Deter Pigeons

Effective and Safe Methods to Deter Pigeons

Detering pigeons is an increasingly common practice in urban and rural areas where pigeons have become a major nuisance and, in many cases, a public health problem. Pigeons can cause many issues with their droppings, damaging buildings, structures, and vehicles, and posing health risks. Here we highlight some strategies and methods used to deter pigeons:

• Sonic Pigeon Deterrents: These reproduce predator sounds or danger signals to make pigeons leave the area. They are effective, but results are not immediate. Pigeons are very stubborn birds and require constant deterrence to eventually leave the area.
• Visual Methods to Deter Pigeons
  • Predator Figures: Silhouettes of birds of prey, like hawks or owls. We recommend the Kite Hawk Scarecrow which is highly effective.
  • Reflective Objects: Owls, eagles, or strips of shiny material can deter pigeons due to reflections and movements caused by the wind.
• Physical Methods to Deter Pigeons
  • Pigeon Spikes: Installed on surfaces where pigeons frequently perch to prevent them from settling.
  • Exclusion Nets: These prevent pigeons from accessing protected areas such as balconies, ledges, and inner courtyards.
  • Tension Wires: Similar to spikes, they create an unstable surface that is unpleasant for pigeons.
• Ultrasonic Pigeon Deterrents: These devices use frequencies that are annoying to birds but generally inaudible to humans. At Birdgard Iberia, we offer the best ultrasonic bird deterrents, but we recommend them mainly for birds with high auditory capabilities like swallows or bats. For pigeons, ultrasonics may be initially bothersome, but they tend to be ineffective in the long term as pigeons often get used to them.
• Chemical Pigeon Repellents: Gels or liquids that create a sticky or unpleasant surface for pigeons.

Tips for Effectively Detering Pigeons

Before installing pigeon deterrents, it is important to carry out some preliminary actions to effectively deter pigeons:

• Area Assessment: Identify places where pigeons frequently perch or nest. Observe their flight patterns and usual routes.
• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the affected areas, removing all traces of droppings and nests, as these can attract pigeons. Disinfect areas to prevent health problems related to bird droppings. Regularly remove nests from unwanted areas to discourage pigeon reproduction and settlement.
• Food Control: Ensure that there are no accessible food sources, such as open garbage or food scraps, that might attract pigeons.
• Choosing the Most Suitable Pigeon Deterrents: Choose a pigeon deterrent based on your situation analysis. Consider the area you need to protect, the severity of the problem, and the specific behavior of pigeons in your environment. Decide if you need a visual, sonic deterrent, or a combination of methods.
  • Remember that for deterring pigeons, an integrated approach combining different types of pigeon deterrents tends to be more effective for long-term pigeon control.
  • Use methods that do not harm pigeons.
• Strategic Installation: Carefully plan the location of the pigeon deterrents to maximize their effectiveness, ensuring they cover the areas where you need to deter pigeons.

For more details on effective pigeon deterrents, we invite you to visit our section repel pigeons.