Pigeon Control Products

by Alex A. Kecskes

Home gardens vary in size and type. But they all have one thing in common: homeowners who want to keep their gardens safe from birds and other pests. Unfortunately, many homeowners who have failed to implement effective bird control measures often see their gardens destroyed before their plants grow to maturity.

One fed-up homeowner who had invested considerable sums to beautify his garden was dismayed when pest birds kept “snipping off” his plants before they had a chance to grow. His squash plants were totally destroyed, and his pepper and tomato plants were snipped and ruined. Another homeowner noticed that as soon as her tomatoes turned red, pest birds would sneak in and pick a perfectly round hole in them.

A Florida woman had mockingbirds and little finches eat her tomatoes. She was so angry, she was ready to shoot them with a shotgun (not a good idea). One homeowner who had set up a bird bath to stop birds from pecking his tomatoes (birds will attack these plants for water) was disappointed when mocking birds ate most of his tomatoes (he was left with empty tomato skins hanging on the vine with all the insides eaten out). The solution, as previously mentioned, is to invest in proper bird control devices.

Fortunately, there are a number of bird deterrents you can use that don’t rely on poisons or weapons to do the job (many bird species are protected by state and local laws, so such draconian measures simply can’t be used). Two popular deterrents include:

Bird Scare Deterrents

This is perhaps the most economical of bird deterrents. This category includes shiny banners, tape balloons and diverters. The banners and flash tape work because they reflect sunlight and crackle in the breeze—just enough to make pest birds take notice and feel uneasy. The inflatable balloons present an ominous predator eye that moves and turns with the wind to scare pest birds away. Scare eye diverters use the same principle: these large teardrop shaped plastic bags feature a huge “mock” predator eye that birds don’t like to be around. Bird scare deterrents are easy to hang just about anywhere and are quite effective so long as you move them about from time to time.

Lightweight Plastic Bird Netting

Simple principle really: If birds can’t get at your plants, they can’t attack them. Lightweight plastic bird netting is easy to handle and install. The netting comes in several mesh sizes to block out pigeons, sparrows, starlings, seagulls and other birds. One manufacturer offers netting in a full spectrum of colors to blend in with your garden’s color scheme to make this deterrent less visually obtrusive. You can also get bird-netting kits that include perimeter cable, cable crimps, turnbuckles, intermediate attachments, hog rings, and accessories and tools. When installing the netting, make sure to elevate the netting a few inches above your plants so birds can’t peck through the netting to eat your plants. 

by Alex A. Kecskes

Dozens of filthy pigeons recently invaded the Food Court above the Roma Street Railway Station, creating a health hazard just outside KFC, McDonald's and Donut King.

At the Delta Airlines terminal at JFK Airport, pigeons seemed to be everywhere in the food court area, snatching up food and leaving their disease-carrying droppings.

A food court patron in another city accidentally spilled some taco meat on a table and was besieged by a dozen or so pigeons. The filthy birds pulled out all the stops to steal his food. They came out of nowhere, jumping on the table, flying and hovering around him in a panicked effort to devour the precious bits of ground beef. Customers nearby urged him to swat the persistent birds, which he did while trying to hold on to the remains of his taco. The pigeons were extremely aggressive, jumping on and hovering around his hand, pecking at and trying to snatch the taco from his grasp. The determined birds even tried to peck at the taco he was still in the process of chewing. Fortunately, a few solid backhands sent the birds fleeing to another table.

If you’re a food court manager or owner, you can’t afford to have pigeons and other flying pests harassing your customers. Especially in these tough economic times when consumers are cutting back on going out to eat. Pigeons snatching up food from tables and chairs and leaving droppings after they’re done can be a costly health violation. Pest birds, as most health inspectors will tell you, can carry any of 60 known diseases.

To keep pigeons and other pest birds out of food court areas, you must implement an effective bird control strategy. This may involve the use of several bird deterrents to keep persistent birds like pigeons away. Some of the more proven effective bird control measures include:

Pigeon Spikes. These can be placed immediately outside of food court areas to deny pigeons a place to land. If they can’t land, they can’t perch and observe, which is what all pest birds do before they “move in for the kill.”  Bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or high-strength, durable stainless steel. You can even order them in different colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear to match the décor of your food court. One manufacturer offers a stainless steel spike with a patented “bend-and-crush” design. The best pigeon spikes feature a unique “no-nest” design with no-gap spacing to deter birds from roosting or landing. If your food court has rain gutters outside, these may be infested with pigeon nests. To keep pest birds out of these areas, you’ll need a special kind of bird spike called a Gutter Bird Spike, which is specially designed to fit onto gutters.

No-Knot Bird Netting. Here, again, you want to deny pest birds like pigeons from entering food courts and other areas where food is being prepared or served. This particular netting is low profile, lightweight and easy to handle and install. It comes in several stock sizes and custom cuts. No-Knot bird netting is also tough and resilient with a 10-year guarantee. It’s non-conductive and made of flame resistant, multi-strand polypropylene fiber. (Polypropylene is chemically inert and will resist the influence of many chemicals at ordinary temperatures.) The best bird netting is ISO 1806 Protocol mesh tested. It won’t rot, absorb water, or mildew, and it should have built-in U.V. inhibitors to hold up under years of tough weather.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pigeons are fun to feed, but when they gather in big numbers on your property, they cease being fun. And start being expensive. Specifically, they can take the paint or finish off wood and metal, crumble concrete and ruin expensive statues over time. Pigeon poop also poses a sizeable health risk. The fact is that pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. And that's not even counting the diseases carried by the fleas, mites and ticks that attach themselves to pigeons. It's time for some serious pigeon control.

One solution that combines effectiveness with economy is the bird-scare product family. Here you'll find bright, colorful banners of foil that rattle and wave in the breeze. They're easily mounted to virtually any post, eave, mast or beam. Another pigeon control device, the Bird Scare Balloon, bobs and weaves in the breeze and uses the added tactic of large predator eyes to frighten pigeons.

Still another pigeon control solution is basically a catch-and-release device known as a Bird Motel. These humane live-trap cages are ideal for low populations of pest birds that gather on rooftops, courtyards and other areas. Made of sturdy galvanized wire, the cages can be used indoors or out. Your basic trap will have funnel doors that let birds in, but not out. Captured birds are easily removed via an access door. You can get these traps in various sizes to catch all manner of pest birds.
This next device uses a bird's aversion to unstable landing areas. Known as Bird Wire systems, these use a post-and-wire system to achieve pigeon control. Ideal for keeping pigeons off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and similar troublesome areas, bird wire systems are humane, safe and economical. After a few tries, pigeons just give up and move on to a more stable perch. Bird wire systems have been approved for use on Federal and State government structures. Better systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to withstand harsh weather.

We now come to the ubiquitous Bird Spike. These ingenious pigeon control devices are among the most successful and humane. Choose the plastic spike made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate; or opt for the steel spike made of durable stainless steel. Both come in a variety of sizes to accommodate various bird types. Often recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies, the blunted spikes won't harm pigeons, just prevent them from landing. Also available are girder spikes, which are ideal for keeping pigeons from landing on girders or I-beams, and gutter spikes, to keep pigeons from landing and nesting in gutters.

One clever pigeon control device that's gaining in popularity is the Flat PVC Panel. Pigeons slip and slide off this deterrent like Keystone Cops on ice. No matter how they try, pigeons just can't land and they move on. Ideal for eaves, beams, ledges, and other 90-degree crevices where pigeons usually nest, the PVC panels are available in a number of neutral colors to match a building's aesthetics. Opt for U.V.-stabilized polycarbonate panels if you need them to last a long time.

To keep pigeons out of large areas, you might try Bird Netting. Ideal for preventing pigeons from gathering on rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas, netting is also a popular pigeon control solution for growers and vintners who want to prevent pest birds from destroying their crops and grapes. The best netting is made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric, U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof.

If you have a level flat or curved surface where people don't normally reach, you might try Electric Tracks. These efficient pigeon control devices have shown their worth in preventing pest birds from landing on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams and signs. The electrified tracks deter pigeons by giving them a mild "zap." The low-profile electrified tracks install easily and can't be seen from below.

Pigeons also hate this next bird deterrent--Bird Gel. You squeeze it onto a flat surface and when it dries, it's still tacky to the touch. As a pigeon control product, it's non-toxic and harmless to birds, yet once pigeons get their footsies into it, it's bye-bye birdie and they'll never come back.

Certain sounds can really bug birds. Which is the principle behind Sonic Pigeon Control devices. These work quite well because they produce a variety of annoying distress and predator calls only pigeons can hear. One sonic system features the distress and predator calls of over 22 types of birds. The sounds are played every few minutes to alert birds of danger. Sonics are ideally suited for gardens, rooftops, courtyards, pool areas and other large open areas.

Finally, there's the Scarecrow. This unique motion-activated sprinkler delivers an annoying pulse of water whenever it senses a pigeon flying or walking near it. The water blast, the scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--all combine to scare pigeons away. Ideal for gardens, backyards, pools/spas and other areas.

by Alex A. Kecskes

The ubiquitous pigeon has been man's friend and foe for centuries. Rising to nuisance level as they invaded our cities and towns, pest pigeons cause over one billion dollars annually in damage and cleanup costs.

It's not surprising. Pigeon poop alone can cause all sorts of damage. It can eat into wood and metal, ruin fine stonework, and seize up AC units. Worse yet, pigeon poop is teaming with bacteria, fungi and parasites, which is why it poses such a high health risk. After all, pigeon droppings have been known to carry any of 60 known diseases. And no less hazardous are the fleas, mites and ticks that infest pigeons. It's no wonder that pigeon control has become so important. Thankfully, there are a number of highly effective pigeon control methods on the market..

One can't talk about pigeon control without mentioning the various Bird Scare products currently available. These flash tape banners wave, flap and crackle in the breeze to frighten pigeons looking for a safe place to land and roost. The same holds true for the inflatable, Bird Scare Balloon. Imprinted with menacing looking predator eyes, these devices turn and flail in the breeze to frighten pest pigeons away.

They check in and they check out. That's the principle behind our next pigeon control device--the Bird Motel. The live-trap cages are quite good at catching pest pigeons and are ideal for use on rooftops, courtyards and other areas where birds tend to gather. And once they're caught, a handy easy-access door lets you reach in and release them to a more remote location. The better motels are made of tough galvanized wire and you can use them indoors or out. The traps come in various sizes to capture various size pigeons.

Next up--Bird Wire Systems. These nifty pigeon control arrays incorporate a post and wire system to create a wobbly landing site for pigeons. The low-profile systems are ideal for keeping pigeons off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and similar areas. Pigeons don't like to land on anything unstable and will quickly move on to more solid footing. Humane and economical, bird wire systems have been approved for use on Federal and State government structures. The best systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire, which holds up better in punishing weather.

Called the granddaddy of pigeon control--and bird control, for that matter--the Bird Spike has saved more signs, buildings street lights, and AC units than perhaps any other anti-pest bird device. Pigeons just won't land near the threatening looking spikes. You can get rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes, or opt for longer lasting slightly more expensive stainless steel spikes. The stainless steel bird spikes are available in a non-reflective metal finish and are often recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies. Installation is easy for they can be glued or nailed down to virtually any surface. They even come in a selection of colors so they'll blend in with your building's exterior décor. So successful are spikes as a pigeon control device that they have morphed in design to fit specific applications. For example, you can now get Girder Spikes, which will keep pigeons and larger pest birds from landing on girders or I-beams. They come with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder. There's also the Gutter Spike, ideal for preventing pigeons from landing and roosting in rain gutters.

Another pigeon control device that's shocking in its ability to deter pest pigeons is the Electric Track. Ideal for discouraging pigeons from settling on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, signs, I-beams, and flat or curved surfaces, these electrified tracks impart a mild electric zap to a bird's foot. Electric tracks are easily mounted on any flat or curved surface. The best are low profile in design and virtually invisible to anyone looking up from ground level.

Somewhat entertaining to watch as birds try unsuccessfully to land on it, the Bird Slope has proven itself a worthy adversary to the determined pest pigeon. Essentially just a slippery, angled PVC panel, pigeons just slide off them faster than you can say pest pigeon. It doesn't take long for pigeons to decide, this is a no-landing zone and leave. Bird slopes are ideal for beams, ledges, eaves, and other L-shaped areas where pigeons like to nest and roost. The panels come in several colors. Opt for UV stabilized polycarbonate panels if you can, as they will last longer.

If you believe only barrier deterrents will suit your application, you might try Bird Netting as a means of pigeon control. While pest pigeons may be able to land on these, they won't be able to get through. Netting is ideal for sealing off rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas, including groves and vineyards. The finest netting is ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. For rugged outdoor use, opt for U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof netting.

If the sounds of pest pigeons landing on your property annoy you, you can now fight back with sound. Known as Sonic Repeller, these pigeon control devices produce a variety of annoying distress and predator calls only pigeons can hear. Ideal for a wide range of outdoor applications, these systems are easy to set up and install.

Our next pigeon control solution is actually a gel--called Bird Gel. Humane and highly effective, this chemical skins over but never really dries. When pigeons land on it, they can't wait to leave. The icky, sticky surface is one thing most birds, including pigeons, can't stand. The gel is easily applied to any surface using a caulking gun.

Pest pigeons really hate this next pigeon control device. Called the Scarecrow, it's basically a motion-activated sprinkler that blasts a jet of water whenever it senses a pigeon approaching. The sudden burst of water combined with the scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--all unite to create a formidable deterrent. It's the perfect solution to deter pest pigeons from gardens, pools, spas, backyards, and other outdoor areas.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Today, more architects than ever are integrating pigeon control measures into their building designs. They know that the image of beautiful arches, clean lines and walls of glass can quickly be ruined by bird droppings. They also know that the acid in bird droppings can eat into wood, composites and even stone surfaces to permanently damage areas that were once showpieces of design.

The fact is, many clients ask for references when contracting architects. The references are often in the form of completed projects. If these artistic creations are covered in bird droppings and their surfaces eaten away, they become useless as samples of one’s work—often to the point of excluding an architect from future bids.  So the importance of effective pigeon control—or any bird control—for that matter, can’t be understated.

Adding pigeon control and bird control services is an excellent way to round out an architectural firm’s repertoire of capabilities. The goal is to install effective pigeon control measures during the design-build process and to use low-profile humane deterrents that are easy to install and maintain.  Keeping pigeons and other pest birds away from commercial, civil or large federal structures can be an added profit center for any architectural firm.

When integrating pigeon control measures into an architectural design, one must take into account the aesthetics. Building materials and surfaces should be analyzed to ensure that the bird control methods minimally impact the overall structure. When enlisting the services of a bird control firm, that firm should offer products that are easy-to-specify. Any bird control repellents and/or deterrents used should meet the approval of local, state and federal agencies for humane operation. The products specified should be of the highest quality and be easy to “drop in” to projects specs. They should be backed by extensive warranties and the firm should offer support to help with the bird control designs. 

Here are two popular and highly effective pigeon control/bird control measures architects have been incorporating into their building designs:

Bird Spikes. Designed to deter pigeons and larger birds, Bird Spikes are often used by architects to prevent birds from landing on structures. The spikes come in rugged stainless steel or rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. The poly spikes are more economical than steel spikes and are recommended in areas where the electrical conductivity of steel is a concern. Poly bird spikes are also preferred in structures that have cell phone and dish antennas. To keep very large birds away--like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors--there’s the Mega Spike, which features 7-inch spikes of marine-grade stainless steel. Finally, there’s the Gutter Spike, which is ideal for keeping pigeons and other large birds out of rain gutters and drains.

Bird Slopes. This is an architect’s favorite because it’s a pigeon and bird control device that’s integrated into the design of the building or structure. What makes the bird slope so effective is that birds slip right off these angled PVC panels. They are ideal for keeping pest birds and pigeons away from eaves, ledges, beams and other niches. They can be easily installed on virtually any surface using nails, screws or glue. The panels even come in a variety of different colors to blend in with a building's color scheme.

by Alex A. Kecskes

There have been many ways and means to achieve pigeon control. Some effective, some not so effective, and others just plain nasty.

The most obvious and shortsighted is to simply shoot them. This is ill advised by most agriculture departments and pigeon control experts, since pigeons are most prolific in cities and well-populated areas, and firearms are outlawed by most municipalities. One tends next to turn to pigeon poisons, but these have often failed in the long run because the first birds to die are the weak and old, leaving more room for fertile birds to reproduce. Still another strategy that has met with mixed enthusiasm is to fine those who feed pigeons. As most people know, pigeons are scavengers and will find plenty of food without resorting to direct handouts from humans. At one point, New York City even proposed creating a "pigeon czar" to look into various methods of pigeon control.

Perhaps the most bizarre way of getting rid of the annoying "rock doves" came from one very frustrated individual who had had it with the pests defacing statues. The idea was to install a magnetic coil on the protuberances of every statue. The pigeons would then be fed grain containing Semtex (or C4 plastic explosive) along with a micro detonator. When birds landed on the statue, the detonator would be activated by the magnetic coil and boom, the hapless birds would be sent to Valhalla. The charge would be just powerful enough to "off" the bird yet small enough to prevent if from splattering apart. Needless to say, animal rights groups were not in love with the concept.

Fortunately, there are far more humane, safe and sane ways of pigeon control currently available.

Bird Wire Systems

Pretty simple when you think about it. Birds like to land on wires. They land on these wires and do the boogie trying to keep from falling off. After a few seconds, they leave. Bird Wire Systems with their post-and-spring-wire set-ups are anything but stable. String these pigeon control systems up wherever pigeons have been a nuisance--on the roofs, ledges, railings, signs, etc. The systems install easily and are often used on Federal and State government buildings. The best systems feature nylon coated stainless steel wire to last longer.

Bird Slopes

Sometimes called the invisible pigeon control deterrent, Bird Slopes look good and work great. These angled, slippery PVC panels make it virtually impossible for pigeons to land in all those 90-degree nooks and crannies of a building or structure. Birds slip and slide off these panels like teens at a waterpark. The panels even come in several colors to blend in with your building's aesthetics. U.V.-stabilized polycarbonate panels are best as they stand up and stay slick in punishing weather.

Bird Motels

They go in and you take them out--far out to the boondocks. That's the idea behind these catch-and-release Bird Motels. Now, if you've got a billion pigeons already occupying your property, this may not be the most effective pigeon control method to use. These motels are ideal for relocating just a few annoying pigeons. You can put these just about anywhere pigeons like to gather. The best motels feature an easy-access door and are constructed of galvanized wire so they won't rust or corrode. Consult a bird control expert to determine which motel is ideal for your specific application.

Pigeon Netting

This stuff is a widely used method of pigeon control, since it effectively and humanely denies a bird access to specific areas of a building or property. The best Bird Netting is made from ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. To make sure your netting won't shred apart like confetti after a few seasons, opt for U.V.-stabilized, flame-resistant and rot and waterproof netting. Non-conductive netting is available for installations where electrical conductivity or EM interference may cause problems. Some manufacturers even offer pigeon netting in different colors--like white, stone and black.

Scare Devices

An economical way to discourage pigeons from landing on or near your property, Pigeon Scare Devices make birds nervous. And nervous birds don't hang around. Among the most popular scare devices are flash tape that crackles in the wind, banners that flap and snap in the breeze, and balloons covered with scary predator eyes that bob and weave.
The only thing to remember about these pigeon control devices is that pigeons are among the smartest birds on earth, which means you might consider swapping out the devices or the clever little suckers will simply ignore them.

Bird Spikes

The "Big Kahuna" of pigeon control devices (or most any bird, for that matter), the Bird Spike keeps flying pests from landing on any surface. Yes, they look like a medieval torture device, but the blunted spikes are harmless to birds, pets and people. Depending on your need and budget, you can choose either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or the longer-lasting, slightly more expensive stainless steel spikes. Some manufacturers offer the spikes in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes are easily glued or screwed to any surface.

To keep pigeons off girders or I-beams, there's the Girder Spike, which sometimes comes with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit many girder sizes. To keep pigeons clear off rain gutters, opt for the Gutter Spike.

Sonic Repellers

Like most birds, pigeons don't like to hear the sounds of natural predators--like peregrine falcons (a pigeon's dreaded enemy), or the cries of their fellow pigeons in distress. When they do, they leave in hurry. Sonic Repellers broadcast the sounds pigeons hate. And they do it with surprising efficiency. The sounds are repeated regularly--usually once every ten to fifteen minutes. The sounds are not annoying to humans, but pigeons hate them.

Bird Gels

No self–respecting bird likes feeling trapped, especially with every step they take once they've landed. Sticky Gels bug the heck out of pigeons--and most birds for that matter. Bird Gels are easy to apply to most surfaces using a standard caulking gun. The chemical skins over and stays sticky for up to six months before you need to reapply it.