Pigeon Control

Since they depend on humans for food and shelter, pigeons are often found roosting in residential areas. These noisy pests gather in yards and on roofs in large numbers, which can overwhelm homeowners.

Pigeon poop is a serious issue as well. It collects on sidewalks and the sides of buildings, creating slipping hazards and staining homes. The pests’ feces also spread several pigeon diseases.

Illnesses spread via these birds’ droppings include:

• Histoplasmosis – This airborne fungal sickness affects the respiratory system, sometimes with fatal results.
• Salmonellosis – Often called food poisoning, a Salmonella bacterial infection causes stomach pain, chills, fatigue, and fever.
• Psittacosis – Spread through the inhaled dust of dried pigeon poop, this disease leads to fever, chills, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing.
• Toxoplasmosis – Pregnant women and people with lower immune function are more affected by this parasite. Infected individuals suffer flu-like symptoms.
• Cryptococcosis – Another fungal ailment that results in lung infection, cryptococcosis can spread to the brain and is potentially fatal.
• Newcastle Disease – Though it can be transmitted to humans, this illness typically affects other birds like poultry. It causes sudden death.

In addition to these pigeon diseases, the pests host fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. The parasites also carry harmful illnesses, such as Lyme disease, that can be spread to humans.

Pigeons are common city and suburban pests, as they generally live close to humans. Assembling in large flocks, the birds can quickly annoy residents. Thankfully, there are several pigeon deterrents available to keep the pests away from houses and other buildings.

• Porcupine wire and bird spikes – These are fastened to windowsills, ledges, and other places where pigeons perch to prevent roosting.
• Frightening devices – Noise makers and predator decoys may scare the pests away.
• Bird netting – Hanging this special material over flat surfaces or around trees can keep birds from landing.
• Electric hot wires – This method delivers small shocks when the pests land.
• Chemical Repellents – Some products may be spread on ledges and trees to irritate birds’ feet or create a sticky texture they dislike.

Almost every pigeon deterrent comes with certain issues. Bird spikes and wire are difficult to keep clean because they collect feathers and feces. Additionally, noise and frightening devices are less effective over time. Electric and chemical deterrents can be costly and dangerous to use or install.

Dust control gear is critical when clearing away pigeon nests because of the waste inside. The pests’ droppings may spread histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which is especially dangerous for people with immune system disorders. For safe pigeon control, call the trained professionals at Trutech.

Flying pests are tough to keep away from homes, and pigeons are no exception. While some people use bird strips and netting to stop them from landing, others turn to trapping pigeons. This method is often successful because the pests tend to stay in the same area. Several types of live pigeon traps are common:

• Loft Traps –Homeowners can screen in birds using their existing roosts. Set up the trap in a favorite pigeon gathering spot, but keep the entrance open until the birds inside are comfortable. Then, carefully close the trap’s door.
• Funnel Traps – Typically built from welded wire, these devices have cone-shaped doorways. Birds enter freely to eat but cannot escape through the smaller end of the funnel.
• Bob-Type Traps – These large pigeon traps have a small access door to remove the trapped birds. The key feature is the free-swinging bars that allow birds to enter. When the bars fall back into place, the birds are kept inside.

All three of these traps are often baited to attract pigeons. Special formulas are available, though cracked corn will also work.