Are you tired of pigeons making a home on your balcony, roofs and windows or leaving unwanted surprises around your space? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore effective and eco-friendly methods to eliminate pigeons without causing harm to them or the environment.
See also: How to get rid of flying termites?
What attracts pigeons?
Understanding the factors that attract pigeons to your residence is crucial before delving into remedies. The following elements explain why pigeons frequently reside on your balconies, roofs and windows.Â
Nutrition availability
Pigeons are attracted to locations where food is readily available, making residential premises a suitable environment for them.
Landscape appeal
Residential structures often attract birds, including pigeons, seeking suitable sites for nest construction.
Thermal comfort
 Pigeons tend to build nests in proximity to residences due to the warmth emitted by these structures.
Adequate water supply
Similar to other pests, avian species, including pigeons, exhibit a preference for locations providing abundant water resources.
This understanding serves as a foundation for implementing effective measures to discourage pigeons from frequenting your residential environment.
How to get rid of pigeons naturally?
Let’s delve into effective methods to naturally discourage Pigeons from occupying your residential spaces.
Regular maintenance
Regularly clean windows, balconies, and roofs to eliminate nesting opportunities for pigeons.
Pet presence
Consider introducing a pet, particularly a dog, to your home. The presence of a pet can serve as a natural deterrent, as many birds, including pigeons, are wary of potential threats posed by animals.
Reflective wind chimes
Pigeons, like many birds, dislike reflective surfaces and loud noises. Craft your own reflective wind chimes using old CDs and metal tins to create both visual and auditory disturbances that can discourage pigeons from settling in.
Sticky boiled rice
 Despite the usual attraction of food for birds, boiled rice, with its sticky consistency, acts as a deterrent. The cooked aroma of boiled rice is known to dissuade pigeons from lingering in treated areas.
Honey or chilli powder spray
Utilise common kitchen ingredients such as honey and chilli powder as potent bird deterrents. Spraying these substances in areas frequented by pigeons can effectively keep them at bay However, be mindful of the lingering smell it may pose challenges for human occupants as well.
By incorporating these natural measures, you can create an environment that discourages pigeons without resorting to harmful methods.
FAQs
What scares pigeons the most?
Pigeons get scared by loud noises, bright lights, shiny things, and fake predators or scarecrows.
How do you make sure pigeons stay away?
You can do this by stopping their access to food, closing up any openings, using things that keep them away, and making changes to their hangout spots.
What scents are repellent to pigeons?
Pigeons dislike specific fragrances such as cinnamon, pepper, cloves, garlic, and eucalyptus.
What noise scares pigeons away?
Pigeons are deterred by abrupt and loud sounds, including claps, hissing noises, bird calls, and the high-frequency emissions from ultrasonic bird repellers.
What kind of food can I give pigeons to discourage them?
Offering wheat-free food is effective in deterring pigeons and larger birds like pheasants. Seed-dense mixes ensure smaller birds get their share. Pigeons also dislike peanuts in the shell, suet, and mealworms.
What happens if pigeons consume salt?
An excessive intake of salt can lead to salt poisoning, which can be fatal for pigeons.
How can I cease feeding pigeons in my garden?
If you want to stop feeding pigeons in your garden while still providing for other birds, consider these suggestions: take a break from putting out bird food, dispose of edible waste carefully by securing bins to prevent bird access.
How long do pigeons usually live?
With enough food availability and good conditions, feral pigeons can live up to 15 years. But on average, they usually live around three to five years.
Is it legal to kill pigeons in India?
In India, killing pigeons is regulated by legal protections. Feral pigeons are safeguarded under Section 428 and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code, while wild pigeons receive additional protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Why do pigeons keep returning?
Pigeons have a strong homing sense, allowing them to find their way back repeatedly. Once they establish a nesting spot, their biological inclination drives them to return, regardless of how many times they are chased away.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
