Are you sick and tired of pigeons taking claim of your roof? Whether they’re constantly nesting, making a mess for you to clean up, or causing a ruckus, all hope is not lost.
While the roof is a common place for pigeons to perch, it can quickly become a nuisance (especially if they’re cooing at all hours of the night and you have to be up early).
So, is this problem solvable? And how much work does it take? Premier Pest Control is here to answer all of your burning questions, and you’ll be happy to know it won’t take much effort on your part.
Is your pigeon problem beyond saving on your part? If nothing is working, we’re here to offer a lasting solution. As experts on pigeon habitats and behaviours, we offer our professional pest control services to eradicate those pigeons on your roof once and for all.
Why do pigeons cause such a problem?
In the UK, pigeons are easy to come by; you’ll most likely see one every few minutes. But their prominence in and around our homes hasn’t made us immune to their antics.
If you’re wondering just how much of a fuss they can kick up for your property, or if they’re behind things that are mysteriously going wrong, here are all the problems they can cause over time:
- They leave a lot of mess on your roof, ruining its appearance and blocking gutters, leading to leaks, damp, and structural damage.
- Pigeon droppings, or guano, are highly acidic and can eat away at roof tiles, metalwork, solar panels, and paintwork.
- They often carry bird mites, fleas, and ticks, which can get into your attic and infest your home. This can cause itching and irritation.
- They’re known to carry a variety of diseases, including E. coli, ornithosis (psittacosis), and salmonella. All of which can make humans incredibly sick.
- Pigeons love to nest in chimneys and under solar panels, which tears up insulation, clogs up vents, and dislodges roof tiles.
- Nesting material can block drains, cause damp, and pose a serious fire risk when left near electrical systems.
- Once they find a nesting spot, pigeons are persistent, meaning they’ll keep coming back and bring their flock with them.
- Constant cooing and scratching noises can disrupt the peace of your property.
Why pigeons choose your roof
Are you wondering what makes your roof so irresistible to pigeons? As you’ll already have noticed, pigeons will perch on any roof they can find (so it’s not a targeted ploy).
However, there are things you can’t avoid and other things that may be unwittingly attracting these birds to your roof.
- The height offers safety: pigeons seek refuge in high places, and it just happens to be that your roof is one of them. It keeps them out of predators’ way, including foxes, cats, and people.
- Nearby food sources: if your roof is close to bins, food outlets, schoolyards, or parks, then you’re in the danger zone. Anywhere with food waste or bird feeders draws them in, and a roof is a great place to rest and search for food sources.
- Warmth and shelter: Solar panels, chimneys, eaves, and gaps in tiles offer shelter from the elements, perfect for nesting and roosting.
- Familiarity and habit: Once a pigeon has gotten comfortable on your roof, chances are they’ll keep coming back. They’re also social birds; if one pigeon finds your roof welcoming, others will follow.
DIY deterrents and why they most likely fail
If you’ve tried any number of these homemade deterrents, then you’ll have most likely fallen victim to old wives’ tales and misinformation.
In fact, most DIY deterrents are just quick fixes that are either ineffective or don’t last long.
Fake predators
Plastic owls, rubber snakes, pinwheels; none of it actually works well.
Pigeons are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, and they soon discover that the predator on the roof isn’t actually moving or hunting.
Spicy sprays
Put the bottle of chilli powder and vinegar down.
These strong scents may irritate pigeons briefly, but they fade quickly and won’t keep hungry pigeons away for long. By all means, keep using them if you want to reapply them every day!
DIY spikes
Barbecue sticks and poorly placed barriers will not do the trick.
Not only are they ineffective, but they can also damage your property, void your insurance, and even break UK wildlife laws if they injure birds or other animals.
Spraying water
You’ll most likely have heard plenty of times that spraying water at pigeons keeps them away.
But do you really want to be out with your hose all the time? It’s just not convenient. Plus, they’ll be happy to return once the water has disappeared.
6 proven long-term methods to keep pigeons off your roof
So, if you’ve stuck around for pigeon roof deterrents that ACTUALLY work, we’ve created a list for you to work through.
We guarantee that at least one will see positive effects, and if not? You’re probably dealing with a pigeon infestation that requires professional intervention.
1. Bird spikes
Ditch the homemade spikes and invest in some proper bird spikes for roofs.
Despite their menacing appearance, their blunt stainless-steel rod don’t cause any bodily harm to pigeons; they just scare them away. Once installed, they make it difficult for birds to perch, which is perfect for placing near chimneys, gutters or ledges.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Narrow base spikes – for small ledges or window sills.
- Angled or curved ridge spikes – for sloped rooftops or rounded tile ridges.
- Wide base or multi-row spikes – for broader flat surfaces.
- Flexible spikes – ideal for uneven or textured surfaces.
2. Bird netting
If you’re trying to bird-proof a warehouse, balcony, open rooftop, or loading bay, bird netting is a great deterrent.
Once installed, it creates a physical barrier so pigeons can’t access the area. It’s especially ideal for large or awkwardly shaped areas where spikes or wires won’t work. This sturdy, lightweight mesh is a low-visibility solution and is easy enough to install.
3. Low-voltage track systems
Bring electrical help into the mix with low-voltage track systems.
While these are more advanced, they work a charm. Discrete and effective, these systems provide a gentle electric pulse that encourages birds to move on without causing harm. Place them on ledges, in between crevices in your roof, or by popular nesting spots.
The track is slim and low-profile, and the sensation is uncomfortable for pigeons (a bit like a static shock) but completely harmless.
4. Bird wire
Similar to spikes and netting, these are another great solution for keeping pigeons off your roof.
Simple but effective, these are perfect for commercial buildings. These systems use a fine-tensioned wire suspended between small metal posts, spaced a few inches above the surface.
When pigeons try to perch, the wire wobbles under their weight, making it impossible to settle. It works great on flat or narrow surfaces like window ledges and sills, balustrades, shop signs and canopies, and small rooftops.
5. Acoustic deterrents
Did you know that there are sound devices designed to deter pigeons that emit distress calls?
If not, now you do! These are easy to get your hands on, and they’re affordable. Acoustic devices will either play distress calls from other birds, predator sounds (like falcons or hawks), or high-frequency ultrasonic sounds on a loop.
However, these work best when used alongside other methods. We don’t recommend using these for a serious pigeon problem.
6. Solar panel pigeon proofing
If pigeons won’t stop perching on your solar panels, then opt for specialist solar panel mesh guards.
These create a physical barrier around the panels, sealing off any gaps, and will most likely need to be professionally installed. But don’t worry; this doesn’t involve any drilling. Instead, it uses non-invasive clips and fixings.
It’s a humane, legal, and long-lasting solution!
Still dealing with pigeons on your roof?
If you’ve exhausted every option and nothing is working, then it’s time to call in the experts.
At Premier Pest Control, we will assess your situation and offer a personalised service to help you get rid of pests once and for all. Our pigeon pest services will help you regain your property from these pesky birds, so you don’t have to worry about damage and health risks.
If you’re ready to restore peace to your property, then contact us today to enquire about our services. Our team is always on hand to help you.