< Back to Commercial Bird Control
Commercial Pigeon Control
Genus: Columba Livia Domestica - City Doves - Street Pigeons - Rats with Wings - Feral Pigeons
Feral Pigeons are derived from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild rock dove, which naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains.
Rock, domestic and feral pigeons are all the same species and will readily interbreed. Feral pigeons use the ledges of buildings as a substitute for sea cliffs and have become well adapted to urban life and are abundant in towns and cities throughout much of the world.
Pigeons are also very social birds living in flocks of anywhere between 50 and 500, so what may start out as a small issue can very quickly turn into a major problem.
Problems Caused
Pigeons are able to squeeze through any small gap in commercial properties - eaves, soffits, chimney stacks and overhangs can allow pigeons to enter properties which can soon become overrun and in cases where they have gone undiscovered the weight of droppings can cause serious structural defects.
Disease
The bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci is endemic among pigeons and causes Psittacosis in humans. It is transmitted both from handling pigeons but mostly from their droppings. Psittacosis is a serious disease but rarely fatal (less than 1%). Pigeons are also important vectors for different species of the bacteria Salmonella, which causes diseases such as Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
Pigeon nests are also a foundation for fleas, mites and a host of other insects enabling them to take full advantage of the waste. This causes problems with disease such as Pathogenic Bacteria which are subsequently transferred to our food via these insects, as well as presenting themselves as a nuisance to others.
Property Damage
Pigeon faeces are extremely acidic and as well as defacing buildings, paintwork and vehicles with their droppings, if left untreated can cause irreparable damage to stonework and building facades. They frequently foul entrances and pavements, which can become dangerously slippery.
Commercial Pigeon Control Methods
The main methods of pigeon control in a commercial setting include limiting their ability to enter buildings by bird proofing, laying pigeon netting or installing pigeon spikes or wire. There are also a range of bird gel's that work well with pigeons and in extreme cases, nest / egg removal is a viable commercial pigeon control method.