Many people don’t think of birds when they think of pest animals. They probably think about rats or squirrels or roaches. However, home and business owners have to deal with plenty of pest birds, from gulls to starlings to crows. Sometimes, even predatory birds can become a problem in certain situations.
However, one of the worst offenders of all is the pigeon. Pigeons are so common that most people ignore them. Some even like to feed them. But if you let these birds get out of hand, they can destroy your Salt Lake City property and even spread serious diseases. Pigeons are more complex to keep away from your home than other pests for the apparent reason that they can fly. Fortunately, there are still some things you can do.
More Pigeons More Problems
Pigeons and doves are in the same family, including over 300 different species, so they look almost the same. There’s no actual scientific difference between them. Most of the species people classify as pigeons are more significant than the species classified as doves. Doves also are typically more muted in color than shinier, more iridescent pigeons.
Rock pigeons are usually the most common culprits for avian pest problems experienced by private and commercial properties throughout the United States, including right here in Utah. Rock pigeons are typically dark gray. They have black and gray mottling or stripes on their wings, and their necks have an iridescent purple and or green color. They also have a white band just above their beaks.
The problem with these birds is that they tend to congregate in large numbers. When they find a suitable place to roost, the whole flock will come flying. This can be anywhere from dozens to thousands of birds. And each of these birds spends its days eating and pooping. Pigeon droppings are highly acidic. They can damage buildings – stripping paint off, destroying weatherproofing materials, and even contributing to premature aging in structures. Pigeon droppings are also dangerous to people. They can cause slips and falls, but the more dangerous is a disease. Pigeon poop is laden with pathogens, including cryptococcosis, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and more. On top of all that, they can introduce other pests onto your property, like lice, fleas, ticks, and mites.
No Pigeon No Cry
There are lots of ways you can keep pigeons off your property. The best way to prevent them is by making potential nesting sites more hostile to them. Eliminating food sources is an excellent place to start.
Wild pigeons eat grains, fruits, seeds, and the occasional worm or insect. However, anyone who had contact with pest pigeons knows they’ll eat just about any junk you throw at them, including chips, bread, cereal, and even pet foods. If you leave outdoor garbage uncovered, pigeons won’t have any problem rooting through your food waste. That means you need to seal off the trash with tight lids and avoid leaving pet food sitting out
How To Discourage Pigeon Roosting
Making potential roosting spots uncomfortable is another excellent way to encourage pigeons to move on. Consider sloping or placing bird spikes on flat areas of your roof or anywhere else birds might roost. Also, trim trees back and either get rid of birdhouses or ensure their entryways are too small for pigeons to use.
If you have an established pigeon infestation, you’ll probably need professional help. Here at Pest Pro Pest Control, we have over a decade of experience dealing with pests endemic to the Salt Lake area. We can help you get a handle on your pigeon problem – no matter how large it is. So give us a call or visit our contact page to get started today on our home or commercial pest control services.