Pigeon Control
This information is relating to the feral rock dove (Columba livia) only.
Not all pigeons are pests; however, often when they establish territories on buildings or are in large flocks pigeons can cause significant damage to structures through their corrosive droppings. Pigeons are also well documented in the carriers of diseases which can be transferred via their waste and negatively impact human health. Their control should be considered within areas that they are causing a nuisance.
Before undertaking any control method, users must understand the relevant regulations surrounding birds’ control, like all species, including pigeons, are protected. Whilst several general licences are available for the user to control pigeons under specific terms, including health & safety, at Birdgo we recommend that when possible any prevention works are carried out outside of their breeding seasons when there is less likelihood of activity.
The type of prevention used to control pigeons will vary depending on the birds’ location and intentions. Not all devices are suitable, and using the wrong product can often lead to failure. Pigeons that are nesting have an incentive to remain in situ and quickly abuse a weaker system that has not been installed correctly.
To understand the differences, we have classified pigeon activity within 3 different pressures.
- Low Pressure – Pigeons are perching on ledges and causing minimal damage. This type of activity is normally found in residential activity but can be expected in town centres. As a rule, pigeons use the outer ledges as a watch out for food sources and are in low individual numbers.
- Medium Pressure – Pigeons are roosting overnight, especially in flocks or when pigeons are in more significant numbers. Pigeons are more likely to return to the same spot every night and show greater interest in bypassing installed protection devices.
- Heavy Pressure – Birds are nesting or roosting overnight in large flocks. Pigeons are less likely to comply with any evictions and will be persistent in looking for a system weakness. Physical barriers rather than ledge prevention are highly recommended.
Control options:
Bird netting is considered the best and long-term option to prevent pigeons from gaining access as this creates a physical barrier that pigeons are unable to bypass. Netting is easy to install and requires little previous experience, but may not be as versatile as some of the other below options. Installers should pay particular attention to the bird frame as this holds the net insitu, prevents sag and long-term damage. Our netting is made in the UK from HDPE UV stabilised twine and used by professionals.
Recommended for low, medium & heavy pressure sites
Spikes are an excellent option to quickly prevent pigeons from landing on ledges, parapets and fences. Pigeon spikes have blunt tips and are not designed to harm them; instead, they act as landing prevention and quickly encourages them to remove to other locations. However, spikes are not suitable for very heavy pressure sites, including nesting; we recommend the above netting for this type of prevention, but spikes should be used as the only other option if netting is not possible.
Spikes are available in 3 different sizes to allow for users to select an option depending on the width of the ledge being protected.
Recommended for low & medium sites. Can be used in heavy pressure sites with caution.
Bird Post & Wire
Post & wire systems is an extremely discreet system that does not prevent feral pigeons from landing but acts as an uncomfortable barrier that encourages pigeons to relocate quickly. This system is low-cost and recommended for outer ledge protection in areas of low-pressure activity only; users should understand that this system is not suitable for medium or high-pressure areas, including where pigeons are roosting and nesting.
Recommended for low sites only. Can be used in medium areas with caution.
Solar Panel Mesh
This device offers a permanent exclusion method where pigeons are unable to bypass the physicl barrier. The mesh is highly recommended to prevent pigeons from gaining access to the underside of solar panels and can also be used around open fascias and voids around properties. Once installed correctly, this system will have a significantly longer life-span than any of the above options. Available in both galvanised and PVC-coated plastic.
Recommended for low, medium & heavy pressure sites
