Control Methods

The following list of methods for controlling pigeons is intended to be used as general information and has been compiled by Bird Control Inc. to be used as a tool in understanding the methods that can be used to control pigeons.

The use of specific products may be controlled by State or Federal regulations. Check with manufacturers for specific installation requirements.

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 rail car 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.

Exclusion is the most effective form of bird control. Birds can be excluded from buildings by blocking access to indoor and outdoor roosts and nesting areas. Openings to lofts, steeples, vents, attics and eaves should be blocked with wood, metal, glass, masonry, wire cloth, or with bird netting.

Bird netting is the most cost effective and the most permanent means of bird exclusion. It is a knotted polyethylene u.v.-stabilized material installed to prevent access to the selected area from all birds. The life span of this netting can be as long as 10 years. the majority of our installations are with the use of bird netting. If installed correctly the netting becomes almost "invisible".

The addition of barriers to ledges can be very effective in controlling pigeons roosting and nesting habits. The products that are the most effective are spikes, electric shock units, and BirdSlide. Each of these products should be evaluated for the proper application.
Roosting on ledges can be discouraged by increasing the angle to 45° or more with the use of BirdSlide products.

Porcupine bird spike wires are mechanical repellents that can be used to exclude pigeons. They are composed of a myriad of spring tempered stainless steel prongs. The prongs are fastened to a solid base that can be installed on windowsills, ledges, eaves, roof peaks, ornamental architecture, or wherever pigeons are prone to roost.

Tightly stretched parallel strands of 16-18 gauge stainless steel "BirdWire" wire can be used to keep birds off support cables, narrow ledges, conduit, and similar areas.

Electric shock tracks are flexible and low profile using the concept of fear and flight conditioning birds to stay away.

"Avitrol" is classified as a chemical frightening agent, but it can be used as a toxicant in areas where higher mortality is acceptable. "Avitrol" for pigeon control is a whole-corn bait formulated with 4- amino-pyridine, a Restricted Use Pesticide, and may be used only by a certified applicator or persons under their direct supervision. Birds that consume sufficient amounts of the treated bait usually die. The dying birds exhibit distress behavior that frightens other members of the lock away. In order to minimize the mortality and maximize the flock-alarming reactions, the treated bait must be diluted with clean, untreated corn.
Secondary poisoning is unlikely to occur with "Avitrol", although it is toxic to any bird through direct ingestion

Pigeons can be controlled by capturing them in traps. The labor involved in servicing the traps and the disposal of the trapped birds makes trapping one of the least desirable means of control. Releasing pigeons back into the "wild" is impractical. Pigeons are likely to return even when released 50 or more miles from the problem site.

If you have a severe bird problem or would like to get ideas on how to prevent bird problems from worsening, Doug Stewart is available for consulting services. Mr. Stewart has been in the bird control industry for almost 40 years. Contact us to find out more details for this service.
Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

Solar panels are a great addition to your home or building. Pigeons and other critters find them to be a great place to get out of the elements to roost and or nest. The buildup of nesting material and droppings can be a detriment to the solar panels and the roof.

We can clean all refuse under your panels and install wire barriers so that nothing can get under there again. We use only specific materials designed for solar panels and it will last for many years.

Contact us today for a free estimate for help with your Woodpecker control problem.