Pigeon Pest Control
Pigeons are part of the dove family of birds. Common features which characterise pigeons and doves are small heads and bills, round bodies, and cooing calls. Pigeons in particular normally have grey feathers, with patches of green and purple around the neck. The most familiar type of pigeon is the “feral” pigeon. Feral pigeons are essentially domesticated wild rock doves.
The largest pigeon population in the UK consists of woodpigeons. They are easily recognizable by the white patches around the neck and wings and are quite tame. Other types include the paler collared dove, the smaller and darker turtle dove, and the pink-chested stock dove. Pigeons can sometimes be more brown, red, black, or blue in colour.
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Where Do Pigeons Nest?
As descendants of the cliff-dwelling rock dove, feral pigeons love urban buildings. They tend to live in flocks, so groups of pigeons in public areas can become a nuisance. Pigeons breed very quickly and prefer to nest in the same place for their whole lives. This is why pigeon pest control becomes necessary. Preventing pigeons from nesting is the most effective way to deter them. They will nest near food sources, so avoid feeding them or leaving food around outside. Pigeons will eat seeds, berries, and any crumbs or scraps they can scavenge.
Pigeons will often make their nests in gutters and exposed pipes, or under roofs or windows where there is a ledge and an overhang. In derelict buildings or where a roof tile is loose, pigeons can access the attic or internal roof space. Pigeons rarely ever roost in chimneys, but they will use them as a perch when looking for food or a mate. The presence of pigeons on a rooftop generally indicates that they are nesting somewhere nearby. For this reason, you may want to look into pigeon pest control if you often see or hear them on your roof.
Pigeon Infestation Health Risks
A pigeon infestation poses many risks. Birds carry diseases which humans can catch from them, such as ornithosis, which can lead to pneumonia. Pigeon excrements spread pathogens like E-coli and salmonella. Particles of dry pigeon excrement in the air can cause respiratory problems if humans inhale them. As well as this, pigeon droppings are acidic. This means they can cause damage to buildings by eroding brick, stone, and metal. Pigeon droppings also damage the paintwork on cars.
Aside from the birds themselves, their nests are a source of problems, too. Pigeon nesting sites attract other types of vermin, including insects like beetles and fleas. The materials in pigeon nests can cause blockages in gutters or pipes. This can lead to water overflows or a build-up of carbon monoxide in extreme cases. The health risks are very serious. Additionally, flocks of pigeons are often noisy and unsightly, and their droppings can cause an unpleasant smell.
Pigeon Infestation Control Methods
If you have a pigeon infestation, find a professional to take care of it for you. Contact Premier Pest Control for thorough pigeon pest control in Liverpool. We can provide a range of methods to get the pigeon infestation under control as quickly as possible. Call today for more information on the options available with Premier Pest Control, including:
- Scaring
- Pigeon traps
- Deterrent spikes
- Shooting
- Netting
- Anti-roost systems
