Pigeons can present a serious problem for homeowners. They can breed very rapidly and have been known to carry harmful diseases. Luckily, there are several ways to get rid of pigeons that are both effective and humane.
Pigeons are stout-bodied birds that are pale gray in color, with black bars on each wing. When people talk about “pigeons,” they are most commonly referring to the feral Rock Pigeon, which is the species most commonly found in urban areas. These birds are about 12 to 14 inches long, with a wingspan between 25 to 28 inches. They are quite a nuisance and will feed on many different readily available foods, like seeds, fruits, plants, and discarded food. Pigeons are effective scavengers and will go to wherever the food is.
Pigeons generally build nests on top of roofs, in gutters, on external ledges, or even in external air conditioners. They also prefer to nest together in abandoned buildings, on walls, or on statues. These birds will stay in one place for as long as the food supply holds out.
Pigeons are considered pests as they can cause damage to buildings and carry disease. They have been shown to carry the Avian Flu, as well as several different kinds of parasites.
Should pigeons begin to roost in your area, there are several strategies that can show homeowners how to get rid of pigeons. When dealing with any pest, the first step is always prevention. Homeowners should seal off potential nesting sites with screens or fillers. Plants That Repel Bed Bugs Other pigeon repellents include anti-roosting spikes and scarecrows. These scarecrows can take the form of owls, snakes, cats, or even people. However, to be effective, these scarecrows need to appear alive and move either randomly or responsively.
Homeowners can also use chemical pigeon repellents. Some of these chemicals simply make the perch uncomfortable for the birds to sit on or cause pain to the feet. Other chemicals may not simply repel pigeons, but will instead kill them. Avitrol is one chemical commonly used to eliminate pigeons, although it is indiscriminate and will kill other birds or animals that come in contact with it. It may unintentionally harm pets or even children. However, the chemical is rather ineffective anyway. Although the pigeon population will initially decrease, it will quickly come back, as these birds breed rapidly.
The most effective way to get rid of pigeons is to reduce the food supply. Some cities also use avian Pest Control Salary contraceptives, which control the pigeon population by decreasing the viability of the egg.
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