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Getting rid pigeons


How to Get Rid of Pigeons

“one pigeon is no problem….

the problem is there is no such thing as one pigeon”

One of the most common questions that people with pigeon problems ask is how to get rid of the birds from roofs, balconies, and industrial facilities. The pigeons are causing at best an inconvenience and at worst a health hazard. Irrespective of the mess, pigeon feces are corrosive and can etch through steel or even concrete.

In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of pigeons using different methods, so that you can easily find the best solution for your scenario.

Table Of Contents

How to Get Rid of Pigeons?

1.

Culling Pigeons

- this method includes shooting, poisoning, using traps and even raptors

2.

Reducing Pigeon Reproduction

- this method includes using pigeon birth control, nest destruction and dovecotes combined with egg removal or replacement

3.

Physically Excluding Pigeons

- this method includes using spikes, wires, slides and shock tracks to keep pigeons away

4.

Using Deterrents

-this method includes sonic and ultrasonic emitters, effigies, reflected and direct light sources, propane cannons and trained raptors to deter pigeons

5.

Using Repellents

- this method includes using gels and pastes, optical gels, fogs and vapors to deter pigeons

If you have a pigeon problem in industrial or large areas, Contact us!

Comparison Table of 5 Main Methods to Get Rid of Pigeons

Method/Product Best Used For Advantages Disadvantages
Culling
Shoot Killing birds Immediate action, low cost Generally prohibited in public. Represents a harvest as opposed to a control program
Poison Killing birds Immediate action Non-target risks; socially unacceptable, short-term solution; dead and dying birds
Trap and euthanize Killing birds Immediate action Often unacceptable where people are present. Short-term effects; birds get “trap shy”
Raptors Predator and prey Pigeons are a natural prey species; environmentally sound solution Mating pairs are difficult to attract under most urban conditions. Raptors migrate and will leave the area part of the year
Reduce Reproduction
Birth Control Abatement alternative Gradually but predictably unwinds the pigeon population Takes some time to work
Nest destruction Destroy individual nestsBest for a small number of nests where exclusion will be installed Completely ineffective since the mating pair will just build new ones.
Dovecots combined with egg removal or replacement Commune with nature in a park Provides a safe and secure way of harvesting eggs Ineffective at controlling a population of pigeons; only provides extra housing for the birds.
Physical Exclusion
Spikes Rails, perching areas Inexpensive; can be highly effective under the right set of conditions; easy installation In best case, will only move birds to the next best location
Bird Wire Rails, fences, rooflines, perching areasUseful tool to keep pigeons off perching areas. More complex installation especially on rooflines
Slides Narrow perching areas Inexpensive and relatively easy installation Only suitable under the appropriate conditions where a slide can be installed.
Netting Gold standard for physically excluding birds from both large and small areas and structures Tangible and immediate effect; can represent a permanent fix for problem birds. Costly installation requiring professionals. Moves the problem to neighboring structures or facilities
Shock track systems Rails, perching and loafing areas and surfaces Highly effective in keeping birds off landing and perching areas Equipment can be complex. Professional installation normally required. More costly than spikes
Deterrents
Sonic and ultrasonic emitters Aural harassment Can be used in larger areas where exclusion is not practical Birds acclimate to the sounds
Effigies – plastic owl, rubber snake Visual harassment Can be effective short term Birds acclimate to effigies
Reflected and direct light sources Visual harassment Can be effective long-term under appropriate conditionsCosts have a wide range; from shiny pie plates or CD’s to industrial lasers
Propane cannon Harassment Tangible and immediate effects Birds acclimate and eventually ignore the noise; not suitable for urbanized areas
Trained raptors Harassment with predators Pigeons will flee raptors Pigeons come right back when the birds of prey go home
Repellents
Gels and pastes Perching areas Inexpensive Can kill smaller birds; requires consistent reapplication
Optical Gel Perching and loafing areas Small and inexpensive; easy to installNot necessarily appropriate for larger areas. Intensive cleaning required.
Fogs and vapors Large indoor areas Ideal for large volume structures Inconsistent action

How to Get Rid of Pigeons from a Balcony

Getting rid of pigeons from small areas like balconies can be resolved with relatively simple common-sense solutions.

  1. Wires. You can use a wire coil or stainless-steel wire to deter pigeons perching on rails.

  2. Shock Track. Several suppliers offer a “shock track” system to keep birds off balconies. The shock track does not hurt the bird but provides enough stimulation to make the targeted perching area unattractive.

  3. Netting. Consider using a netting system to physically exclude the birds from balconies.  This is the costliest alternative, although if installed properly it's 100% effective.  Newer versions of netting are virtually invisible.

  4. Sound or reflected light. The easiest way to deter pigeons from your patio, deck, or balcony, is with sound or reflected light.  You can achieve this with a wind chime, Mylar balloon, aluminum foil pans or even hanging CD’s. The reflected light disorients the birds. 

  5. Plastic owl or rubber snake. Consider using scarecrows (“effigies”).  The most common example is a plastic owl or rubber snake. Unfortunately, the effects will most likely be short-lived. The pigeons come to recognize the scarecrow as something that is not a threat.

  6. Spikes. Consider using anti-perching spikes that you can attach anywhere the birds like to perch. Spikes are best advised for limited areas where the goal is to move the birds someplace else. They are available in different materials from plastic to stainless steel.

  7. Gel Repellants. You can use gel repellants to ledges where pigeons perch. The gel makes the surface sticky and the birds will try to avoid it. Unfortunately, dust and debris take their toll and reapplication is often necessary.  The application of gel repellants is not recommended where there are smaller birds. They can permanently get stuck in the goo

How to Get Rid of Pigeons on Roofs

If you have a pigeon problem on your roof, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. First, try to figure out how they are getting onto your roof in the first place. If you have any holes or cracks that they can use as an entry point, seal them up with some wire mesh or caulking. You can also try installing a physical barrier like a wire fence around the perimeter of your roof.

Keeping pigeons off a roof can be far more challenging. Here are some popular methods you might consider if you wonder how to get rid of pigeons on roofs:

  1. Consider using a wire coil or stainless-steel wire to deter pigeons from perching on the ridge(s).  

  2. A “shock track” system might keep birds off rooftops

  3. Using wire or netting is appropriate for a roof design that incorporates nooks. You can also apply nets where the pigeons can construct a nest.

  4. Solar panels provide excellent harborage for pigeons.  Metal grid netting is the most effective method to limit access to the birds. 

  5. Flat commercial roof styles have their own set of challenges. The first option is to electrify the parapet perching areas. The second option is to install simple spikes. Be aware that pigeons enjoy the comfort of HVAC installations. As a solution, consider netting these units.

How to Get Rid of Pigeons at Industrial Facilities

The basic nature and scope of modern industrial facilities make them highly attractive to pigeons. The design of these facilities is most often open which allows the birds ready ingress and egress. More importantly, pipes, beams, poles, and catwalks offer a wide range of harborage and nesting options. Food sources are typically located nearby and as mobile pests, pigeons can move around freely from one area of the plant to the next. 

Pigeons can represent a costly nuisance for plants, and in many cases have been at the facility ever since it was built. Over time, the nests, feces, and debris can cause considerable damage to a plant’s mechanical and electrical components.  Furthermore, the birds’ droppings and other debris add additional health hazards to an already hazardous area.

Most conventional methods of pigeon mitigation offer little comfort to an industrial facility and decision makers often select culling solutions since everything else is either prohibitively costly or impractical.  Methods such as trapping and poisoning the birds may help alleviate the problem temporarily, however, due to their rapid breeding, pigeons always return and repopulate the very attractive site in a few weeks or months.

While highly effective at smaller sites, physical exclusion is typically not an option at a larger plant. It is simply impossible to cover an oil refinery or power plant with a net. 

The more common solutions for smaller scale facilities are only appropriate for the resolution of isolated problems at a larger plant. An area where there is zero tolerance for birds mandates physical exclusion to keep them out, while the overall control strategy needs to focus on abatement. 

The following graphic provides an outline of the various options for bird abatement. There are just two alternatives:

  1. Increase mortality with the common culling methods, trap, shoot or poison

  2. Reduce reproduction with a contraceptive. 

The most effective method at a complex installation is a control program based on OvoControl.  A contraceptive has exceptional utility in these large sites where conventional bird control methods may not be appropriate or cost effective.

While baiting birds without killing them may seem counterintuitive to some, the successful long-term use of OvoControl at a wide range of different industrial facilities demonstrates otherwise.  

OvoControl provides a safe, easy-to-use, and effective solution for everything from oil refineries to power plants to control the pigeon population for good.

OvoControl reduces the population naturally, through attrition, over time. With continued use, the population declines at a rate of roughly 50%, annually. With a successful contraceptive program, industrial facilities will ultimately drive their pigeon population down by 90 to 95%.

Furthermore, many industrial facilities often have challenging sites for environmental stewardship. Thankfully, OvoControl represents an environmentally benign pigeon mitigation strategy which does not pose secondary risks to raptors or scavengers.

Conclusion

No Single Method or Solution will solve all pigeon problems

Short of exterminating the birds, there is no foolproof way to get rid of all of them. Pigeons have accompanied mankind for thousands of years and, like rats, are not leaving anytime soon. Unfortunately, even the effects of lethal methods are only effective in the short-term as the remaining flock rapidly breeds back the ones that are missing. Lethal solutions often represent a “harvest” of pigeons as opposed to an actual control program. Both larger and smaller problems can be solved with the techniques outlined above although all but the simplest sites require some observation and planning to develop a safe and effective strategy for success.

Why Not Just Kill the Birds?

Irrespective of any humane considerations, the casual observer often asks, “why not just kill the birds” for a prompt and effective resolution to a pigeon problem?  While culling options provide an immediate and tangible solution to an acute pigeon problem, the effects are fleeting. More often than not, the population will simply “backfill” the void created by culling with increased reproduction and even more birds. Unfortunately, just killing the birds just provides the illusion of control. Only by limiting reproduction can you effectively manage the population in a manner to provide long-term control. Over time, killing pigeons more closely resembles a harvest as opposed to an actual control program.

Author: Erick Wolf

CEO, Innolytics, LLC, (est. 2003) focused on developing contraceptive technology for the management of pest birds and other wildlife. Professional Experience
40+ years of industry experience (Crop Protection, Animal Health, Pharmaceuticals) US and International

Why do people want to get rid of pigeons?

Simply put, pigeons represent a threat to the property

  1. Pigeon poop is highly acidic and can stain and etch surfaces.
  2. Accumulated feces represent a hazard for people and property, especially your roof and automobile.
  3. Feces on a balcony or patio will stain and eventually damage outdoor furniture.
  4. Pigeons poop in their nest. Once dry, the feces bind the straw and debris into a structure that can last many seasons.
  5. Pigeon nests built in the dry season will often clog gutters when it starts raining.

How do I keep pigeons away from my vents?

The best way to keep pigeons from vents is with ½” metal screening.

Will aluminum foil keep birds away?

Yes, aluminum foil normally in shape of a pie tin can be effective in keeping birds from your balcony. The reflecting light is thought to disorient the birds.

Can you solve the pigeon problem yourself?

Yes, under the right set of conditions, you can do a DIY project. See the chart above.

What home remedy keeps pigeons away?

There are several home remedies that can be used on smaller pigeon projects, starting with harassment with an aluminum pie plate or CD’s that reflect sunlight. See the chart above.

How to Get Rid of Pigeons - Safely, Humanely, and Permanently

Photo: istockphoto. com

While pigeons are well known for living in cities, they’ll find their habitats anywhere. And whether you have an outdoor space that’s acres large or just a tiny balcony, you’ll likely receive visits from pigeons from time to time. A few pigeon coos or some droppings on your driveway may not be a huge concern. But if those harmless visits are turning into a constant nuisance, like excessive noise or cars coated in droppings, and you need to know how to deter pigeons, the steps below provide plenty of solutions to this problem.

So how do you get rid of pigeons? Start by eliminating any access to food sources, then follow up with deterrents that prevent them from landing or nesting near your home. It sounds simple, but if the problem of how to get rid of pigeons becomes too overwhelming, it may be best to call in the help of a professional.

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Time required: 1 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated cost: $10 to $30

Tools & Materials

Before You Begin…

Photo: istockphoto. com

When wondering how to keep pigeons off your roof or how to keep pigeons off a balcony, it’s important to note that although they may seem harmless, pigeons can pose more of a problem than you may initially think. Pigeons are communal creatures, and large gatherings can cause excessive noise. Pigeon droppings are relatively acidic, and they can eat away at roofing materials and car paint if not removed. Plus, pigeon droppings can obscure a home’s solar panels, meaning that the solar panels can’t work as efficiently.

Droppings can also spread disease, and exposure to the birds could cause illness, especially in those who are immunocompromised. Pigeons themselves can carry a variety of parasites, such as ticks. If you have a significant pigeon problem, it may be worth contacting a professional who can use the proper tools and techniques to keep the birds away. It may even help to call an expert for advice before you invest time and money into various DIY methods—what may seem like a minor issue to you could be a larger-scale problem that definitely requires a pro’s help. Talking to a professional first can help you determine the full scope of the pigeon problem and what exactly will be needed to fix it.

Tips for Getting Rid of Pigeons

Safety Considerations

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STEP 1: Clean up your home’s exterior and secure trash cans.

The first step to successful pigeon removal is examining the outside of the home to ensure no food sources are easily accessible. This means securing trash cans, recycling bins, or compost receptacles so you can get rid of pigeons who may be feasting on your leftover food scraps. Removing any platters, plates, or serving utensils leftover from grilling or eating outside is also helpful in keeping pigeons from coming back. Cleaning up these areas has the added benefit of keeping other pests or wildlife away, too. Once these familiar sources of food for birds are eliminated, make sure all other household members understand the importance of keeping outdoor areas free of food or food containers. This will keep pigeons from considering your home a viable food source.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 2: Keep pigeons from nesting.

Pigeons can nest in various places around your home, from roofs to rafters, balconies, garages, outdoor sheds, attics, and ledges. To keep the birds from making themselves at home, you can place bird spikes along surfaces or edges where they’re likely to land. These large, thin spikes stick up and should be put close together to be effective. If the prongs are too far apart, pigeons can still nest in between them. These spikes may look dangerous, but they’re relatively dull and flexible and are meant to make a surface uncomfortable for a bird, not to injure. Shock strips, which give pigeons a slight buzz when they land, offer another nest prevention method to teach pigeons that your home is not a welcome roosting spot. You can also use bird netting to enclose a small outdoor space such as a balcony or patio to keep the birds from coming in. Secure the mesh tightly to ensure the birds can’t find an opening.

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STEP 3: Seal any potential entrances to the home.

Pigeons are intelligent animals, and when it comes time for them to seek shelter from potential predators or extreme weather, they may look for entrances into your safe and cozy home. It’s essential to seal any areas that may look appealing to pigeons to keep them from getting inside; be sure to inspect your attic to identify potential areas that may provide access to the small birds. Silicone caulk is a simple solution to sealing small spaces, while hardware cloth or bird netting can block bigger entrances. This may also be a good time to call in a roofing contractor if any significant repairs need to occur. A secure roof will not only keep pigeons out, but it will also keep your home safe from other wildlife in inclement weather conditions.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 4: Apply repellents and place deterrents.

Chemical and natural repellents, such as gel solutions, can get rid of pigeons by making it unpleasant for them to land on the surface the gel is placed on. They also work by creating a barrier between the birds and the surface, which decreases the number of pheromones they leave behind—fewer pheromones mean not as many pigeons will be attracted to the area in the future. These gels also aren’t harmful to the birds.

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If you’re searching for how to scare pigeons away, reflective tape is an option that can irritate or disorient birds to keep them away. Reflective tape is beneficial on small balconies or patios. Reflective discs hanging from trees or overhangs provide another diversion by distracting birds’ vision and making it hard for them to land.

Hawks and owls are natural predators of pigeons, so deterrents such as realistic-looking hawk or owl figures can also scare off pigeons. This method can be even more effective if you reposition the figure twice a day to give the illusion of movement.

STEP 5: Place traps for any pigeons that have entered the home.

If any pigeons enter your home, the priority will need to shift from pigeon prevention to pigeon removal. In this situation, a pigeon trap is your best bet in getting the bird or birds out of your home. It’s advised to place traps in the areas the birds will most likely assemble and lure them near with fresh food and water. Note that this may not be an immediate solution and could take several days before the birds are trapped. Once they are trapped, follow the guidelines of your city or region to determine how you should dispose of or release the birds. Because this method can be time-consuming and sometimes dangerous, it may be best to contact an exterminator or pest control specialist who can eradicate the issue in less time and with less of a threat to your safety.

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 6: Seek professional pigeon removal.

Whether you have a few persistent visitors or an entire flock, it may be best to enlist the help of an exterminator or animal control specialist who can use their experience and knowledge to assess the situation and put the appropriate pigeon removal measures in place. If you’ve tried a few tactics on your own and still have regular visits from pigeons, the problem may be too big for you to handle. Experts will know how to safely and successfully remove pigeons, how to keep pigeons away, and how to stop the pigeons from returning in the future.

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If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of pigeons, the steps above outline several tools and techniques that have proven to be successful. However, calling a professional can alleviate the strain if the problem has become too much for you to handle or you don’t have the time and energy to enact DIY methods. You may be searching for answers on how to get rid of pigeons on your roof, and an expert will have access to equipment and tools to remove them humanely and effectively.

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why they fly in, how to scare away with glare, scare away with ultrasound and drive them away forever

We live on the last floor, and pigeons have overcome us: they fly to the unglazed balcony, and also sit on the window sills from the side of the street and coo for whole days. It seems to be quiet, but terribly annoying. Especially in the summer when the windows are open. At night, you can clearly hear the birds stamping their feet on the metal window sills. This is real torture!

We tried to throw the cat on the balcony, but on the second day he almost fell down when he chased the dove. The cat was removed so that there were no unnecessary victims. I don’t want to poison the birds either: it’s a pity.

Is there a humane way to get rid of pigeons?

Andrey Nenastiev

lives in harmony with nature

Author Profile

Pigeons are not that hard to deal with, but you may have to try several methods until you find a truly effective one. I will not talk about deliberately cruel methods: persecuting birds with chemicals or installing nails on window sills with the point up. You can do without it.

Why doves appear on the balcony

Pigeons, as a rule, do not fly to balconies and windows just like that. There are several reasons why they visit you:

  1. Someone is feeding pigeons, including by accident. For example, a neighbor on the floor below in the summer brings water and food for the dog to the balcony, and the leftovers attract birds.
  2. There is a lot of rubbish on the balcony, in which it is convenient to make nests or hide from bad weather.
  3. Near the balcony there are comfortable places for birds to rest. If you live on the top floor, the pigeons are probably attracted not so much by the balcony itself, but by the openings of the ventilation shafts or the space under the roof canopy where you can climb.

How to keep pigeons away with glare

One of the easiest solutions to fight pigeons is glare: pigeons hate bright reflections. There are several ways to create them.

Cut strips of foil and hang them around the balcony to blow in the wind. You can also stick foil sheets inside or outside the balcony. This must be done carefully so as not to fall. It is better to buy stronger foil, you can still use candy and chocolate wrappers.

Use foil insulation - foil insulation. It is sold in rolls at hardware stores. This material is much stronger than foil and will not deteriorate from rain and wind. Folgoizol can be glued to the walls on mounting foam, fixed with roofing screws or bars. The last method is the most correct and reliable.

Hang old CDs on the balcony. They will spin in the wind and glare.

If you decide to glaze the balcony, you can leave foilizol - it will work as a heater. Source: Balconies and Windows CDs are pierced with a nail and hung on wire or rope. Source: "100 Hares"

Paint the window sill with paint that shines in the sun.

Place a large mirror on the balcony. True, the mirror will give glare only in one direction.

Hang balloons with glitter on the railing. Ordinary balloons will burst quickly, helium balloons will last a little longer, but they are also short-lived.

Use a laser pointer. Pigeons are scared by a laser beam. This method is ineffective, since the battery in the pointer will quickly run out, especially if you keep it on the balcony in the cold. It is better to use a pointer to drive the pigeons by hand without getting up from the sofa.

How to scare pigeons

Most likely, the same pigeons fly to the balcony and windows every day, not different ones. To drive the birds away from their usual place, you need to intimidate them. Here's how to do it.

Water the pigeons. They don't like to be wet: it's so hard to fly. Birds can be watered with a water gun or a spray bottle if you can get close. You can also extend a garden hose: connect one end to a tap, and fix the other end to a balcony and attach a sprinkler. When the pigeons arrive, turn on the faucet. You may have to water the pigeons for more than one day until they develop a reflex: it is dangerous to sit here - you will get wet.

But there is a problem: you have to be at home when the pigeons arrive. If you only come in the evening, and the pigeons are circling all day, this method will not help.

To scare with sound and ultrasound. Pigeons cannot stand heavy music, rustling and sounds of birds of prey. They say it's good to include AC/DC recordings interspersed with a hawk's call. It takes time for this to work - maybe a few days. After such methods, the pigeons may disappear, but it is not clear how all this will affect the psyche of the neighbors.

There are acoustic bird scarers that operate in the ultrasonic range. A person does not hear ultrasound. Manufacturers claim that such devices scare away birds on approach, but there is no unequivocal opinion about this: some work, some do not.

Ultrasonic bird repellers cost around 2000 R. Source: Yandex Market

Set up a scarecrow. You can put a scarecrow in the form of a bird of prey - a hawk or a falcon. Pigeons also do not like crows and never live next to them, so a stuffed crow is also suitable.

The scarecrow must be large - at least half a meter high, otherwise the pigeons will not be frightened.

If you are too lazy to look for a stuffed bird or they are too expensive, a large soft toy with glass eyes will do. It is advisable to rub the eyes to a shine so that they imitate the gaze of a predator.

There are also such balls with imitation of the eyes of a bird of prey. Photo editor T-Zh Maxim Koposov says that only the vinyl ball helped him cope with the pigeons. You can buy stuffed birds of prey at Ozone Stuffed birds of prey can be found at Avito. They are often sold by hunters

How to prevent pigeons from landing on the balcony

You can physically restrict the landing of birds on the structure of the house. The most obvious way is to glaze the balcony and reduce the width of the window sills. But this is not always possible. Here are cheaper and less time-consuming ways.

Cover the balcony with a net. Polymer nets are sold in gardening stores. It is better not to use fishing nets, as the birds will get tangled in them, and there will be even more noise.

To close the middle balcony, a polymer mesh will be required for 1000-1500 R. Source: "Satom"

Pull ropes on window sills. Ropes or fishing lines are stretched just above the surface of the window sill so that it cannot be landed on. It is not difficult to do this on the balcony railing, but it is dangerous to stretch the line, leaning out of the window of the ninth floor.

Lubricate window sills with Vaseline. The idea is to make the pigeons' legs slide off the surface when the birds try to sit down. In addition to vaseline, vegetable oil and PVA glue are used. The method is simple, but ineffective: the funds will quickly be washed away by rain, and you can also ruin the window sills.

Install anti-additive barrier. This is a professional bird control sticky tape with spikes. Despite the threatening appearance, such a tape does not harm the birds.

Spikes not sharpened. They prevent the pigeons from landing, but do not hurt them. Source: Deka trading house

Other methods

In addition to the above methods, pigeons can be repelled with the help of smells. Cloves, black or red pepper, cinnamon are scattered across the balcony. Some use naphthalene. There are also special sprays based on essential oils to scare away birds. All this is short-term: smells on an open balcony or window sill will quickly disappear.

The idea of ​​letting the cat out on the balcony is dangerous for the cat. This method works well only in combination with a polymer mesh. The net will prevent the pigeons from landing and will not allow the cat to fall out of the balcony in the excitement of hunting. At the same time, the cat will be able to drive away the birds on the way.

How to deal with pigeons

  1. Pigeons will stop flying if it is inconvenient for them to land. Stretch the fishing line on the balcony, and install the tape with spikes on the window sills.
  2. Hang old discs, foil or other materials on the balcony that create glare. Pigeons don't like that.
  3. You can spray birds with water or scare away with ultrasound. But the first, most likely, will not be appreciated by passers-by, whom you risk accidentally pouring.
  4. It's better to leave the cat as heavy artillery when you pull the line.

What to do? Readers ask - experts answer

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How to quickly get rid of pigeons on the balcony

Pigeons on the balcony are a common problem for residents of apartments and even private houses. Birds periodically arrive in search of food, hide from the rain, and sometimes even make nests.

In this article we will tell you how to get rid of pigeons on the balcony, why they fly at all and what danger it brings.

Why pigeons fly to the balcony

Before fixing a problem, you need to understand its causes. In the case of pigeons, there are several.

If the problem is in the balcony itself, you need to remove the rubbish or stop storing food on it. If the reason is in the neighbors, it is worth talking to them.

Also, keep in mind that open unglazed balconies attract the most pigeons. Therefore, it may be worth thinking about glazing it.

How dangerous is the neighborhood with pigeons

Pigeons are carriers of serious infectious and viral diseases that are dangerous to humans. Among them are pseudotuberculosis, ornithosis, salmonellosis, tularemia, toxoplasmosis, etc. Such diseases occur with fever, sometimes with diarrhea, and can cause serious complications.

Pigeons carry fleas, ticks, bed bugs and other insects. If birds often stay on the balcony, then all these parasites can easily enter the apartment.

Faeces damage the finish of the balcony and are quite difficult to clean - often only repairs can save you from such pollution.

For these reasons, pigeons must be disposed of as soon as possible. And now we will tell you how to do it effectively.

How to chase pigeons off the balcony

Use a laser pointer

Pigeons are afraid of laser beams. Therefore, a laser pointer will be an excellent tool for scaring away pigeons from a balcony. And this can be done from the apartment - just shine on the birds through the window.

Hanging a laser pointer on a balcony is not worth it - the batteries will run out quickly.

Spray the pigeons with water

Any spray gun or even a water pistol will do. Birds do not like water very much - that is why they often hide from the rain on the balcony.

Pigeons need to be watered for several days as soon as they arrive. After some time, the birds will develop a reflex that you can’t sit on this balcony, because you can get wet there.

Scare pigeons with loud noises

Even city pigeons don't like loud and unexpected sounds. Therefore, you can put a speaker on the balcony and turn on the music, or better, the sounds of the cries of birds of prey - a hawk, an eagle, etc.

To discourage pigeons from landing on your balcony, turn on different sounds for several days in a row. But how the neighbors will react to this is unknown.

These three ways will help keep the pigeons off the balcony. But they have a drawback - you always need to be at home. If the birds sit on the balcony all day, and scare and chase them only in the evening, there will be no sense in such methods.

How to get rid of pigeons on the balcony permanently

Most likely you need to get rid of pigeons permanently. There are several proven ways to do this.

Place shiny objects on the balcony

Pigeons do not like shiny and shiny things. Therefore, on the balcony you can hang:

You can also put a large mirror on the balcony. Or finish the walls with foil insulation - foil insulation, which also gives good glare.

Install the dummy

A dummy hawk or falcon is best suited for this purpose. It can also be a crow, which pigeons are afraid of. You can buy such products on the Internet, for example, in Yandex.Market.

The scarecrow must be large, otherwise the pigeons will not be afraid of it. It is desirable that the wings are spread - as in flight or attack. That is the maximum of realism.

It is best to buy a hawk or a falcon - it is beautiful, spectacular and guaranteed to scare away pigeons.

Stretch the line

If the birds constantly sit on the windowsill, balcony railing, in these places it is worth pulling the line. Pigeons will never gather where it is impossible to land properly.

You can also use thicker threads, but still the fishing line is better, as it is transparent and hardly noticeable.

Install additive barriers on the balcony

An anti-additive barrier is a special device with spikes that prevents birds from landing where it is installed. The thorns are not sharpened, so they do not harm the birds.

Such barriers can now be seen at train stations. They are specially installed so that pigeons do not spoil the facades of buildings with feces.

Glazing the balcony

The most effective, but costly way to control pigeons on the balcony.

The entire balcony needs to be glazed. The ebbs and the visor on top are made of metal, narrow and at an angle, so that when trying to sit down, the birds simply slide off them.

Ready-made products for repelling pigeons

You can buy ready-made special products for repelling birds in stores and on the Internet.

Acoustic repellers

These devices make the characteristic sounds of birds of prey or the sounds that birds use to warn each other of danger. The second option shows the greatest efficiency.

The disadvantage of such devices is that they make noise that not only scares away pigeons, but also disturbs people. Therefore, it is more suitable for the balcony of a private house than an apartment.

These devices operate on mains or batteries. Easy to install - easily attached to the walls of the balcony or the tree next to it.

Ultrasonic Repellers

Pigeons, like other birds, are very sensitive to ultrasound. They don't come close to places where they can hear it.

These devices are self contained, compact, energy efficient and easy to install.

The disadvantage of ultrasonic repellers is that they cannot be used on the balcony of an apartment with pets. Animals also do not tolerate ultrasound.

Dynamic scarers

These scarers are one of the best options for a balcony because they don't disturb people because they don't make sounds. The essence of their work is to imitate the flight of a bird of prey - on the principle of a kite.

Models with large eyes on the wings are considered the most effective. And also on which there are drawings with a red border.

The installation of this repeller is simple and reliable, and maintenance is not required.

Visual repellers

Another good option for an apartment balcony. Because they do not make sounds and do not interfere with anyone. And they can also be a great addition to the interior of the balcony.

Such devices are as follows.

Acoustic and ultrasonic repellers are more suitable for balconies of country houses. Because they create noise that can disturb neighbors in an apartment building.

For an apartment balcony, the best option is a dynamic or visual repeller.

How to clean a balcony after pigeons

Cleaning a balcony after pigeons is a difficult task. Because in addition to cleaning surfaces, furniture and things, disinfection must be done. As we mentioned above, pigeons are carriers of diseases and harmful insects. And there are dangerous organisms in the feces of birds.

The cleaning itself is carried out in several stages:

  1. Removal of all belongings and furniture from the balcony. The necessary textile items can be washed well in the machine. Wash furniture thoroughly and disinfect well.
  2. Collection of large debris. All large debris should be collected and the nests, if any, should be discarded.
  3. Dry cleaning. Sweeping is not worth it, as this will raise dust with harmful bacteria that will penetrate into the apartment and to the neighbors. It is better to use a vacuum cleaner.
  4. Washing surfaces. Thoroughly wash the floors, ceilings, walls, window sills, windows, doors, etc. with detergents, preferably chlorinated ones. Because bird droppings damage almost all balcony finishing materials.

    All work must be carried out with gloves, a respirator, goggles and a suit to exclude infectious diseases and poisoning.

    The best option in such a situation is to contact a specialized company. Specialists will quickly and better cope with the cleaning and prepare the balcony for repairs and possible glazing.

    For example, our company SpetsUborka cleans balconies after pigeons in St. Petersburg in the Leningrad Region. We work for the convenience of customers around the clock, every day and without prepayment. We have all the necessary equipment, machinery, chemicals and experienced cleaners.

    Now you know how to get rid of pigeons on the balcony. The main thing, when the birds stop bothering you, is to clean everything up after them.

    Services related to the article

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