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

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 Terra Anders

Pigeons, crows, grackles and blackbirds are all well known for their frequent gathering and roosting on rooftops, gutters, air conditioning vents and other structures.  This problem affects private homes, public establishments and businesses.  Pigeon control is important, not only because of the damage their feces causes to finishes and paint, but also because of the disease that the bacteria and small parasites in their feces may carry.  Businesses may find that customers avoid their establishment if these birds are allowed to remain unchecked.

These birds do deserve to set down and rest once in awhile, but having them settling in on your property means dealing with quite a mess.  Controlling pest birds, like pigeons, does not have to be complicated or harmful to their health.  There are several humane bird deterrent methods that can be used quite effectively to send these birds on their way.  Any one of these methods can be used without the need for complex or expensive installation.

Bird netting can be used when you want to keep birds away from flowers and crops, or from gaining access to any valuable structures.  This type of netting is not used to trap the birds, but to keep birds out of a specific area.  The most common use of netting is in orchards, vegetable gardens, and vineyards, but it can also be use indoors in larger structures where birds can fly in, and nest up high in the ceiling beams.

Most netting is made with knotted strands of plastic cord, and is available in several thicknesses.  Lightweight netting is often used indoors to stop bird pests from nesting inside large warehouses, hangers, or tunnels.  Heavy-duty bird net is used outdoors, and is designed to resist deterioration in sunlight, rain and extreme heat.  It is also available in different widths and lengths.  Specially designed plastic clips can be used to attach the netting, preventing damage to the surface being protected.

Pigeons, or other bird pests, look for a landing surface that is flat and even. Bird spikes is a method commonly used to deter these birds from roosting on their favorite flat surfaces, such as roofs, ledges, gutters, or signs. These spikes are available in steel or plastic and in many colors, so once installed they are virtually invisible.  The spikes are not sharp enough to cause harm, but they are severe enough to create an uncomfortable landing place for winged pests, forcing them to fly onward to find a more suitable area.

Another bird control method is an electric bird deterrent system. This system uses a polycarbonate insulator wire embedded in an insulted PVC track that conforms to straight or curved surfaces.  They are most effective when laid down over a large, flat area that is likely to invite pigeons or other pest birds to roost.  As the bird lands on the unassuming strip, it will receive a light warning shock, causing it to immediately fly away. The shock is not harmful, but it is uncomfortable enough that the pest birds will quickly learn that this is not a suitable landing or nesting spot. This method employs a behavior modification technique that does not interfere with the birds flying patterns, but does change their landing patterns. 

Controlling pigeon flocks and other feathered friends from becoming damaging pests, is one way to continue to enjoy watching their fanciful flights without the worry of the mess they leave behind.  Bird netting, bird spikes and electric bird deterrent systems are all effective and humane choices to consider when deciding which pigeon control methods to use. 

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.