What To Do When Pigeons Stop Minding Their P's And Coos
With voracious appetites, relentless digestive cycles, and let-the-poops-fall-where-they-may attitudes, most pigeons aren't known for their impeccable manners. So assuming you're not a member of the American Racing Pigeon Union, pigeons likely contribute two things to your life—poop and property damage. Fortunately, the advice below will cleanse your home of problematic pigeons.
Get A Big, Bad, Plastic Owl
Plastic owls, though frequently used to scare pigeons, are not all created equal. The wrong plastic owl will serve only as an overpriced perch for opportunistic pigeons. The right plastic owl, on the other hand, will scare the splat out of pigeons, causing them to flutter away with urgency.
So how do you choose the right plastic owl? Pick one that features a rotating head. This spinning movement, like something out of The Exorcist, terrifies pigeons (and some people, too).
Place fake owls with creepy rotating heads in places where pigeons gather and nest.
Be aware, though, that pigeons are surprisingly intelligent—and they may catch onto your plastic-owl game if the owl doesn't change locations from time to time. Therefore, it's a good idea to move your owl regularly to keep pigeons guessing.
Create A Sticky Situation
Imagine walking barefoot on a tile floor that was recently coated with 10 liters of soda. This sticky, unnerving feeling is similar to what a pigeon experiences when stepping on pigeon repellent gel.
Pigeon repellent gel provides instant results and is simple to use. Place repellent gel on surfaces where pigeons walk and nest, but be careful not to place this sticky substance where people frequent—or you may find yourself in a sticky situation.
Create A Spiky Situation
Sometimes a sticky situation isn't enough to dissuade determined pigeons. So you may be asking, "What's worse than walking on sticky gel?" The answer is quite simple—walking on spikes. Pointy, unforgiving spikes.
Use silicone adhesive or screws to install spike strips in areas where pigeons nest and rest, such as rooflines, awnings, ledges, and windowsills. This not-so-subtle strategy lets pigeons know they are not welcome—and probably won't be invited to dinner anytime soon.
Pigeons, with their lax habits, are quite stubborn and can be difficult to get rid of once they've established a nest. With this in mind, if your pigeon problem gets out of hand, don't give up. Instead, get help from a pest control professional who has the tools and expertise necessary to remove problematic pigeons from hard-to-reach places on your property.
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