There are a number of methods that can be used in the fight against a resilient pigeon population, however some are more suitable ...
Case Studies
Pigeons can be a menace to society and can cause damage and distress simply by deciding to take residence in our buildings. It's not only their droppings that cause problems, but their poor standards of hygiene and in particular their ability to harbour fleas.
There are a number of ways that pigeons can be dealt with – both quickly and humanely. Below is a list of pest control methods that may be implemented by your pest management officer.
Both of these methods have been experimented with, however, the problem is that big birds hog most of the food, so only a small number of birds are actually affected. In addition, other animals may consume the drugs or poisons, and there is alway the risk that residues from such methods could enter the food / water chain of pets and humans.
Wind chimes, radios, tin pie plates, flags, shredded plastic bags, balloons, and CDs are all examples of disturbia. Cheap to implement and easy to maintain, these forms of pest control are often found on allotments and in fields, however they are ineffective as a pigeon deterrent in the long run, and may well permanently deter your friends and relatives.
Low-voltage wires that run on batteries or solar power stun the birds with a mild shock on contact. Highly effective for secluded areas, which are unlikely to see visits from pets or humans.
In the 1980s, Daniel Haag-Wackernagel helped to reduce the number of feral pigeons in Basel, Switzerland, from 25,000 to 8,000 by launching media campaigns to educate people against feeding the birds. Also key to his success was the installation of rooftop dovecotes, where pigeons were fed properly, and their numbers reduced through replacing fertilized eggs replaced with unfertilized eggs.
Predators scare away other birds and can help control pigeon populations by actually catching them. However, watching a bird of prey violently disembowel a smaller bird can cause upset and discomfort for onlookers and the person who has to clean up the mess left behind.
This is by far the most effective remedy available to pest control companies. Enclosing an area in a thin nylon mesh so that pigeons can't enter to roost or nest keeps these pests away. By taking away their nesting site, pigeons will invariably go elsewhere to find food, water and shelter.
London used these in Trafalgar Square with mixed results, and huge public backlash. The vacuums, intended for birdseed, sucked up the odd bird and the hoses deterred the pigeons away from their perches... and right into fast-moving traffic. It was an expensive and temporary control measure that proved to be less effective than many had hoped.
A perfectly pigeon-proof condominium would have a smooth walls and a peaked roof, i.e., nowhere for pigeons claws to gain purchase. Unfortuantely, the vast array of different kinds of building in and around the UK mean that the implementation of slanted roofs is an unfeasable alternative for large cities, but can be used on a small scale.
No, not a stake through its breast, but a tiny "bed of nails" approach, which involves a number of metal or plastic spikes placed on ledges and sills to discourage pigeons from landing. Many councils implement this type of device due to its low cost and durability properties.