Pigeons can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Yet, with the right techniques it can be done. While they were very beneficial in the past for sending messages, now, they’re a nuisance once they’ve taken up residence on your property. They will leave their droppings behind on any rooftop, vehicle and other structures which can be loaded with diseases that can be harmful to you, your family and other animals. Getting rid of these pests is no easy task considering they often live in packs or flocks. Many people have leaned toward the effects of different types of repellants to keep pigeons from coming around and making themselves too comfortable.
Step One
Pigeon Spikes – Spikes are a form of bird repellant that keeps birds from landing on your rooftop, porch, or balcony. Approved by the humane society, these spikes are not supposed to injure the birds in any way, but send them to another area other than your roof. Before installing your spikes, the roof must be cleared, cleaned and dried before anything else can be done. Afterwards, you apply silicone to the bottom of the spikes and position them along the edge of the ledge going around your roof and then one behind the other as you move toward the middle of the roof. The amount of silicone applied should be the width of your pinky or more if your ledge is not even. When you position the spikes along the ledge, make sure that you have a small overhang of spikes. Also, the space between the spikes should be no more than 2 inches. For this to work, you have to make sure that there are no holes or openings left to access because pigeons will force themselves past the spikes to get into a desired spot. You can glue spikes to windows and pipes as well but they can cost money, especially if you have a large area to cover. These spikes may keep pigeons from landing on your roof, but what about everywhere else on your property?
Step Two
Surface Repellants – Pigeons have a problem with landing in certain areas because of their sensitive feet which is why you may decide to use a surface repellant. Most of the surface repellants found on the market are sticky. You’d just apply a medium layer of this substance in areas where you don’t want the pigeons to be. When one pigeon lands in the uncomfortable spot and gets the sensation of being stuck, he will quickly give word to his followers and they will immediately look for another area to land. A lot of times people will crush dried chili peppers as a surface deterrent and spread them in areas they want to keep pigeons away from. However, this doesn’t just keep the pigeons from landing, but it can be quite irritating to their feet when they do. This is certainly an inexpensive way to repel pigeons; however, when you have to keep buying it to reapply every so often, which you will, it then becomes expensive. This only provides you with a temporary solution to the problem and on top of that, the birds will eventually become immune.
Step Three
Pigeon Scare Balloons – Balloons are fun items meant to make parties and special occasions more interesting. Pigeons, however, do not feel the same way about the bouncing balloons. Pigeon scare balloons normally contain a reflective surface; consist of bright colors and predator eyes that send nothing but the feeling of confusion and fear in the heart of a pigeon. They can be hung easily from tree branches, docking areas, balconies, gazebos, patios, boats and even on the sides of your home. These balloons look similar in appearance to large beach balloons but they are weather resistant and easy to install. Farmers in Japan have been using these for years to keep birds away from their crops. What happens when the balloon bursts or gets accidently popped? Heck, what if the birds figure out that the balloons are not predators at all? Sure, it’s inexpensive which is why many people might try it; however, you cannot expect long term prevention or even guarantee its effectiveness.
Step Four
Repellants are great to use if you’re just looking for a temporary solution and you don’t mind continuously spending money. However, a professional can give you results that are long term, cost effective and require little effort on your part.
Step Five
Place plastic owls and rubber snakes strategically around your balcony or porch. This may scare the pigeons. You will need to continually move the owls and snakes, or the pigeons will learn that they are harmless and ignore them.
Step Six
Attach shiny streamers, known as Flash Tape, to the roof of your balcony or porch so that they move freely in the wind. A budget alternative to buying Flash Tape is placing old CDs on a string and hanging them from the roof.