Pigeons have become public enemy number one as far as pest birds are concerned. The common pigeon also known as a rock dove first came the North America by people from Europe who settled in Canada in the early 1600s. Pigeons that escaped from settlers formed the wild flocks you see in our cities today. These wild birds live among city buildings, bridges, and other man-made structures in the same way their ancestors used to live among cliffs and rocky ledges. Pigeons can live up to 15 years and mate of life. Their homing instincts will bring them back to their same nesting and roosting areas. It has become a widespread problem in cities and suburbs alike. Pigeons cause thousands of dollars a year in cleanup and repair costs to homeowners, building owners, municipal buildings and others.

Pigeons make flimsy nest, and will reuse the location repeatedly, building new nests on top of old ones. Pigeons do not bother to remove the feces of their young, so the nest turns into a hard, pot like mound that gets larger each month. Un-hatched eggs and the mummies of dead nestlings will also get cemented into the nest making it even more of a health hazard. Nest sites are used repeatedly and nesting material is added for each new brood, making for very unsightly displays. A pair may raise 5 or more broods a year. Pigeons do not migrate, but if displace from a nesting area, can return from long distances because of their homing ability.

Controlling Pest Pigeons:

Federal law does not protect feral pigeons and most states do not give them protection. State and local laws should be consulted, however, before any control measures are taken. Some cities are considered bird sanctuaries that provide protection to all species of birds.

Predators:

Hawks and other large animal-eating birds (birds of prey) catch and eat pigeons. The Peregrine Falcon is a bird of prey that lives in some cities and feeds on pigeons. In many cities, however, pigeons have no enemies. One species of falcon, Merlin, eats so many pigeons its scientific name is Falco columbarius (with the "columba-" meaning pigeon) and it was formerly called Pigeon Hawk. Merlins are medium-sized falcons and although they are not very common in cities, you can bet they are preying on pigeons living in open parks near marshes and ponds. In cities where Peregrine Falcons have become established, they catch and eat feral pigeons, often carrying them back to feed to their nestlings. Red-tailed and Cooper's hawks also prey on pigeons in cities and in rural areas.

Habitat Modification:

Elimination of feeding, watering, roosting, and nesting sites is important in long-term pigeon control. Discourage people from feeding pigeons in public areas and clean up spilled grain around elevators, feed mills, and railcar clean-out areas. Eliminate pools of standing water that pigeons use for watering. Modify structures, buildings, and architectural designs to make them less attractive to pigeons.

Pigeon Deterrents:

There are several deterrents on the market that will help to keep pest pigeons off of your property.

Bird Spikes are the most common, economical and easiest to install of the physical deterrents. You simply install the bird spikes on the flat surface that the pigeons are landing on. The bird spikes make it so they can no longer land; thus they will move to another area.

Bird Netting is another physical deterrent that is used to exclude pest pigeons from areas such as warehouses, under eaves of homes, under canopies and other large open areas. A professional installer such as a pest control operator or bird control specialist best installs bird netting.

Shock Systems can also be used on commercial buildings to deter pest pigeons. They will receive a mild shock when they come in contact with the track. This will change their habit of landing on the surface. This is also a product best installed by a professional.

There are other method and products available to deter pest pigeons. It is recommended that if you have a large scale problem that you consult a professional to help determine the best method to get rid of the pest pigeons.