by Alex A. Kecskes

Pigeons are fun to feed, but when they gather in big numbers on your property, they cease being fun. And start being expensive. Specifically, they can take the paint or finish off wood and metal, crumble concrete and ruin expensive statues over time. Pigeon poop also poses a sizeable health risk. The fact is that pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. And that's not even counting the diseases carried by the fleas, mites and ticks that attach themselves to pigeons. It's time for some serious pigeon control.

One solution that combines effectiveness with economy is the bird-scare product family. Here you'll find bright, colorful banners of foil that rattle and wave in the breeze. They're easily mounted to virtually any post, eave, mast or beam. Another pigeon control device, the Bird Scare Balloon, bobs and weaves in the breeze and uses the added tactic of large predator eyes to frighten pigeons.

Still another pigeon control solution is basically a catch-and-release device known as a Bird Motel. These humane live-trap cages are ideal for low populations of pest birds that gather on rooftops, courtyards and other areas. Made of sturdy galvanized wire, the cages can be used indoors or out. Your basic trap will have funnel doors that let birds in, but not out. Captured birds are easily removed via an access door. You can get these traps in various sizes to catch all manner of pest birds.

This next device uses a bird's aversion to unstable landing areas. Known as Bird Wire systems, these use a post-and-wire system to achieve pigeon control. Ideal for keeping pigeons off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and similar troublesome areas, bird wire systems are humane, safe and economical. After a few tries, pigeons just give up and move on to a more stable perch. Bird wire systems have been approved for use on Federal and State government structures. Better systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to withstand harsh weather.

We now come to the ubiquitous Bird Spike. These ingenious pigeon control devices are among the most successful and humane. Choose the plastic spike made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate; or opt for the steel spike made of durable stainless steel. Both come in a variety of sizes to accommodate various bird types. Often recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies, the blunted spikes won't harm pigeons, just prevent them from landing. Also available are girder spikes, which are ideal for keeping pigeons from landing on girders or I-beams, and gutter bird spikes, to keep pigeons from landing and nesting in gutters.

One clever pigeon control device that's gaining in popularity is the Flat PVC Panel. Pigeons slip and slide off this deterrent like Keystone Cops on ice. No matter how they try, pigeons just can't land and they move on. Ideal for eaves, beams, ledges, and other 90-degree crevices where pigeons usually nest, the PVC panels are available in a number of neutral colors to match a building's aesthetics. Opt for U.V.-stabilized polycarbonate panels if you need them to last a long time.

To keep pigeons out of large areas, you might try Bird Netting. Ideal for preventing pigeons from gathering on rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas, netting is also a popular pigeon control solution for growers and vintners who want to prevent pest birds from destroying their crops and grapes. The best netting is made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric, U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof.

If you have a level flat or curved surface where people don't normally reach, you might try Electric Tracks. These efficient pigeon control devices have shown their worth in preventing pest birds from landing on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams and signs. The electrified tracks deter pigeons by giving them a mild "zap." The low-profile electrified tracks install easily and can't be seen from below.

Pigeons also hate this next bird deterrent--Bird Gel. You squeeze it onto a flat surface and when it dries, it's still tacky to the touch. As a pigeon control product, it's non-toxic and harmless to birds, yet once pigeons get their footsies into it, it's bye-bye birdie and they'll never come back.

Certain sounds can really bug birds. Which is the principle behind Sonic Pigeon Control devices. These work quite well because they produce a variety of annoying distress and predator calls only pigeons can hear. One sonic system features the distress and predator calls of over 22 types of birds. The sounds are played every few minutes to alert birds of danger. Sonics are ideally suited for gardens, rooftops, courtyards, pool areas and other large open areas.

Finally, there's the Scarecrow. This unique motion-activated sprinkler delivers an annoying pulse of water whenever it senses a pigeon flying or walking near it. The water blast, the scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--all combine to scare pigeons away. Ideal for gardens, backyards, pools/spas and other areas.