Feral Pigeons (Columbia Livia) are the number one urban pest bird, causing damage where ever they nest or roost. Pigeons are descendants of domesticated European Homing Pigeons or Rock Doves, so they have a varied diet and feel at ease making their homes in man-made structures.
Generally blue-grey in color, with iridescent feathers on the head and neck, pigeons often have markings in black, white, or brown on the wings and neck.
A short neck and small head characterize the standard pigeon; their short legs, hind toes, and level front allow for easy perching on pipes and ledges or walking on flat surfaces. Pigeons generally nest in small, flat areas away from the ground such as building ledges, air conditioning units, or window sills.
Pigeon Control Methods
The best solution for pigeon problems, is complete exclusion with a 2″ mesh net. Many ledge problems, however, can be solved by using products such as Bird Coil, Bird Wire, Bird Spikes, as well as Bird-Shock Electric Track. Solar panels and small roof overhangs can be screened off using using a long lasting, galvanized metal screen.
When bird pressure is heavy in an area, exclusion work must be accompanied by flock dispersal methods like trapping . Flock dispersal alone is not a long term solution especially in medium-heavy pressure situations when there are food, water, and shelter sources at the site.