Problems With Pigeons. Many years ago, man domesticated the pigeons in order to seek fertilizer and food from them. Because of this, one can now see the feral pigeon everywhere.
Living Environment
The feral pigeon lives in rocky cliffs just like their ancestors, i.e. the rock doves. The feral pigeon can be spotted on ledges, under the bridges, on window sills and roofs. These birds are highly social. The roost at night and eat during the daytime.
Their Breeding
Pigeons become eligible for breeding by the time they reach six months of age, they normally lay two eggs at a time in a flimsy nest constructed by them. The eggs are incubated for the next sixteen or eighteen days. Once they hatch, the young ones are fed pigeon ‘milk’ by their parents. The abandon the nest after thirty five days but they still rely on their parents for another one or two weeks for food. By then, the parents can once again go into the breeding cycle, which happens about six times in a year. Thus, the pigeon population can multiply greatly provided there is presence of proper food.
What do they eat?
Pigeons eat seeds and grains mostly but at times they devour discarded food on the streets too.
Problems caused by them
People from cities love feeding pigeons, which can pose a big problem when there are too many of these birds around.
Excreta
Droppings by birds like pigeons not only look horrendous but they also contain acid which can damage stonework and buildings. Fresh droppings on the streets are slippery and can cause problems to pedestrians. When the bird’s nest, excreta or dead bodies fall into drains and gutters, they can cause a blockage and water damage too. Dead pigeons falling inside water tanks that aren’t covered are a huge problem.
Too much feeding
People like to feed birds, which is not an illegal practice, but it creates health havoc because the rotting food (in huge amounts) can lure mice and rats and if that were to happen then the local Council would have to be contacted.
How can one pigeon proof one’s building/house?
There are different kinds of pigeon proofing devices to prevent such birds from nesting or resting on one’s property. This kind of service should be obtained from professionals for best results.
Do they pass on diseases?
Pigeons too suffer from communicable diseases which can affect those who spend a large amount of time with them, either because they are obligated or because they love to. One should always practice good hygiene habits by washing hands thoroughly after touching the pigeons or their droppings.
Can they be eliminated?
Pigeons, their eggs and their nests are all covered by law, so it is not legal to kill or destroy any of the three. In some places destruction of pigeons are allowed but this method is best left to the professionals and not to common people, who should be using non-lethal weapons.
We are experts in pigeon pest control: Kent with many years of experience handling a host of domestic and commercial pests. If you feel you may need our services or would like to learn more about how to keep pigeons away please go to our website where you’ll find all of our contact details.
