|
Pigeon Problems & Identification
Feral pigeons are the number one urban pest bird, creating a mess and causing damage where they roost, creating a need for pigeon control. Pigeons are descendants of domesticated European homing pigeons, so they have a varied diet and feel at ease making their homes in man-made structures. Generally blue-grey in color, with irridescent feathers on the head and neck, problem pigeons often have markings in black, white or brown on the wings and neck. A short neck and small head characterize the standard pigeon; their short legs, hind toes and level front allow for both easy perching on pipes and ledges or walking on flat surfaces. Pigeons generally nest in small, flat areas away from the ground such as building ledges, air conditioning units or window sills. Occasionally pigeons may even lay eggs directly on a protected ledge.
Damage Caused by Pigeon Problems
Pigeon control is important due to the damage and disease
problems these problem birds often create. The uric acid
in pigeon feces is highly corrosive and can cause extensive
damage to metals and other substrates it sits on for long
periods. Debris from flocks of problem pigeons often build
up, backing up gutters and drains which can cause flooding
and roof damage. Nesting materials and other debris has
caused failures in machinery, especially rooftop air conditioning
units which are a prime nesting spot for pigeons. Other
frequent pigeon problems include slip and fall liability
from feces or debris, plus an unclean, dirty company image.
The bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon
droppings are responsible for a host of serious diseases,
including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis,
toxoplasmosis and more. Many companies also retain significant
clean up costs due to the pigeon problems they don't resolve.
Pigeon Control Products
The best pigeon control product is 3/4” StealthNet
bird netting.
Bird net is extremely durable and creates a true bird
barrier against problem pigeons "homing" to their
natural instinct to stay near their birth site. Pigeon netting
completely controls pigeon problems, forcing the problem
pigeons to look elsewhere for a nesting site.
In addition to bird net, other effective pigeon control
products are electrical
wire/track and bird
spike ledge products. These pigeon control products
work best where pigeons are nesting or roosting and the
pigeons are "homing" (committed to remaining at
the site). For pigeon problem areas where the birds are
not nesting or feeding, ledge pigeon control products such
as low-profile birdwire
and pigeon traps can be effective pigeon control methods.
However, trapping or other kinds of flock dispersal will
not work in situations where these pest pigeons are nesting
or when there are food or water sources present as these
birds will be especially determined to remain.
Bird scare products are generally ineffective as pigeon
control products unless applied at the very beginning of
the pigeon problem. The only bird scare products that may
work to get rid of pigeons are the screech
owl decoy (a moving, screeching predator effigy) and
the birdblaster,
a bird control product that combines both audio and visual
stimulae to convince problem pigeons that a serious predator
is in the vicinity. |
StealthNet
|
