How to Get Rid of Pigeons

Co-authored by Elmer Bensinger

Pigeons can be entertaining to watch, but their droppings can cause damage to buildings and spread diseases to people and other animals. You can prevent this from happening, namely through deterrents and humane population control. Before you take any measures, check your national and local laws concerning their protection status and which control methods you may use.

1

Use reflective surfaces.

When the sun hits reflective objects, it creates an effect that interferes with the birds' eyesight. Install reflective tape or foil balloons to scare away the pigeons. If money is tight, string old CDs from nearby trees or along awnings.^{[1]
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2

Eliminate other food sources.

Eliminating or controlling their access to the source of food will reduce the number of pigeons. Food sources for pigeons can include grass seed, berries from pyracantha bushes or olive trees, and dog or cat food left outside. Don't constantly put seed on a lawn if the seed isn’t germinating.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
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3

Spray pigeons with water from a garden hose.

Pigeons won't appreciate the force or concentration of the water being targeted at them. Spray the birds when they first arrive. If you wait until they set up house, it will be too late.^{[3]
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4

Use anti-roosting spike strips.

You can attach roosting spikes to just about any spot a bird might want to perch. Buy spikes at the hardware store or garden centers. Attach according to the manufacturer's instructions.^{[4]
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- A smoother alternative is to use a “Slinky” toy, available from department and toy stores.^{[5]
  X
  Research source} Spread it out along the handrail of a balcony, with the coils not more than 1 ¹⁄₂ inches (3.8 cm) apart. Wire it (or use duct tape) in place every ⁸⁄₁₂ inch (1.7 cm). The pigeons hate it because it makes the surface uncomfortable for them to land on.

5

Install weatherproof string in popular roosting areas.

Tie the string from one end to another of the area. Place it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the perching spot. This will prevent them from being able to balance anywhere, so they cannot roost.

6

Install sloped sheathing.

Sheathing made of metal, plywood, or PVC provides a slippery surface that birds can't roost on. Sheathing products, such as BirdSlide™, consist of three sheaths that form right triangles. The base fits securely into flat roosting areas. The surface is a 40- to 60-degree angle that birds can't perch. Place it on eaves, ledges, window sills, and other flat areas where pigeons roost.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
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7

Avoid feeding pigeons.

Never feed pigeons or allow bird feeders to remain on your property. Pigeons have excellent memories when it comes to food sources. They'll constantly return to places where they have human accomplices.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
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- You can bend this rule if you're using pigeon birth control, which relies on the flock mentality and long memories for long-term effectiveness.^{[8]
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8

Seal off your attic.

Fill any gaps between your roof shingles or in the siding of your house.^{[9]
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Research source} Seal the edges of places where birds nest using hardware cloth and silicon caulk or plastic bird netting. Close off the space above the rafters where pigeons roost and nest with industrial bird netting.
- You can further prevent access to your attic by trimming tree branches that grow close to your roof.
- It can help to seal the "bird block" outside of your home—this is a thin mesh screen that birds often peck and pull out, which gives them access to your attic. Seal it up with a piece of ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) mesh screen that's cut to the same length and width as the bird block.^{[10]
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9

Cap your chimneys.

Pigeons enjoy roosting in chimneys. Install mesh stainless steel caps that prevent animals from entering while still allowing smoke to escape. If you're not skilled at scaling roofs, call an expert to do this. Just make sure that no pigeons are in the chimney while it's being capped.^{[11]
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10

Tuck netting under places where pigeons nest.

Mesh is a popular humane deterrent because it can be used anywhere and is pleasing to the eye. Cover any surface where pigeons may perch or lay their eggs, such as under air conditioning units. This will prevent them from entering the place at all.^{[12]
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National Audubon Society
Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education
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11

Install “scare-pigeons.”

These lightweight kites or decoys are sold in the form of hawk silhouettes. Place them where the pigeons usually roost. Be aware that pigeons will grow used to the presence of mute raptors that “perch” in the same location.^{[13]
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Research source} For good measure, move the decoy on a regular basis.

12

Hire professionals.

If you find pigeons in your attic or other interior spaces, hire a professional to install a one-way door. These devices allow the birds to exit the area but prevent them from re-entering. You can also hire professionals to clean up any droppings, feathers, or other refuse left behind. Professional cleaners will have the proper cleaning equipment and protection gear that might be too expensive to obtain on their own.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

Do pigeons attack chili plants?

Community Answer

It's possible. If you're having problems with pigeons in the garden, try the scare tactics in this article.
Question

A pigeon has made a nest and keeps laying eggs. I wait for the eggs to hatch so I can remove the nest, but they keep laying eggs too quickly. What can I do to move the nest without harming them?

Community Answer

Same thing happened on my balcony, but there is a small gap of a day or two between the baby birds flying away and new eggs appearing. You should immediately clean the mess and throw the nest away. They'll keep coming back with sticks to build a new nest, but keep cleaning. Sprinkle some spices in the area as described in the article.
Question

Is it legal to shoot pigeons?

Community Answer

It depends on your city and state ordinances. It is legal in some places and not others.

Warnings

Don't hurt pigeons needlessly. They're living creatures. Any permanent removal must be humane and in accordance with animal welfare laws.

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Never use polybutylene gel. This sticky repellant will harm any animal or bird that comes into contact with it. It can get stuck on the feathers of other birds and interfere with their ability to fly. If a smaller bird or animal steps on the gel, they may get stuck and die a slow, painful death.^{[17]
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National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
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Avoid ultrasonic devices, as they harm more than just pigeons. They can also harm non-pest birds, as well as dogs and cats. While a humane device has been approved for use in airports, it's not yet available for domestic use.^{[18]
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