides a long-term solution. Unlike DIY methods, which might offer only temporary relief, our exclusion techniques are designed to keep pigeons away for good. This means you can enjoy a clean and pigeon-free property without the need for ongoing maintenance.

Why Choose Skedaddle

There are many reasons to choose Skedaddle for your wildlife control needs. Our humane approach, combined with our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, sets us apart from other service providers. 

We prioritize the health and safety of both our customers and the wildlife we manage. Our exclusion techniques are designed to be non-invasive and environmentally friendly, ensuring that the birds are not harmed in any way. Furthermore, we employ high-quality materials and proven methods to make sure that the solutions we provide are durable and efficient. Our goal is to create a safe, clean, and pigeon-free environment for you without compromising the well-being of the birds.

Another reason to choose Skedaddle is our comprehensive service guarantee. We stand behind our work and offer a warranty on our exclusion services. If pigeons return within the specified warranty period, we will address the issue at no additional cost to you. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction demonstrates our confidence in the effectiveness of our solutions and our dedication to long-term results.

Tackling a wildlife problem requires more than just a temporary fix. By selecting Skedaddle, you’re opting for a reliable, professional, and humane solution. Our extensive experience, specialized techniques, and focus on customer satisfaction make us the ideal choice for managing and preventing pigeon-related issues. Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards reclaiming your property from unwanted guests.

A Stress-free Solution

Pigeons can cause significant problems for homeowners, from property damage to health risks. While DIY methods might offer temporary relief, they often fall short in providing a long-term solution. Skedaddle offers a humane and effective approach to preventing pigeon problems, with a focus on exclusion and prevention.

Our experienced team is trained in the latest techniques and committed to delivering a reliable and stress-free service. If you are dealing with a pigeon problem, trust Skedaddle in Anoka County to provide the solution you need. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards a pigeon-free property.