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.
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