Pigeons

Pigeons can cause problems when roosting on buildings through the fouling of ledges and on other nesting or roosting areas. Their droppings may also cause “slip” hazards on walkways and pavements.

Many people take pleasure in feeding pigeons.  Unfortunately, the number of pigeons attracted to an area depends on the food available.  If pigeons are being fed, more pigeons will be attracted to that area.  All pigeons require nesting and roosting sites (e.g., balconies, window ledges and roof areas of surrounding buildings) as well as a reliable food source.  If is vital that food sources for pigeons are kept to a minimum.  There have been a number of cases where people have been prosecuted for causing a health risk for repeatedly feeding pigeons.

If pigeons begin to roost on part of your property:

• You must ensure there is no possible food source available to them in the immediate area
• Pest proofing – There are many products available to professional pest controllers that prevent pigeons from landing on ledges, roofs or balconies e.g., netting on overhangs and spikes on ridges or spouting
• It may be advisable to attempt to “scare” the pigeons away; to let them know that it is not a suitable nesting place (e.g., methods can be simple – such as a piece of string with silver foil attached or imitation predators e.g., owls, hawks in a visible location)
• If you are a private owner you may have to contact a private pest control company who would normally be willing to give you a quote for pigeon proofing at your property
• All pigeon proofing work should be carried out by an experienced professional, this is due to pests ability to adapt to obstructions.