 by Alex A. Kecskes
Except for the polar ice caps, the ubiquitous pigeon (sometimes called rock dove) is just about everywhere on the planet. Feral pigeons live in close association with humans, yet they possess the characteristics of highly adapted wild birds. Pigeons typically feed on seeds but they can easily survive on vegetables, meat and other food discarded by humans. Nests are built by the female using material collected by the male.
If you want to keep pigeons from nesting on your property, you’ll have to eliminate their sources of food, water and shelter. When pigeons are on the lookout for places to nest, they’ll first make sure there’s plenty to eat for themselves and their young. If you own or manage a restaurant, particularly, an outdoor eatery, you’ll need to be ever vigilant about food scraps under tables, benches and chairs. The same holds true of dipsy-dumpsters--keep the lids closed and clean up any food around them. Also eliminate any sources of standing water left by sprinklers and maintenance crews.
In terms of shelter, feral pigeons often build their nests in hard-to-reach places, such as covered crevices along building ledges, in the nooks and crannies of building beams and rafters, or in other hidden-away places. Sometimes they’ll use very little nesting material and lay their eggs on bare ground. Nests are usually hard to find and often used over and over. Loose tiles and broken windows will give pigeons easy access to nesting spots. Pigeons are particularly fond of roof spaces, especially those that have open water tanks. In general, gutters, window air conditioners (in particular, empty air conditioner containment boxes), chimney pots and external ledges serve as ideal nesting sites.
by Terra Anders Pigeons, crows, grackles and blackbirds are all well known for their frequent gathering and roosting on rooftops, gutters, air conditioning vents and other structures. This problem affects private homes, public establishments and businesses. Pigeon control is important, not only because of the damage their feces causes to finishes and paint, but also because of the disease that the bacteria and small parasites in their feces may carry. Businesses may find that customers avoid their establishment if these birds are allowed to remain unchecked. These birds do deserve to set down and rest once in awhile, but having them settling in on your property means dealing with quite a mess. Controlling pest birds, like pigeons, does not have to be complicated or harmful to their health. There are several humane bird deterrent methods that can be used quite effectively to send these birds on their way. Any one of these methods can be used without the need for complex or expensive installation. Bird netting can be used when you want to keep birds away from flowers and crops, or from gaining access to any valuable structures. This type of netting is not used to trap the birds, but to keep birds out of a specific area. The most common use of netting is in orchards, vegetable gardens, and vineyards, but it can also be use indoors in larger structures where birds can fly in, and nest up high in the ceiling beams. Most netting is made with knotted strands of plastic cord, and is available in several thicknesses. Lightweight netting is often used indoors to stop bird pests from nesting inside large warehouses, hangers, or tunnels. Heavy-duty bird net is used outdoors, and is designed to resist deterioration in sunlight, rain and extreme heat. It is also available in different widths and lengths. Specially designed plastic clips can be used to attach the netting, preventing damage to the surface being protected. Pigeons, or other bird pests, look for a landing surface that is flat and even. Bird spikes is a method commonly used to deter these birds from roosting on their favorite flat surfaces, such as roofs, ledges, gutters, or signs. These spikes are available in steel or plastic and in many colors, so once installed they are virtually invisible. The spikes are not sharp enough to cause harm, but they are severe enough to create an uncomfortable landing place for winged pests, forcing them to fly onward to find a more suitable area. Another bird control method is an electric bird deterrent system. This system uses a polycarbonate insulator wire embedded in an insulted PVC track that conforms to straight or curved surfaces. They are most effective when laid down over a large, flat area that is likely to invite pigeons or other pest birds to roost. As the bird lands on the unassuming strip, it will receive a light warning shock, causing it to immediately fly away. The shock is not harmful, but it is uncomfortable enough that the pest birds will quickly learn that this is not a suitable landing or nesting spot. This method employs a behavior modification technique that does not interfere with the birds flying patterns, but does change their landing patterns. Controlling pigeon flocks and other feathered friends from becoming damaging pests, is one way to continue to enjoy watching their fanciful flights without the worry of the mess they leave behind. Bird netting, bird spikes and electric bird deterrent systems are all effective and humane choices to consider when deciding which pigeon control methods to use.
 by Fran Prisco Pigeons have become public enemy number one in many large cities. They are in public parks, food courts, and landing or roosting on public buildings. Each year governments and municipalities spend thousands of dollars cleaning up after and repairing damage caused by pigeons. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can damage building materials as well as carry any of 60 different diseases. Bird droppings are also slippery and a big cause of slip and fall accidents on sidewalks and building walkways. It is important that the public feel protected from illness as well as physical harm when using public facilities. To get rid of pigeons from public areas, the pigeon spike is the answer. Pigeon spikes keep pest pigeons from landing and roosting on flat and curved surfaces such as roof ledges, windowsills even channel letters. The best pigeon spikes come are made from polycarbonate plastic with built in U.V. protectors for long life. They are manufactured in two-foot sections for easy and quick installation. Installing Pigeon Spikes Before installing any type of bird control product or system, it is important to do a thorough clean up. All debris and droppings left behind by the birds must be removed. It may be necessary to power wash the area to remove bird droppings and other debris before installing the pigeon spikes. A clean surface is needed in order for the spikes to adhere to the surface being treated when installing with adhesive. Pigeon spikes are easily installed using glue, screws or tie downs. When using glue, choose a construction grade adhesive that will keep the spikes in place regardless of weather or temperatures. It is important that the entire surface be covered with the spikes. If there is space of more than an inch in front of or behind the spikes, pigeons will be able to land and use the spikes to drop nesting materials and make nests. Once installed the pigeon spikes are virtually invisible and will not take away from the building aesthetics. Pigeon spikes are practically maintenance free. It is a good idea to inspect the spikes periodically to be sure there is not a build up of leaves or twigs in the spikes, or that they have not come loose. Related articles 
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