How to keep pigeons away

I Pigeons are fascinating animals, but can become a real problem when they decide to invade your home or garden. Not only do they ruin surfaces with their droppings, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases such as salmonella and cryptococcosis.

Keeping pigeons away may seem like a difficult challenge, but it is not impossible. In this article we will provide you with some useful tips on how to effectively and humanely keep pigeons away.

Why keep pigeons away?

As mentioned earlier, pigeons can cause many problems if left unchecked. Here are some of the main reasons why you should consider keeping pigeons away:

• They ruin surfaces with their corrosive droppings;
• They can build nests that block airways and cause damage to structures;
• They carry potentially deadly diseases for humans;
• They can attract other unwanted animals like mice and rats.

In general, keeping pigeons away is important to protect your family's health and preserve the structural integrity of your home or building.

Knowing pigeons and their behavior

Pigeons are birds commonly found in cities around the world. They are known for their characteristic flight and ability to adapt to different urban environments. However, not everyone knows that pigeons can be a problem for public health and city hygiene.

Pigeon behavior

Pigeons are social animals that live in groups called "posses" or "bands". These groups can vary in size from a few dozen to hundreds of individuals. Pigeons mainly feed on seeds, grains and fruits, but can also eat insects and human food waste.

Pigeons have very rapid reproductive habits: females lay two eggs at a time and pairs can produce up to six broods per year. This means that a pair of pigeons can quickly generate a large number of offspring.

Problems caused by pigeons

Pigeons can be a problem for public health because they transmit diseases such as salmonella, cryptococcosis and ornithosis. In addition, their droppings can damage building structures and make pedestrian surfaces slippery, thus increasing the risk of accidental falls.

Pigeons can also cause damage to crops and gardens by eating plant seeds and destroying fruits. Additionally, their aggressive behavior can be dangerous for other birds and pets.

Preventing pigeon proliferation

There are several techniques for preventing the proliferation of pigeons in cities. Some of these techniques include installing physical barriers such as nets or anti-bird spikes on building roofs, using acoustic or visual repellents, and eliminating food and water sources in public places.

However, it is important to remember that the removal of pigeons should not be carried out using cruel or illegal methods. The removal of nests and chicks should only be done by qualified professionals.

• Install physical barriers such as bird netting or spikes on building roofs
• Use acoustic or visual repellents
• Eliminate food and water sources in public areas

The damage caused by pigeons

Pigeons may seem harmless and even cute, but they can actually cause significant damage. Here are some of the most common problems caused by pigeons:

• Structural damage: pigeons often nest on building roofs where their corrosive droppings can damage tiles and other construction materials. In addition, abandoned nests can clog gutters and drainage pipes.
• Health problems: pigeon droppings can contain bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can be dangerous to human health. In particular, the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans can cause severe respiratory illnesses in immunocompromised individuals.
• Slippery surfaces: pigeon droppings can make surfaces slippery and hazardous, especially when wet.
• Noise pollution: pigeons emit annoying and repetitive sounds that can disturb sleep and public peace.
• Aesthetic problems: pigeon droppings can stain building facades and other surfaces, giving an unattractive appearance to urban environments.

These are just some of the problems caused by pigeons. For this reason, it is important to take measures to deter them and prevent their presence in urban areas.

How to naturally deter pigeons

Pigeons are very intelligent and adaptable animals, so it can be difficult to deter them from a specific area. However, there are some natural solutions that can help keep pigeons away without harming the environment or the animals themselves.

1. Use natural repellents

There are various essential oils and plants that can help keep pigeons away. For example:

• Lavender: its strong smell is unpleasant for pigeons;
• Peppermint: sprayed around windows or on surfaces where pigeons perch, it can help repel them;
• Neem oil: an effective natural repellent against many insects and birds, including pigeons.

2. Install physical barriers

Physical barriers can prevent pigeons from landing and nesting in certain areas. Some options include:

• Bird netting: a tight mesh placed on balconies or windows can prevent pigeons from entering;
• Bird spikes: plastic or metal spikes placed on the edges of surfaces prevent pigeons from landing;
• Scarecrows: a mannequin or bird figure placed in the garden can scare away pigeons.

3. Keep the area clean

Pigeons are attracted to sources of food and water, so it's important to keep the area clean to deter them. Some tips include:

• Remove food waste: don't leave food or food scraps outside;
• Cover food: if you must eat outside, cover your food with a cloth or net;
• Keep water away: fix any water leaks and remove any stagnant water containers.

Naturally deterring pigeons takes time and patience, but it can be done without harming the animals themselves. Experiment with different solutions to find what works best for you and your area.