How to Keep Pigeons Away? A Complete Guide for Pigeons Prevention
Noisy cooing at dawn, messy droppings on balconies, and stubborn nests in hidden corners; if you’ve faced these issues, you already know the pigeon problem isn’t just an annoyance, it’s a real threat to health and property. While many people feed pigeons out of habit, few realize that these birds carry diseases, damage buildings, and refuse to leave once they settle.
However, with the right bird control methods, you can finally scare pigeons away without harming them. This complete guide will walk you through practical pigeon prevention tips, smart repellents, and proven techniques on how to get rid of pigeons for good.
Pigeons may seem harmless because people often feed them, but in reality, they are one of the most troublesome urban pests. Understanding their habits and weaknesses is key to knowing how to scare pigeons, prevent property damage, and stay safe from health risks. Listed below are ten essential facts you should know:
Pigeons Were Raised for Food: Once bred for food in 1600s America, and they multiplied into feral populations that dominate major cities today.
India Faces a Pigeon Problem: Feeding pigeons is common in India, making them fearless around humans and wrongly treated as pets.
Not Harmless, But Pests: Pigeons dirty homes, statues, and balconies with sticky droppings that are hard to clean.
They Damage Property: From breaking windows to corroding rooftops, pigeons cause serious structural damage.
Carriers of Diseases: Pigeons spread parasites and dangerous pigeon-borne diseases, yet some people still build pigeon houses.
They Always Return Home: Known as homing birds, they keep coming back. Where do pigeons nest? Ledges, pipes, and balconies are their favorite spots.
Droppings Work Like Mortar: Their tar-like droppings bind pigeon nests firmly, making them tough to remove.
They Block Gutters and Pipes: Pigeon nests clog spouts and drains, leading to water damage and costly repairs.
They Scare Away Small Birds: Pigeons act like bully-birds, pushing out smaller songbirds such as bulbuls.
They Hate Certain Smells: Wondering what smells do pigeons hate? Strong scents like chili, vinegar, and peppermint help to scare pigeons naturally.
10 Methods to Get Rid of Pigeons from Balconies
For those searching for how to avoid pigeons in balcony spaces without causing harm, the good news is that there are several safe and effective tricks you can try. Here are ten proven methods to keep your balcony clean and pigeon-free:
Hang Wind-Chimes: The sound and movement of wind-chimes create constant disturbance, making balconies less attractive to pigeons.
Use Shiny Objects: Items like aluminum foil pans, old CDs, or balloons reflect sunlight and scare pigeons away.
Place Rubber Snakes or Toy Predators: Fake snakes, owls, or hawks can trick pigeons into thinking predators are around.
Apply Gel Repellents: Commercial pigeon repellent gels make surfaces sticky and uncomfortable for pigeons to land on.
Install Pigeon Nets: Strong, tightly fixed balcony nets physically block pigeons, though ensure they are durable to prevent sagging.
Try Mesh Screens: Adding mesh screens on windows and balcony rails is another simple way to keep pigeons out.
Use Slinky Toys on Rails: Coiled slinky toys wobble when pigeons try to perch, discouraging them from settling.
Spray Organic Repellents: Vinegar, lemon juice, or chili-based sprays act as safe homemade pigeon deterrents.
Place Spice Pomanders: Cheesecloth pouches filled with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or black pepper along railings repel pigeons naturally.
Maintain Balcony Cleanliness: Cover trash, avoid leaving food scraps, and remove bird feeders to prevent attracting pigeons.
5 Effective Tips to Get Rid of Pigeons from Roofs
If you’re wondering how to scare away pigeons from roofs without harming them, here are five effective and humane methods you can try:
Hang Old CDs or Reflective Objects: Placing old CDs on a rope and hanging them from your roof is a budget-friendly alternative to flash tape. The sunlight reflections and movement confuse pigeons, making it harder for them to settle.
Use Decoy Kites: Decoy kites shaped like predator birds can be attached to the eaves of your roof. They flutter with the breeze, discouraging pigeons from landing. This is particularly useful if you’re just starting to notice pigeons and want to stop them early.
Install a Moving Scarecrow: Scarecrows work well as long as there’s light and movement involved. A reflective or motion-activated scarecrow can effectively scare away pigeons from roofs before they start nesting.
Apply Bird Spikes or Nets: Installing bird spikes or nets on ledges, beams, or common landing areas prevents pigeons from roosting. While not a “scare” method, it’s a long-term physical barrier that keeps them away.
Try Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that irritate pigeons but are inaudible to humans. They create an uncomfortable environment, encouraging pigeons to leave your roof without harm.
Order Bird Netting from HiCare to Get Rid of Pigeons
When pigeons become a daily nuisance, the most reliable and long-lasting solution is bird netting service from HiCare. Designed to provide complete balcony and window protection, HiCare’s bird control services ensure a pigeon-free home without harming the birds.
Very Durable: Made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) UV-resistant GARWARE nets for high durability
Warranty: Backed by a 3-year warranty with free complaint resolution*
Appealing: Aesthetically appealing, almost invisible nets available in white and black
Solid Framework: Non-rusting stainless steel (SS) framework for robust fitting and long-lasting durability
Humane Bird Deterrent: No chemicals, no sharp edges, completely safe for birds
Options for Different Bird Types:
Pigeon Netting: 50mm x 50mm square gap (ideal for pigeons & similar birds)
Sparrow Netting: 25mm x 25mm square gap (for sparrows, pigeons & small birds)
Choose HiCare’s bird netting service today for effective pigeon prevention, long-term protection, and total peace of mind.
3 Benefits of Using Bird Netting
Bird netting has a low visual impact, especially when viewed from a distance. If you have bird netting on your roof, it is unlikely that you will see it. Maximum light will pass through even on a balcony.
There is no need to wait to see if this approach is successful. As pigeons and other birds can’t get through the netting, which is the main concept of how to keep pigeons away, the problem is solved as soon as it’s put up.
Bird netting is robust and will deter sparrows and other bigger birds equally well. The cords can withstand heavy rain and cold or hot temperatures, so you can expect them to survive through all sorts of weather.
How to Clean Up The Pigeon-Bird Mess?
You can’t just rinse off dangerous pigeon feces. Or googling how to get rid of pigeons at home won’t help. Pigeon droppings are a haven for bacteria, viruses, and fungus. There are certain aspects to look into to clean up their mess, such as-
Before removing pigeon droppings, immerse the afflicted area in water to prevent dust from forming while cleaning up the droppings.
To remove garbage and dispose of pigeon-bird nests, put on a mask and gloves.
Scrub the area with extreme caution via a strong antibacterial cleanser or chlorine bleach.
Place droppings in a plastic bag and double-bag when finished.
Conclusion
Dealing with pigeons requires a balance of safe prevention methods and long-term solutions. While DIY tricks may offer short relief, nothing matches the effectiveness of professional bird netting. With HiCare’s expert bird control services, you can safeguard your home from droppings, nests, and noise without harming the birds. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Book HiCare’s bird netting service today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and pigeon-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pigeons
1. What are pigeons most afraid of?
Pigeons are most afraid of loud noises, bright lights, shiny or reflective objects, and fake predators or scarecrows.
2. How do you keep pigeons away permanently?
Keeping pigeons away permanently involves a combination of tactics, including removing food sources, sealing off entry points, using deterrents, and implementing habitat modifications.
3. What smells do pigeons dislike?
Pigeons dislike the smell of certain spices, herbs, and essential oils, including cinnamon, pepper, cloves, garlic, and eucalyptus.
4. What noise scares pigeons away?
Pigeons can be frightened by loud and sudden noises, which can startle them and cause them to fly away. Some specific noises that may scare pigeons away include loud claps, hissing sounds, predatory bird calls, and even ultrasonic bird repellers that emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to pigeons.
5. How do I keep pigeons off my balcony?
To keep pigeons off your balcony, you can use physical barriers such as netting or spikes, install visual deterrents such as fake owls or snake decoys, or use sound deterrents such as ultrasonic bird repellers. Additionally, keeping your balcony clean and free of food or water sources can make it less attractive to pigeons.
How to Keep Pigeons Away? A Complete Guide for Pigeons Prevention