Information About Pigeons as Pests | Pest Control Staten Island
The common pigeon was introduced into the United States as a domesticated bird, but many escaped and formed feral populations. The pigeon is now the most common bird pest associated with people in urban settings.
Pigeon populations can tend to cause problems over time, especially in commercial zones and for business owners. The droppings, debris, and damage left behind overtime by these birds can cost thousands of dollars to remedy.
Having the issue properly taken care of ahead of time will cost less and prevent the headache of needed to deal with problems after the fact.
Pigeon Habitats and Common Found Places
Pigeons can usually be found in lofts, steeples, attics, caves, and ornate architectural features of buildings. Any place where openings will allow them to dwell. These birds need a place for roosting, loading, and nesting.
The pigeon nest consists of sticks, twigs, grass, and feces mixed to form a crude platform. Not the same as the traditional bird nest that you would find common in most other species.
Damage Caused by Pigeons
Pigeons are filthy birds. They can cause disease and damage to property. Droppings are known to trigger slips and falls resulting in injury and lawsuit. Getting rid of pigeons in high traffic areas is very important. The birds can also carry diseases like cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and food poisoning.
Other pests can also live and breed on these birds. Pests like fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and others.
Structures that house pigeons (intentionally or unintentionally) can see damage from droppings that can often harbor disease. Surfaces can become slick and slippery to walk on as well. Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and will begin to break-down the composition of whatever they happen to land on over time. Properly washing acidic droppings to prevent damage to structures can cost $10,000 per year or more depending on the size of the property.
Get Rid of Pigeons
In order to prevent pigeons from landing and roosting, property owners need to make roosting and nesting areas inaccessible. Add slope to large flat ledges and use spike strips and other methods to make landing areas hazardous.
Some of the older methods like scare balloons, plastic birds, or plastic snakes are unsightly and rarely work long term. Keep food and standing water out of reach as much as possible. In commercial settings, prohibit the feeding of pigeons around the building.
Contact a Professional
Getting in touch with a professional is the best course of action when dealing with existing problems or preventing them from happening in the first place. There are special business owners discounts available from Annihilator that can help when starting a business.
Get in touch with us anytime to go over the options.