Different Ways to Get Rid of Pigeons

Pigeons transmit a lot of diseases in their feces and during interaction with other birds and their nests and droppings also invite the presence of external parasites, skin eating beetles, moths, flies, cloth mites, and other pest infestations. Diseases they cause include:

• Asthma: Once pigeon droppings dry, they become dust and when inhaled this dust can trigger asthma attacks because it irritates the mucosa of the respiratory tract.

• Salmonella: This bacterium causes food poisoning in humans and has been associated with contaminated food. Pigeon droppings contain a lot of bacteria including salmonella which can drop into food and cause food poisoning.

• Histoplasmosis: This is a respiratory infection which is caused by airborne fungi that is present in pigeon nesting materials and when the fungal spores are taken up by the wind, they escalate human respiratory health conditions and can lead to death.

• Diseases from parasites: Pigeons often carry ticks and fleas that can lead to Lyme diseases and other diseases caused by these external parasites.

Not only are pigeons human health hazards, but they also litter the environment with their droppings, deface structures, and decrease aesthetics of working and residential areas and so you need to eliminate them from your yard and residential area.

There are many techniques for excluding or removing pigeons from a structure and for the prevention of a pigeon infestation. Some of these techniques include:

• Structural modifications: Pigeons, like most birds, like to land on flat surfaces, so you give them the exact opposite. When the building’s ledge is at a 45° angle, the pigeons find it difficult to land on the rooftop because it will be slippery. You can use sheet metals, Styrofoam blocks, wood stone, or other materials to achieve the desired angles.
• Repellents: Pigeon repellents come in different formulations like gels, pastes, or liquids. They differ considerably in cost, effectiveness, and texture. They are effective in keeping pigeons away to an extent, but using repellents is not advisable because you have to use them repeatedly and that could be cost-intensive. 
• Employ an exterminator: If you are dealing with a pigeon infestation, it is wise to employ a professional to tackle the problem and eliminate the birds. They have the training and technical knowledge to effectively trap the birds and move them to areas where they are not a nuisance to humans and can still survive. The exterminator will also educate you on what to do to prevent a future pigeon infestation.

You can control the pigeon population around your house or yard by doing any of the following:

• Bird netting: In general, netting provides the best long-term control of keeping pigeons out of structures. This most efficient control method should be used in warehouses and commercial buildings to prevent pigeons from finding their way into overhead pipes, air conditioning units, and other rooftop openings in structures.
• Plastic and metal spikes: Spikes can be used as physical pigeon deterrents to prevent them from perching on areas such as beams and rooftops. The spikes have sharp pointed edges that extend out at an angle. The spikes can be used around ledges, roof peaks, eaves, window sills, or any other area that pigeons are prone to roost.
• Wind-chime: The fastest and easiest way of discouraging pigeons from coming around your property is to use wind chimes. Pigeons are easily frightened by the noise and so using a wind-chime will discourage them from perching or finding a home in your yard.
• Decoy hawks or snakes:  You can prop a rubber hawk at one side of your building and make it look real enough for the pigeons to believe that it is alive, this will keep them away and frightened. You can also scatter a few rubber snakes in your yard and the pigeons will willingly stay away from your property. 
• Trapping: When you intend to capture a pigeon, you must first learn about the trapping rules of your locality to avoid getting into legal trouble. You should also make sure that you place the trap cage where the pigeons normally perch and you bait them with their favorite fruits or seeds. After trapping, it will be wise of you to call your local wildlife agency to handle the pigeons.

Pigeons can be controlled and eliminated if the right measures are in place and the environment is clean. You should not encourage pigeons by deliberately feeding them. When you have a heavy pigeon infestation, call a professional.