Pigeons cause heavy pollution on facades. Their feces are not only a breeding ground for mold but can also destroy rocks. It is therefore important that the animals do not reproduce uncontrollably.
How can I effectively keep pigeons away from my property?
To successfully keep pigeons away, you can close entry openings, bevel window sills, store leftover food out of reach and use ultrasonic or magnetic devices. However, avoid actions that risk injury or kill pigeons.
Why there are so many street pigeons
The pigeons living in cities are descended from feral domestic pigeons. It is considered one of the most successful vertebrates to gain a foothold in the city as a habitat. Due to the rich food supply, it has developed massive populations in recent decades. Their breeding season is short at 18 days, so a pair of pigeons can raise up to twelve young animals per year.
Avoid feeding
Supplementary feeding has no advantages but rather negative consequences for the birds, because the food is unsuitable and causes deficiency symptoms and illnesses. There are many sick animals living in urban populations, which fall prey to predators in the wild. Pigeons are considered stress breeders that rely on constant food conditions. If a food source suddenly disappears, they invest their last energy in producing as many offspring as possible. These are intended to secure the inventory.
What you can do
Whether measures to deter pigeons make sense depends on the motivation of the pigeon. When the animals incubate a clutch of eggs or feed offspring, they are not deterred by spikes. They will try any means possible to get to their nest. The methods of keeping pigeons away are more successful if there are enough escape options for the pigeons in the area. However, these only serve to combat symptoms and prove to be unsuccessful in the long term.
Potential solutions:
- Closing entrance openings
- Bevel window sills
- Store leftover food out of reach
- Defense with ultrasound
- magnetic systems that spray odorous substances
Inappropriate measures
Devices with sharp spikes, electrical installations or improperly hung nets pose a risk of injury. Questionable measures such as shooting and poisoning numerous birds are often carried out. Such rash actions only provide short-term improvement. It has been shown that after populations have been reduced to 20 percent of their size, they have built up the swarm within just a few weeks. In some cases the problem has increased.
