Pigeons are a common sight in many urban areas, and while they may seem harmless, their presence on your property can lead to serious problems. If you’ve ever dealt with pigeon nests on your roof or window ledge, you’ve likely encountered a few myths along the way about how to deal with them.
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions, share the facts, and offer practical solutions to keep your home free from pigeon nests.
Myth #1: Pigeons Only Nest on Buildings with Old Roofs
Fact: Pigeons are opportunistic birds, and they’ll nest wherever they find a suitable spot. Whether your roof is new or old, pigeons are more likely to be attracted to flat, sheltered spaces where they can build their nests safely.
These spaces can be found on both modern and older buildings, including balconies, window ledges, chimneys, and even air conditioning units.
Myth #2: Pigeons Are Harmless and Don’t Cause Any Damage
Fact: While pigeons might seem harmless, they can cause significant damage over time. Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can erode building materials, paint, and roof tiles. This can lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed.
Additionally, pigeons often build nests in gutters, causing blockages and water damage.
If you’ve noticed dark streaks on your exterior or an accumulation of debris in your gutters, pigeons may be to blame. Contact Apex Bird Control for effective solutions.
Myth #3: Pigeon Nests Are Easy to Clean Up
Fact: Cleaning up pigeon nests and droppings is not as simple as it may seem. Pigeon droppings can carry diseases like histoplasmosis, salmonella, and other pathogens. It’s crucial to take proper precautions when removing nests.
Always wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing to avoid contact with droppings and contaminated materials. It’s also important to disinfect the area thoroughly to minimise the risk of infection.
Solutions for Homeowners: How to Prevent Pigeons from Nesting
Now that we’ve debunked some common myths, let’s look at the practical solutions that homeowners can implement to prevent pigeons from nesting on their property.
Install Physical Barriers: Pigeon spikes or bird netting can be placed on ledges, rooftops, and other flat surfaces where pigeons like to nest. These barriers are humane and effective at keeping pigeons from landing and settling on your property.
Create Sloped Surfaces: Pigeons love flat surfaces where they can comfortably build their nests. If possible, add sloped surfaces to ledges and other areas, making it harder for pigeons to settle and nest. Simple modifications, like installing angled covers on your roof, can discourage pigeons from landing.
Use Deterrents: Reflective surfaces, such as foil strips or shiny materials, can deter pigeons by creating visual disturbances that they find uncomfortable.
Predator decoys, like fake owls or hawks, can also be effective in scaring pigeons away from your property. These devices, when used in combination, create an environment that feels unsafe for the birds.
Why Can Birds Be Aggressive?
Protecting Their Nest
You’ll notice that birds are a lot more vocal and aggressive during nesting season. This is because they’re very protective of their nest and want to ensure that their young are safe.
So, if you get too close to the nest, birds can get noisy with you and even try to attack. The best thing you can do is move away from the nest as quickly as possible.
Once the birds have left this nest, you’ll want to get in professionals for it to be removed. This isn’t something you want to do yourself because there are laws and rules you must follow.
To Gain Food
Remember that birds are savvy and they want to ensure that they get food and water. Well, they can become aggressive when food is involved. There are plenty of videos online of people being swooped on for their sandwiches.
This isn’t something that’s a one-off. It happens a lot when birds think they can get something. At the same time, you can get hurt as they try to grab the food.
During Mating Season
During the mating season, males are going to be competing for the females. This can turn into aggression, and you can witness fights between them.
It can create a lot of noise and commotion on your property. For example, if you have bird feeds, you can notice them becoming aggressive with each other over the food too.
Conclusion
Pigeon nesting on your home can lead to a variety of problems, from property damage to health risks. But by dispelling myths and implementing the right preventative measures, you can protect your home and keep pigeons at bay.
Whether it’s installing physical barriers, using eco-friendly repellents, or calling in the professionals, there are plenty of solutions available to ensure your property remains pigeon-free.
