Pigeons are a pain to have around and will make themselves quite comfortable once they’ve established themselves. The pigeons that we see in Utah today have come down a line of birds that started with the Rock Dove. These birds were domesticated by humans for food and as pets. The pigeons of today are descendants of the rock doves that were released or escaped.

Diseases Caused by Pigeon Droppings & Feathers

Pigeons can be carriers of disease and parasites that can be passed on to humans. These include Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, and Psittacosis. The droppings are just as worrisome as the pigeons. A pigeon that is well fed can excrete about 25 pounds of droppings every year! Not only is it disgusting to see but it can cause damage to vehicles, trees, shrubs, lawns, buildings, benches and fountains in parks. They can reproduce quickly as they have no natural enemies. The overpopulation of pigeons will only make property damage worse and will raise the disease rate. The debris left over from dead birds will attract rats, mice, and flies.

Pigeon Repellent, Deterrent & Prevention

Pigeons need four things for survival; food, shelter, a place to reproduce and protection. The good news is if you can eliminate one of these requirements from an area they are currently occupying, then they will move away.
• Food – Pigeons will eat almost anything and will go anywhere they can find food. Don’t feed pigeons and take bird feeders away. Keep trash cans covered, bring pet food inside and clean up after your pets because pigeons will even eat their waste. Don’t leave water sources out for them either.
• Shelter – Pigeons will need a place to rest at night and roost during the day. If an area is sheltered they will like it. This includes trees, beams, rafters, awnings, etc. To keep pigeons away, block access to these areas with wire, spikes, and netting. Anything that will keep them from landing and roosting will keep them away.
• Reproduction – Take away any nests to deter them as they will nest in the same area until the next breeding season. If they can’t use it and have a hard time rebuilding, they will move on.
• Protection – Even though they have few natural predators they will still want to feel protected. Pigeons can be deterred by using items that will frighten them like pinwheels, balloons, beach balls, CDs, fake falcons or owls, etc. Move these items around so the pigeons don’t get used to them.

How to Clean Bird Poop

It’s very important to remember that pigeon droppings can contain bacteria and pathogens that can lead to sickness. You can avoid getting infected by avoiding direct contact with the droppings while you’re cleaning any areas that have been affected. Don’t let kids and pets play around any area where droppings have had an opportunity to buildup. You need to protect yourself by dressing the right way when you clean. This includes long pants and a long sleeve shirt, gloves that are water-proof, protection for your eyes, a mask with a filter and waterproof shoes that are closed-toe. Use water to reduce dust when you start scraping. Add water as you go into deeper layers and scrape directly into a trash bag. Clean the areas with one-part bleach ad nine parts water. Wash the area and then rinse with water.

Pigeon & Roosting Bird Control

If you need assistance dealing with nuisance pigeons or other pests around your home or business, contact Rentokil for professional assistance.