I URGE Wycombe District Council to move away from their barbaric, ineffective and costly proposal to kill pigeons, and to instead consider the humane and intelligent alternatives to reduce the pigeon population humanely.
Lethal culling through the use of birds of prey, etc, will produce some temporary reduction in pigeon population numbers but, just as with the culling of stray dogs in urban environments overseas, the area vacated by the culled pigeons will be taken up by other pigeons, unless the council is prepared to maintain the intensive use of a hawk in perpetuity, all making their proposal an expensive and inhumane solution.
Scientific research carried out in Switzerland by the University of Basel, between 1988 and 1992, clearly demonstrates that killing pigeons as a control option is not only expensive but also counter-productive.
During a census in 1963, the City of Basel was found to have a pigeon population of 20,000 birds and in the following 24 years the city council used every means at their disposal to reduce the population, including killing over 100,000 pigeons inhumanely. In 1988, a count revealed that Basel’s wild pigeon population was nearer 30,000 pigeons, an increase of 33% over and above the figure of 20,000 birds counted in the 1963 census.
This dramatic increment in flock size confirmed that the city council’s lethal control policy, operated between 1963 and 1985, had not only been totally ineffective, but had actually resulted in an increase in flock size of nearly one third. As a result, the city council realized that the problem had to be tackled at source
Between 1988 and 1990 the City of Basel introduced a massive information campaign to educate the public about pigeons and the relationship between feeding and resultant overpopulation.
Alongside the campaign, the council asked the University of Basel to carry out a scientific study to find a solution. This well-documented research concluded that killing pigeons had no effect on reducing flock size and in most cases resulted in an increase in pigeon numbers.
Based on the view that lethal control could not reduce population size the research team looked at non-conventional and quite diverse methods.
The idea of providing artificial breeding facilities where eggs could be removed and replaced with dummy eggs was put into practice. During the four-year research period, over 1,200 eggs each year were removed and replaced with dummy ones. Over a 50-month period this had the effect of reducing the pigeon population in these test areas by a staggering 50 per cent. In addition, large quantities of pigeon excrement were removed.
It is Germany that is now setting the example. The city of Augsburg voted to improve and expand its humane pigeon control programme by the creation of pigeon lofts in converted roof voids in buildings. In just one year, the council removed 1,200 eggs from seven pigeon lofts.
The use of dovecotes and designated feeding areas in public places combined with the use of lofts has also helped local authorities and sites in the UK to concentrate and control pigeon numbers in a humane but highly effective manner.
Nottingham City Hospital was awarded the RSPCA Best Practices Award (2003) for adopting a non-lethal strategy. The hospital’s pigeon population has decreased dramatically down to 65 birds and this is from a start figure of 1,200. WDC, please consider an intelligent and humane alternative. The scientific proof and evidence is well documented and should not be ignored. There are control regimes that are 100% non-lethal, sustainable, inexpensive and publicly acceptable. That aside, the people of High Wycombe will not react well to the potential scenario of a bird of prey tearing a pigeon apart and then eating it alive in the town centre in front of children, tourists and residents.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
n Hollywood’s beloved holiday blockbuster Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, protagonist Kevin’s worst fears come not from his bloodthirsty assailants—the self-proclaimed “Sticky Bandits”—but in the form of a homeless “Pigeon Lady” living in Central Park. As a child watching the film, I thought she seemed intimidating with her cloak of flapping birds, grubby face, and austere expression. However, as the movie unfolds, Kevin gets to know the Pigeon Lady (actual name notwithstanding), discovering a kind, gentle woman scarred by a tragic history of heartbreak and abandonment. Much like her feathered companions, she has faced rejection and chooses to live with them on the fringes of society. She acknowledges the similarity, explaining to Kevin: “Like the birds I care for, people pass me in the street. They see me but try to ignore me. They’d prefer it if I wasn’t part of their city.”
Touched by Kevin’s amity, her bitterness subsides and, in a climatic display, she unleashes her pigeon flock against Kevin’s pursuers. Overwhelmed by the winged warriors, the robbers are taken down and, consequently feathered, are arrested. To show his gratitude, Kevin later gifts her one of a pair of ceramic turtle doves, which he’s told by the toyshop owner signify everlasting friendship.
Like their cinematic counterparts, the common pigeon—that squat, ash-grey bird with a shimmering neckline and (if you’ve cared to look closely enough) striking orange eyes, whose ancestry is traced to the cliff-dwelling Rock Dove—is indeed a symbol of fidelity and friendship, owing to its loyal and affectionate nature. Yet, like the Pigeon Lady, it’s been cast aside by humans who have revered, bred, and even depended on the bird they once dubbed the “athlete of the sky” for thousands of years. Now, on a daily basis, these gentle birds are kicked at, shot at, poisoned, and kept at arm’s length by all manner of insidious spikes and nets.
So what happened to these affectionate, docile birds, which have shown humans such loyalty, tenderness and trust for millennia, now advocated for by a limited few and persecuted by so many?
Pigeon symbolism runs deep through human history. The world’s oldest domesticated bird frequently appears across religious texts, where doves are famously a motif for peace and purity, idealized for their white feathers. However, doves and pigeons are all part of the same family, known as Columbidae. And as author Andrew D Blechman describes, the differentiation is all down to ‘linguistic bias.’ As he notes in his book, Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World’s Most Reviled and Revered Bird, the word “dove,” in 14th century French, translates to “pigeon.”
Blechman explains that, although they’re essentially the same bird, the more delicate members of the Columbidae family are considered “doves” while the supposedly less graceful members are “pigeons,” giving rise to an old adage that “all pigeons are doves but not all doves are pigeons.” He gives the example that if a bigger pigeon (i.e. not delicate) is white, it may still be referred to as a “dove.” He continues: “Doves have come to mean petite and pure. Colloquial use of the word pigeon, on the other hand, emphasizes the dove’s docile nature and places it in a negative light.”Phrases like “stool pigeon”—which originates from the practice of tying pigeons to a stool to attract and trap predators—and “pigeonholed” are examples of how the word serves to describe inferiority.
In fact, Charles Darwin was among the first to demonstrate that the distinction between pigeons and doves is merely a biased interpretation of the same species. To support his argument for the theory of evolution, he selectively bred the birds in his backyard, often noting stark differences, like large fan-tails and feathery feet, all the while acknowledging their shared Rock Dove ancestor. He discussed his observations extensively in his famous 1859 work On the Origin of Species. Darwin’s fascination led him to join a pigeon fancier club, the Southwark Columbarium Society, in which members collected and bred “fancy” pigeons.
Appearances aside, people have observed remarkable tenderness in pigeons for millennia, regardless of color or size. This trait is especially noticeable in their mating rituals. When a female pigeon wants a male to care for her, and ultimately their children, she places her beak inside his. By graciously accepting this gesture, the male is committing to his paternal responsibility. Blechman describes the sexual act itself as “very gentle and completely consensual,” followed by “affectionate cooing and preening of each other’s feathers.”
It’s this exchange of affection and responsibility of successful mating pairs which gives rise to pigeons’ role as a symbol for chasteness and purity in many cultures—as well as the idiom “billing and cooing,” used to describe couples showing affection (or “PDA” in today’s terms).
The birds also share parenting responsibilities, including egg sitting and feeding. And, if this doesn’t already present a glowing example of gender equality, both males and females secrete a milk-like substance, produced by prolactin—the hormone behind lactation—in their throats (or crops), which is fed to newborn squabs and is crucial to their development. Pigeons are one of only three birds, including flamingos and penguins, who nurse their young in this way.
It’s these qualities that earned the birds reverence in antiquity. Historical records, including on stone tablets in Mesopotamia (the area known as Iran and Iraq today) from 3000 BCE, indicate the birds were sacrificial assets and frequently offered to gods, while also serving as a food staple. In fact, the ubiquity of stone temples meant rock pigeons were right at home, while historic dovecotes—earthen houses for pigeons—date back some 2,000 years in Egypt, suggesting the birds were intentionally domesticated.
Pigeons’ fine parenting skills also cast them as symbols of fertility. The Babylonian goddess Ishtar, “Queen of Heaven and Earth and of the Evening Star,” was often depicted holding a pigeon or as the winged bird herself. The Phoenecian goddess of love and fertility, Astarte, was also represented as a pigeon, as were the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her Roman counterpart, Venus.
Pigeons also appear in Judeo-Christian narratives, most memorably, perhaps, in the story of Noah’s Ark in which a dove is sent to determine whether the floods have subsided. The dove—or white pigeon to today’s ornithologists—returns with an olive branch to indicate dry land. This is in contrast to the first attempt by a raven, which does not return.
Appearances aside, people have observed remarkable tenderness in pigeons for millennia, regardless of color or size. This trait is especially noticeable in their mating rituals. When a female pigeon wants a male to care for her, and ultimately their children, she places her beak inside his. By graciously accepting this gesture, the male is committing to his paternal responsibility. Blechman describes the sexual act itself as “very gentle and completely consensual,” followed by “affectionate cooing and preening of each other’s feathers.”
It’s this exchange of affection and responsibility of successful mating pairs which gives rise to pigeons’ role as a symbol for chasteness and purity in many cultures—as well as the idiom “billing and cooing,” used to describe couples showing affection (or “PDA” in today’s terms).
The birds also share parenting responsibilities, including egg sitting and feeding. And, if this doesn’t already present a glowing example of gender equality, both males and females secrete a milk-like substance, produced by prolactin—the hormone behind lactation—in their throats (or crops), which is fed to newborn squabs and is crucial to their development. Pigeons are one of only three birds, including flamingos and penguins, who nurse their young in this way.
It’s these qualities that earned the birds reverence in antiquity. Historical records, including on stone tablets in Mesopotamia (the area known as Iran and Iraq today) from 3000 BCE, indicate the birds were sacrificial assets and frequently offered to gods, while also serving as a food staple. In fact, the ubiquity of stone temples meant rock pigeons were right at home, while historic dovecotes—earthen houses for pigeons—date back some 2,000 years in Egypt, suggesting the birds were intentionally domesticated.
Pigeons’ fine parenting skills also cast them as symbols of fertility. The Babylonian goddess Ishtar, “Queen of Heaven and Earth and of the Evening Star,” was often depicted holding a pigeon or as the winged bird herself. The Phoenecian goddess of love and fertility, Astarte, was also represented as a pigeon, as were the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her Roman counterpart, Venus.
Pigeons also appear in Judeo-Christian narratives, most memorably, perhaps, in the story of Noah’s Ark in which a dove is sent to determine whether the floods have subsided. The dove—or white pigeon to today’s ornithologists—returns with an olive branch to indicate dry land. This is in contrast to the first attempt by a raven, which does not return.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Feral pigeons (Columbia liviavar. domestica) can be a nuisance and may cause significant damage to buildings. If feral pigeons take up residence within a disused property they can seriously damage the interior historic fabric, contents and finishes. It is vital to take measures to minimise pigeon activity in and around buildings in order to avoid additional maintenance issues and significant problems for renovation projects.
Rectifying the damage caused to the fabric of a property by pigeon guano (bird excreta) is expensive and in most cases avoidable. There are many methods of pigeon control including bird proofing, wire deterrent systems, netting, bird spikes and a large variety of electrical and sonic bird deterrent solutions.
Introduction
Feral pigeons and other birds make nests regularly and roost outside and inside our buildings. Architects, surveyors, construction professionals and maintenance staff are all familiar with the damage that can be caused by these birds sharing our environment.
History
Feral pigeons are believed to have descended from rock doves that interbred with racing pigeons and pigeons from domestic pigeon lofts. Skyscrapers and similar tall buildings provide ideal habitats, very similar to the cliff homes of their pigeon ancestors.
These pigeons have thrived by adapting to life in and around our buildings and have learnt to roost and breed very successfully within this environment. They thrive on a plentiful supply of our dropped and dumped food scraps. As they have adapted so excellently to this style of living, they have sometimes been called “the flying rat”. It’s no surprise that over recent years there has been a marked increase in the numbers of feral pigeons.
Adult Pigeons
The adult pigeon is about 33cm in length and weighs between 280 and 560g, an average of about 350g. Its plumage can vary considerably, from a close resemblance to that of the original rock dove (with blue-grey plumage, double black wing bars and a white rump), through to various blues, reds, chequered and almost black types. Colours vary considerably from blue-grey, through blues, reds, mottled patterns and charcoal to almost pure white (Simms, 1979).
The birds will roost and nest on horizontal building surfaces and any other structures that provide a small amount of shelter from the elements. Balconies, flat roofs, ledges, loft spaces and empty buildings are often used if the birds have access.
Nests are constructed of twigs but can also contain pieces of plastic and other debris. They may even be built on or near the dead bodies of other pigeons. Their natural food is grain and green vegetable matter but they will scavenge food and eat almost any foodstuff available such as dropped takeaway foods.
Life Cycle
The Feral Pigeon is capable of breeding throughout the year and nests may be found in any month. However the peak occurs between March and July. Usually, two white eggs are laid on consecutive days and incubation is shared between both adults. Incubation lasts for about 18 days, with fledging taking place about 4 ½ weeks later. A new clutch can be laid when the first young are just 20 days old. Therefore up to nine broods may be produced per year by just one female pigeon and pigeons may live as long as thirty years (P Ehrlich et al, 1988)
Deterioration and Damage to Buildings
Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly; their acid content can lead to the deterioration of soft stone and cause long-term damage to buildings (Bassi and Chiantante, 1976; Howard and Oldsbury 1991). The accumulation of pigeon droppings can deface the finishes of the exterior facade and the interior of the building. Removal is not only difficult and expensive but can cause more damage than the droppings in the first place (D Channon, 2004).
Nest droppings and feathers block gutters and rainwater pipes causing water damage to buildings. Their droppings can lead to hazards on pavements, especially for the elderly. Pigeons are capable of lifting loose roof coverings, tiles and battens to gain entry into the roof voids. This can significantly damage the structure by allowing water penetration, providing the ideal environmental conditions for the growth and proliferation of wood rotting fungi. Wood boring insects are attracted to this damp, rotting environment, leading to substantial further decay (Singh 1995).
Pigeon nesting materials, feathers and faeces can block parapet gutters and hopper heads, allowing water penetration into the building fabric and providing the ideal environmental conditions for the growth and development of decay organisms (Singh 1994a, & Singh 1999).
In poorly maintained and unoccupied buildings, where significant undetected water ingress has occurred, major outbreaks of dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) and wet rots establish and thrive. These include (Coniophora puteana, Antrodia xantha, A. searilis, A. vaillantti & Phellinus contiguus). Thesubsequent deterioration to the historic fabric, finishes and contents is an inevitable consequence (Singh 1994). Sometimes this deterioration is so dramatic that many of the important historical and architectural features are destroyed beyond repair.
Early-morning activity around nesting areas can cause a public nuisance, as can pestering for food. Around public and buildings of historic and touristic interest further problems can arise as the visitors start feeding pigeons. Their numbers will increase dramatically, leading to extensive faeces and fouling.
Ladders and fire escapes coated in pigeon droppings become slippery and unsafe to use particularly in wet conditions. Startled pigeons may take flight suddenly and cause a hazard to road traffic.
Pigeons and the Law
Most birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The act allows the control of certain birds, including feral pigeons, by authorised people using specified methods.
The use of spring traps, poisons, certain types of nets, gassing and sticky substances that may entangle a bird is illegal.
Health Hazards
Large populations of pigeons and other birds inhabiting buildings or living on the facade for many years may present a potential risk of disease to people in and around these buildings (Weber, 1979).
The organic, nutrient rich accumulation of pigeon droppings, including feathers, detritus and debris under a nest provides an ideal environment for disease. This encourages fungi and bacteria to grow and proliferate. External parasites may also become a problem when infested pigeons or bats leave their roosts or nests. These parasites can infest buildings and cause health problems to people. Pigeons can also carry a number of potentially infectious diseases such as salmonella, tuberculosis and ornithosis (a mild form of psittacosis with pneumonia-like symptoms).
They are also a source of allergens, which can cause respiratory ailments like pigeon fancier’s lung, aspergillosis and allergic skin reaction. There is potential for these illnesses to be spread to people through contact with pigeon droppings, dandruff and feathers, pigeon parasites, or where dead infected pigeons get into food or water sources. Health and safety issues and site access problems are also caused by the build up of faeces due to the slippery and unsafe footing it provides on walkways and ledges, hindering proper maintenance. This may be a particular problem during building works and renovation. Pigeon faeces represent a health and safety hazard for staff working in contaminated buildings and for employees and operators who have to carry out remediation works. Pigeon infestation in and around buildings therefore represent an added problem in the renovation of buildings where large accumulations have been allowed to build-up, and this nutrient rich guano combined with moisture ingress in buildings provides an ideal environment for the growth and proliferation of moulds (Singh 1994a, Singh & Walker 1996).
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
First, there were complaints from people who had to walk and drive
under two Red Line overpasses where thick swarms of the birds had
decided to roost.
Now, Metro’s efforts to get rid of the pigeons have created a flap
between two animal welfare organizations, which disagree over whether
the methods used — including the use of pellet guns — are humane.
“I think they’re doing an excellent job,” said Brenda Parvis of the
Washington Humane Society, which has been monitoring the cleanup work
under the bridges over Van Buren and Aspen streets NW, near the Takoma
station.
“They are doing it the wrong way,” said Jackie Freitag, president of
the Wildlife Rescue League, a regional group based in Falls Church.
“Let’s do it in a humane way.”
Both groups agreed with Metro that something had to be done about the
pigeons, which apparently were attracted to the steel girders under the
bridges by bird lovers who leave food nearby.
Before the cleanup, a person “couldn’t walk or drive underneath
without being bombarded with pigeon feces,” Parvis said. “People were
walking through inches of pigeon excrement.”
“I understand the problem,” Freitag said.
Metro spokeswoman Beverly Silverberg said the pigeons, which carry
disease-bearing lice, also create a health hazard.
Metro hired a pest control firm, J.C. Ehrlich Co. Inc., of Reading,
Pa., which has been clearing out the underpasses during the past two
weeks. The firm attached a large net just below the girders where the
pigeons roost. Then it drove most of the birds out the sides with water
and air hoses before beginning to steam clean and disinfect the area,
Silverberg said.
But many birds did not leave. Friday, dead pigeons’ bodies were lying
in the netting, while live pigeons flapped around inside.
The Humane Society has been allowed to use the contractor’s equipment
to leave food and water so that the remaining birds inside don’t starve,
Parvis said.
But Freitag said the birds had no food for three days, and said there
are baby birds trapped inside that have been abandoned and cannot feed
themselves.
Parvis said an exterminator took all the fledglings out and turned
them over to the care of league members.
The biggest disagreement has been over the decision to shoot the
remaining pigeons with pellet guns.
The Humane Society views this as the most humane alternative, Parvis
said. Allowing them to starve or leaving poison would cause slow,
painful death, while continuing to feed them would cause them to
reproduce, she said.
But league members said the pellet guns do not kill the birds
instantly, and cause the birds to suffer.
“We had offered numerous alternative solutions, all of which were
pooh-pooh’d,” said Linda Lieberman, a league member.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Alfred Hitchcock couldn’t have choreographed it better.
Every sunset since mid-December, the sky above St. Luke’s Hospital in Fountain Hill turns black with the fluttering swarm of 5,000 to 10,000 crows that fly from feeding grounds around the Lehigh Valley to roost on a nearby wooded knoll.
During their noisy, cawing arrival and even noisier pre-dawn departure — and much of the time between — the large birds have been bombarding the hospital, homes, streets, cars, woods and, yes, residents themselves with the natural end-result of their daylong feedings.
The problem has gotten so noxious that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been summoned to harass the birds until they roost elsewhere.
Beginning at dusk today, the USDA and members of St. Luke’s security staff will roust the crows with loud explosives and whistling pyrotechnics, and chase them with amplified crow distress calls until theyflee.
“It’s not so much that they’re causing a lot of problems, it’s just that they’re a health hazard. With 5,000 birds, that’s a lot of bird droppings, and that can become a potential health hazard,” said hospital spokesman Steve Andrews.
The most significant health threat from crow droppings is a fungal respiratory disease called histoplasmosis, according to Thomas N. Tomsa Jr., district supervisor for USDA Wildlife Services.
“The spores can become airborne, and this respiratory fungal disease can develop,” Tomsa said.
Though there are no indications that the birds have brought the disease to the wooded area behind the hospital, St. Luke’s officials are taking no chances.
St. Luke’s Security Director John Hrubenak said the hospital installed an amplified distress-call sound system two weeks to chase the birds from the roof, which has ventilation ducts and a helicopter landing pad.
“We didn’t want them hanging around on our heliport. We just didn’t want to take any chances,” Hrubenak said. “Certainly there was concern about a flock flying into the path of a helicopter.”
So far, the distress calls have kept the birds about 300 feet from the roof, he said.
It’s not unusual to see so many crows in one place, according to Kevin J. McGowan, a crow expert at Cornell University. American crows are most noticeable when the short winter day comes to an end. Streams of them can be seen flying high overhead, with a sense of purpose.
Thousands or tens of thousands converge at a winter roost, congregating from as far away as 20 miles. In the ’70s, a flock in Fort Cobb, Okla., was recorded at 2 million.
They like urban areas because the artificial light helps protect them from the great horned owl, their natural enemy, and because urban areas are warmer than the countryside.
Crows that breed near the roost site mix with migrants from thousands of miles away.
Besides raising concerns at St. Luke’s, the birds have created problems for residents living near the wooded knoll and hospital employees using the lower parking lot off Ostrum Street.
The tree-lined path from the front door of Kim Gencarelli’s home at 500 Ostrum St. has turned into a nightly obstacle course.
“You’ll walk out of your house and get hit or nearly hit with their stuff,” Gencarelli said. “In order to keep clean from my door to my car, I need an umbrella.”
The daily bombardment has also taken its toll on cars. The matter had been compounded by voluntary water rationing, which limited car washing.
“On my way to the car wash, I had people staring, pointing and laughing. My car was covered. You really couldn’t see it was brown, it was white,” Gencarelli said.
On nearby Brighton Street, Robert Guerriere finds nightly challenges while walking his dog.
“I have to look up to see exactly where they are so I don’t get dropped on,” Guerriere said.
The birds’ nightly droppings are so prolific, Guerriere said, “It sounds like rain. It’s not fun. It stinks and smells.”
But not all have had their feathers ruffled.
Ed Sinkler, who lives a block from Gencarelli, said birds are supposed to be in the woods and wondered where they would go when they left.
“It’s sort of majestic watching 10,000 crows come in. They make a nice little chorus at 5:30 in the morning,” Sinkler said.
“I wish there was a way to lure them somewhere else. That would be a better solution than to scare them up and let them go. These are woods and … that’s where they’re supposed to be.”
Tomsa acknowledges the birds may make trouble at another location but prefers to address one problem at a time.
Before this year, the birds roosted in the wooded knoll and on the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. But their numbers were only a fraction of what they are this year.
In December, Tomsa said, his agency harassed a similar number of crows that had been dumping all over the Capitol complex in Harrisburg. It took about five nights of harassment to make them fly the coop. Similarly, Tomsa said he expects the birds will be flushed from their Fountain Hill roost by the weekend.
Even though the nightly two-hour bursts of sound should be enough to force the crows to take flight, the noise will be muffled in the hospital and homes and should present a fraction of the nuisance the birds cause, according to Tomsa.
In a letter to Hrubenak, Tomsa wrote that once the birds are gone, they probably won’t return this winter. But they may be back next year.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
It is nothing less than annoying if pigeon droppings land in the garden. It is all the more serious when the droppings are contaminated with radioactivity.
The environment campaigners Greenpeace are calling for an end to all nuclear reprocessing at the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria following the publication of an official report yesterday. It discovered that wild pigeons roosting at the site and contaminated with radioactivity had carried it to a garden two miles away in Seascale.
The pigeons, described by Greenpeace as “flying nuclear waste”, were contaminated after roosting in old buildings at Sellafield. They began feeding in the garden over a two-year period and the soil was contaminated to such an extent that the garden was dug up by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) and sent to a nuclear dump along with a number of garden gnomes. The pigeons were destroyed last year. The report, published by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (Comare) and the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee (RWMAC), acknowledged that the contamination of the garden was not significant.
The radioactive dose received by the residents was about half the annual limit for members of the public while the doses received by neighbours in adjacent properties were “not of any radiological concern”, according to the report.
But the report recommends that further research into possible contamination at nuclear sites, including the risk posed to other wildlife such as insects and other birds should be carried out. It also reported that authorised discharges of radioactive gases from Sellafield’s chimneys might have caused some of the radiation contamination.
Prof Bryn Bridges, chairman of Comare, said it was possible the doses could have been higher. He described the contamination as a “worrying discovery”.
BNFL apologised for the contamination and said it was pleased the report acknowledged the steps it had taken to remedy the situation. It also accepted the report’s criticism that mismanagement was at the heart of the problem.
In a statement yesterday, BNFL said it had committed considerable resources to resolve the issue: “This involved culling the birds, controlling the birds’ feeding, restricting access to these older buildings and completing a site habitat control programme. A programme of remediation was also carried out in Seascale, after discussion with the property owners and the regulator.”
Greenpeace described decisionmaking at Sellafield as “hopelessly inadequate” and said the problem did not die when BNFL culled the birds. Dr Helen Wallace of Greenpeace said: “Nuclear waste could still be spreading through wildlife into people’s homes and gardens. Today’s reports warn that other wildlife, such as insects and doves, may also be involved in the spread of nuclear waste from nuclear sites into people’s homes and gardens.”
BNFL should be made to properly contain and monitor all existing waste, she added.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Eighteen frozen pigeons were recently shipped north to the suburban Albany labs of New York State wildlife pathologist Ward Stone. The birds, poisoned by pesticide-spiked rice, were a familiar sight to the medical examiner. He had already autopsied several victims, and this latest batch of corpses, found scattered around a supermarket parking lot in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, put the murder tally in the hundreds – and confirmed Stone’s suspicion that he is on the Carbofuran-laced-birdseed trail of an avian serial killer.
The pigeons were added to a pile of more than 400 New York City birds Stone has examined over the past two years. He’s been cataloguing causes of death in our 126-species bird habitat, and his pigeon report joined a folder filled with more exotic necropsies: a Jamaica Bay loon with its waterproofing washed away by detergent; a swan found in Central Park Lake with a lead sinker stuck in its gizzard; two red-tailed hawks from Mary Tyler Moore’s building; and a black-crowned night heron from Prospect Park loaded with four pesticides.
Besides the vigilante avicides and high-profile mortalities, Stone has examined dozens of birds killed by the commercial agent Avitrol, used legally by exterminators all over the city. “You can get caught up in the ‘Carbofuran Killer,’ but Avitrol is what’s killing most of the birds in New York City,” argues anti-Avitrol activist Mary Kelly, whose outrage at the sight of dead pigeons plopping to the pavement from lofty aeries on York and 86th Street in 1997 prompted Stone’s larger inquiry. After autopsying Kelly’s birds, Stone recommended a statewide ban on Avitrol (his employers at the state Department of Environmental Conservation issue licenses to exterminators). He has also found the toxic substance in at least one peregrine falcon – evidence, he says, that the agent is passed to other birds up the food chain, since peregrines love pigeon pie.
Thanks to Stone and Kelly, avian awareness has roosted in Albany: An Avitrol-ban bill flew through the State Assembly last year but crashed in the Senate under pesticide-lobby pressure. This year’s version would have given individual localities the right to ban the pesticide, but Governor Pataki clipped the bill’s wings when he vetoed it at the end of July.
Stone’s activism also prompted wildlife rehabilitators, bird-loving bureaucrats, and other nature freaks to begin scooping and sending the dead crows, starlings, and grackles in their neighborhoods and parks, and Stone plans to release his first-ever comprehensive city bird-necropsy report shortly. He says he was surprised at the “incredible array” of local birds he encountered, “much more than a country boy like me could have expected,” and cites improved water quality – hell, there are cormorants cruising in the Gowanus Canal – as a critical factor in maintaining the city’s “splendiferous” habitat.
The pathologist has lost track of the number of times he’s been compared to seventies television hero Quincy, M.E., but he has his own unsolved mysteries to take care of: Those Brooklyn birds, it turns out, were done in by a copycat using a different pesticide (Methomyl) and bait than the Carbofuran Killer. Still, says the scientist, a bit optimistically, “only two purposeful poisoners in a city of millions – that’s not bad.”
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Many bird species are attracted to landfills which take domestic or putrescible waste. These sites provide a reliable, rich source of food which can attract large concentrations of birds. The birds may cause conflicts with human interest with respect to noise, birds carrying litter off site, possible transmission of pathogens in bird droppings and the potential for birdstrikes. In the UK there is an 8 mile safeguarding radius around an airfield, within which any planning applications must pass scrutiny from regulatory bodies to show they will not attract birds into the area and increase the birdstrike risk. Peckfield Landfill site near Leeds, West Yorkshire was chosen for a trial of a netting system designed to exclude birds from domestic waste landfills. The site was assessed for bird numbers before the trial, during the netting trial and after the net had been removed. A ScanCord net was installed for 6 weeks, during which time all household waste was tipped inside the net. Gull numbers decreased on the site from a mean of 107
4 per hourly count to 29 per hourly count after two days. The gull numbers increased again after the net had been removed. Bird concentrations in the surroundings were also monitored to assess the effect of the net. Bird numbers in the immediate vicinity of the landfill site were higher than those further away. When the net was installed, the bird concentrations adjacent to the landfill site decreased. Corvids were not affected by the net as they fed on covered waste which was available outside the net throughout the trial. This shows that bird problems on a landfill site are complex, requiring a comprehensive policy of bird control. A supporting bird scaring system and clear operating policy for sites near to airports would be required.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
A town south of London is facing a bombardment of bird poop brought on by a “growing” influx of winged interlopers that officials just don’t have an answer for.
“You walk around and they are cooing above you. All the babies are squawking, and then they could poo on you,” Ashford business owner Vince Monticelli told South West News Service.
“Our town has been taken over by seagulls and pigeons.”
The Ashford Borough Council has been gliding around the issue after walking back April’s plans to get a hawk that would ward off the unwanted new residents in the Kent nabe.
“We have researched carefully, and following consultation with relevant stakeholders and local businesses, we believe at this time there is an insufficient need for a hawk service to be introduced to the town center,” a government spokesperson said.
The situation is “under review” and could include a four-month trial with the predatory bird, though the idea has reportedly been dropped for now.
Initially, the locale also felt that a hawk being walked around by a professional caretaker also would make for an especially appealing “attraction.”
Monticelli, also, stood firm: “I think they are an issue and the council probably should’ve got the hawk.”
Other locals, like Russell Green, doubled down on the problems pigeons are causing, too.
Troves of pigeons and seagulls are pooping all over an English town.KM / SWNS
“I don’t see why they couldn’t get [a hawk] in for a couple of days a month,” he said. “Once pigeons and seagulls know there is a hawk here, they won’t bother coming back.”
Another man who works in the town, Connor Moon, suggested the winged visitors “don’t do us any harm” and blamed the poop-apalooza on bird brains who feed the avians, inadvertently inviting them to come back — with friends.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
I think that’s the first time I’ve ever used the word “poop” in a blog title, but I digress…
The infamous “Bird Poop Building” on Yonge Street has been vacant for 25 years, and surprise, surprise – it’s going to be turned into a condo…
If you know me, you know that I have a serious man-love for old, historic, Toronto buildings.
I’m fascinated by our city’s history, and while we simply can’t compete with the thousand-year-old structures in Europe, we do have our own little slice of history here in Toronto.
One of the most fun blog features I ever worked on was The Buildings of The St. Lawrence Market, back in 2009. I did a three-part series on all the historic buildings in the area; a must-read for many of you who missed it! You can read Part One HERE.
I’ve always admired the Bank of Commerce on Yonge Street, in between Queen & Shuter, but it’s a little…..ummmm……dirty, shall we say?
Over the years, this building has been used and abused by some of the most carefree and unpoliced members of our society: pigeons.
For some reason, pigeons love to empty their bowels (if birds have bowels…..any bird enthusiasts among my readers who can shed some light??) on this building and the neighbouring building immediately north. Over time, these two buildings have simply become known as “the bird poop buildings.”
And seeing the photos I took below, can you argue?
Wow. I don’t know what to say…
I’ve walked by these buildings many, many times over the years, and I’ve always thought, “I really wish somebody would do something with those buildings!” It’s such a shame that a great piece of Toronto’s history is just sitting there getting crapped on by these guys:
Damn pigeons!
Well, time hasn’t been kind to the Bank of Commerce at 197-199 Yonge Street, but the future is bright!
I suppose it’s a bit of a double-edged sword, however. I had always hoped that this beautiful building would be restored and turned into a library, museum, or event hall, but in actual fact, it’s going to be turned into yet another condo. I suppose it’s the lesser of two evils; that is, it would be worse to see the building torn down or have it fall into even worse disrepair, although I’m not sure that’s possible…
Built in 1905, the Bank of Commerce has actually been abandoned since 1987! It’s had many different uses over the years, and you can actually still see the words “DENTIST” on the second floor of the building where somebody probably practiced in the 60’s or 70’s:
Little-known developer, MOD Developments will be turning the historical building into a 60-storey condominium called “Massey Towers,” which already has a large advertisement up at the current site. MOD Development’s only other project to date is FIVE Condos at St. Joseph’s & Yonge Street, but Massey Towers will be designed by renowned firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, whose projects are too many to name, but include One City Hall, Minto775, ART, Shangri-La, and my current residence, Vu Condos.
Like I said – it’s cliche that this site will become “yet, another condo,” but it’s better than letting it sit there and rot.
The article in this past week’s Globe & Mail, quoted the owner of MOD Developments, Gary Switzer, as saying, “What does it say about our city to have a building like this empty right on the main street?”
I couldn’t possibly agree more.
Yonge Street is famous! It’s the best-known street in Toronto, and one of the most well-known streets in our entire country!
How could we let this happen?
Yet we have a poo-covered building sitting there, rotting away.
It reminds me of this:
Those of you that read my blog during its infancy in 2007 will recall the photos and blog posts from my trip to Serbia.
These buildings are on the Belgrade’s equivalent of Yonge Street, and the city doesn’t have the money to fix them, so they don’t. These buildings have been sitting here in this condition for almost twenty years, and they’ll likely remain as such indefinitely.
Toronto is not Serbia, but yet the Bank of Commerce and its sister building at 205 Yonge Street, the Bank of Toronto, draw some eerie similarities to the photo above:
Two buildings, both beautiful and historic, and both ruined by time. And poo…
The crazy thing is – the Bank of Toronto is an even more impressive structure! I wonder what will become of that building? Perhaps, phase two of the condominium development at Massey Towers?
Dare to dream…
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
BOCA RATON — In a community proud of its well-off residents, fancy shops and upscale resorts, pigeon droppings outside City Hall are taken seriously.
City workers have used pressure sprayers to wash the droppings away and tried electricity and a recording of a hawk screeching to scare off the pigeons, but the birds — and their mess — remain.
“The pigeons hang out on the light fixtures and the droppings get on the sidewalk right in front of the front door,” Assistant City Manager George Brown said.
In their first attempt to get rid of the birds, workers rigged 12-volt wires around the City Hall’s windows, where the pigeons like to roost. That’s not enough electricity to kill the birds, but workers hoped it would make them uncomfortable enough to move, which they did — a few feet away to some light fixtures.
This month, workers installed a speaker on the roof, hoping that recordings of screeching hawks would drive them away. The pigeons, in their own way, just laughed.
“They just decided they like it here for some reason,” Brown said.
Tim Brown, the education director at a nearby wildlife hospital, said the common pigeon — which is actually the African rock dove — lives on stone outcroppings in the wild, making them perfect city dwellers.
“Architecturally, we build all these wonderful habitats for pigeons,” he said. To get rid of the birds, he suggests chicken wire, which would be unsightly, or installing strips studded with needles.
But city officials have other ideas.
“Poison corn,” said Bob DiChristopher, deputy director of municipal services. After a moment’s pause, he added: “That’s just a joke.”
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Solar panels are an excellent investment—but they also attract unwanted tenants: pigeons. Birds love to nest underneath panels because they provide warmth, shade, and protection from predators.
If left unchecked, bird activity can lead to clogged gutters, wiring damage, reduced energy efficiency, and thousands in repairs. The good news? With proper solar panel bird proofing, you can protect your solar system and prevent infestations—all without harming the birds.
Why Do Birds Nest Under Solar Panels?
Warm, Sheltered Space Solar panels create the perfect microclimate—warm, dry, and shaded.
Safety from Predators Being under panels keeps pigeons out of reach of cats, hawks, and raccoons.
Easy Access to Nesting Materials Nearby trees, garbage, or roof gardens provide ample nesting material.
Dangers of Bird Nesting Under Solar Panels
Wiring Damage – Birds chew and pull on cables
Fire Risk – Nesting materials are flammable
Reduced Efficiency – Debris and droppings cause panel shading
Roof Damage – Moisture and droppings cause corrosion and leakage
Health Hazards – Pigeon droppings carry histoplasmosis and salmonella
Solar Panel Bird Proofing Products
1. Bird Netting and Solar Mesh Guards
The most effective solution is to install UV-stabilized mesh or netting around the perimeter of the solar array. Shop Bird Netting Here: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/
Benefits:
Keeps birds from entering underneath panels
Blends with roof aesthetics
Weatherproof and long-lasting
Can be DIY-installed or professionally fitted
2. Bird Spikes for Edges and Frames
Install spikes along the outer edge of solar panels to prevent birds from landing or walking around the system. Explore Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Best for:
Lower panel edges
Surrounding rooftop ledges
Gutter edges below panels
3. Ultrasonic Bird Repellers
Ultrasonic bird repellers emit high-frequency sound that’s unpleasant for birds but inaudible to humans. Browse Ultrasonic Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Use alongside netting for added protection.
How to Install Bird Proofing for Solar Panels
Step 1: Clean the Area Remove all bird nests, droppings, and debris. Disinfect the area thoroughly.
Step 2: Install Mesh or Netting Use solar mesh clips or roof-friendly fasteners to secure netting around the perimeter of the solar panel system.
Step 3: Add Bird Spikes or Repellers Install spikes on exposed edges or install a repeller unit to deter future roosting attempts.
Step 4: Regular Maintenance Inspect the proofing system every 6–12 months for wear and tear, especially after heavy storms.
Who Needs Solar Panel Bird Proofing?
Homeowners with Rooftop Solar Especially in urban or suburban areas with high pigeon populations.
Commercial Properties with Solar Arrays Warehouses, retail plazas, schools, or hospitals with rooftop solar systems.
Solar Panel Installers & Property Managers Protect client investments and reduce callbacks for bird-related service issues.
Yes. Birds can damage wiring, reduce efficiency, and cause expensive roof damage.
What is the best way to bird-proof solar panels?
The most effective method is mesh or netting around the perimeter, combined with bird spikes and ultrasonic deterrents.
How long does solar panel bird proofing last?
Pigeon Patrol’s mesh and netting systems are rated for 5–10 years or longer.
Will this hurt the birds?
No. All products are humane, non-toxic, and environmentally safe.
Bird-proofing your solar panels is a small investment that protects your energy system, roof, and health. Whether you’re a homeowner or a building manager, the best time to act is before pigeons move in.
If you live in a condo or apartment, you know how frustrating it is when pigeons take over your balcony. They leave droppings, feathers, and nesting materials, turning your relaxing outdoor space into a dirty, unsanitary mess.
Fortunately, pigeon control for balconies is not only possible—it’s easy, affordable, and completely humane. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best ways to deter pigeons from your balcony, using proven products from Pigeon Patrol.
Why Pigeons Love Balconies
Balconies are perfect roosting spots for pigeons because they offer:
Shelter from wind and rain
Proximity to food sources
Ideal nesting areas behind furniture, BBQs, and planters
Quiet, undisturbed locations
Problems Pigeons Cause on Balconies
Health Hazards Pigeon droppings carry fungi, bacteria, and parasites that can cause:
Histoplasmosis
E. coli
Salmonella
Structural Damage Their acidic waste corrodes concrete, railings, and balcony furniture.
Mess and Odor Feathers, nesting materials, and droppings smell bad and look worse.
Best Pigeon Control Products for Balconies
1. Bird Spikes for Railings and Ledges
Bird spikes are an effective physical barrier to keep pigeons from landing or perching on your railing. Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Magnetic bird repellers have proven successful in preventing birds from flying into specific areas. A strong magnetic force interferes with birds sense of direction which confuses and disorientates pest birds, causing them to leave the area effected. These are excellent pigeon deterrents. Check Out Magnetic Bird Defender: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/product/magnetic-bird-defender/
How to Pigeon-Proof Your Balcony – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clean the Area Remove all droppings, nesting materials, and debris. Sanitize thoroughly.
Step 2: Install Barriers Apply spikes to railings and ledges, or install netting across the open areas.
Step 3: Use a Repeller Place an ultrasonic device or sound deterrent to add another layer of defense.
Step 4: Remove Attractants Eliminate open food, water, or cozy nooks where pigeons may try to nest.
Bonus Tips for Pigeon-Free Balconies
Avoid feeding other birds—it attracts pigeons
Remove cushions or cover furniture when not in use
Use motion-activated deterrents if spikes and netting aren’t enough
Don’t use fake owls unless you move them regularly (pigeons will learn they’re fake)
Why Choose Pigeon Patrol for Balcony Pigeon Control?
Serving BC’s Lower Mainland for 15+ years
All products are safe, humane, and discreet
Trusted by property managers, homeowners, and condo associations
Fast shipping and professional advice
FAQs
Are bird spikes legal to use on balconies?
Yes. They’re completely legal, humane, and used on buildings worldwide.
Can I install pigeon netting myself?
Yes, but if you’re unsure, a professional installer will ensure full coverage with no gaps.
Will the deterrents harm birds?
No. All solutions are non-lethal and environmentally safe.
How quickly do pigeons leave after deterrents are installed?
Often within days—but it depends on how long they’ve nested. Older infestations may take longer.
If pigeons have made your balcony their home, it’s time to take it back. With a combination of spikes, netting, and ultrasonic repellers, you can enjoy your outdoor space again—clean, quiet, and bird-free.
The steps of City Hall, once a symbol of civic pride, are now stained with something far less noble—pigeon droppings. A growing population of urban pigeons has turned the historic building into a nesting ground and bathroom, much to the frustration of city workers and residents.
“It’s absolutely disgusting,” said Angela Simmons, a clerk at the records office. “Every morning, we have to dodge piles of droppings just to get to the front door. Some days I have to bring a change of shoes.”
A closeup shot of a Feral pigeon in a city
The Department of Public Health has issued a warning about potential respiratory illnesses associated with dried pigeon feces, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, both of which can cause serious lung infections.
Maintenance crews are power-washing the building’s steps twice a week, but it hasn’t been enough. “We’re just chasing the problem,” said Facilities Manager Larry Cho. “Until we deal with the birds themselves, we’ll keep mopping up after them.”
City Council is expected to vote next Tuesday on a proposed ordinance that would fund humane deterrents such as bird netting, sloped ledges, and the installation of owl decoys.
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
The Brighton Clock Tower, a proud piece of the city’s 19th-century heritage, is under siege. Not by vandals or weather—but by pigeons. The acidic nature of their droppings is slowly eroding the sandstone structure, prompting alarm from conservationists and city officials alike.
“The pigeons have turned this into their personal toilet,” said heritage consultant Roger Fairbanks, shaking his head. “And the worst part is the damage is cumulative. What’s already been lost can’t be restored.”
Pigeons!!!
According to the Brighton Historical Society, the tower has not undergone a full cleaning in over five years. Recent inspections revealed black crusted layers of guano on upper ledges and a corrosion ring forming around the base.
Local residents are upset by what they see as neglect. “It’s embarrassing,” said Anna Pritchard, who brings tourists to the area. “They ask me about the clock, and I’m afraid to tell them what’s actually on it.”
City engineers are now weighing the cost of installing anti-roosting spikes and motion-activated deterrents. Meanwhile, experts warn that if the situation isn’t addressed soon, the damage could become irreversible.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Commuters at the Jackson CTA Station experienced unusual delays this morning—not because of technical malfunctions, but because of an unexpected menace: pigeon droppings.
Two riders slipped and fell on the southbound platform around 8 a.m., prompting a temporary halt in service while janitorial crews responded. No major injuries were reported, but the incident has raised questions about safety and sanitation in public transit spaces.
“The smell hits you first,” said Mark Ellis, a daily commuter. “Then you see the mess—droppings everywhere. Benches, railings, even the signs. It’s gotten out of hand.”
An elderly man enjoys a cold winter morning in the city.
Transit authorities said the problem has been building for months. Pigeons roost in the station’s rafters, undeterred by current pest control measures. According to CTA spokesperson Nia Harrell, “We’re working on a long-term plan that includes physical deterrents, more frequent cleanings, and consultation with pest control specialists.”
Harrell added that the CTA is exploring ethical deterrent methods like reflective strips, ultrasonic devices, and even using trained birds of prey in partnership with local falconers.
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Roosevelt Middle School is facing a crisis that has nothing to do with test scores or staffing—it’s pigeons. Dozens of the birds have taken up residence on the school roof, leaving droppings throughout outdoor hallways, handrails, and the student quad.
“I’m scared my daughter will catch something,” said Delia Morales, mother of a 6th grader. “They eat lunch out there! There’s poop on the tables every day.”
The school’s janitorial staff reports spending hours daily trying to hose down surfaces before students arrive. Despite this, children have reportedly stepped in droppings, and some even reported seeing pigeons nesting inside a broken roof vent near the gymnasium.
Principal Tom Ferris acknowledged the growing concerns at a PTA meeting last Thursday. “We’re requesting emergency funds to install bird netting and roof barriers,” he said. “We’re also consulting with environmental safety inspectors to make sure there’s no health risk.”
lots of pigeons gathering for food
Parents are organizing a volunteer cleanup day while pushing the district to take faster action. “This isn’t just a nuisance anymore—it’s a hazard,” said PTA President Carla Hsu.
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Portland’s outdoor dining renaissance is facing a surprising adversary: pigeons. In the trendy Pearl District, restaurant owners are reporting a surge in droppings on tables, chairs, and patios—forcing some to close outdoor sections during peak hours.
“It’s costing us money,” said Daniel Nguyen, owner of Nest Café. “We had to throw out six tablecloths in one day. And when guests get hit mid-meal, they don’t exactly come back.”
Birds roost on streetlights and awnings overhead, raining down waste during lunch and dinner hours. The problem has become so visible that several restaurant owners are banding together to form a “Pigeon Patrol” task force to lobby the city for help.
Pigeon Ohhh NO!!
A pilot project involving trained falcons is already underway in a nearby neighborhood, and Pearl District restaurateurs are hoping to be next. “It sounds dramatic, but it works,” said Susan Albrecht, who owns a bakery down the block. “The moment those falcons show up, the pigeons scatter.”
For now, staff are keeping hoses, disinfectants, and umbrellas close at hand. But many agree: a long-term fix is urgently needed before the poop problem affects tourism—and reputations.
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Pigeons are persistent birds—once they decide to roost, they can cause property damage, health hazards, and messy cleanup. The good news? You have lots of effective pigeon repellent options to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top pigeon repellents, when to use them, and how to combine products for the best results.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes – Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences. Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Ultrasonic sound deterrents for wide-area repelling
Add visual deterrents (reflective tape, predator decoys) for extra impact
FAQs
What is the most effective pigeon repellent?
Bird spikes + netting + ultrasonic devices offer the most comprehensive protection.
Are pigeon repellents safe for other birds?
Yes—our products are designed to deter all pest birds humanely.
Choosing the right pigeon repellent depends on your property, level of infestation, and budget. Often, the best solution is a multi-layered approach using spikes, netting, and sound deterrents.
If you want to stop pigeons from nesting entirely, a pigeon net is one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions. Bird netting physically blocks birds from accessing protected spaces—without harming them.
In this guide, you’ll learn when to use pigeon netting, how it works, and which areas of your property will benefit most from this type of bird control.
What Is Pigeon Netting?
Pigeon netting is UV-stabilized mesh designed to keep birds out of specific areas: balconies, rooftops, parking garages, and commercial spaces.
100% humane—prevents nesting without harming birds
Durable—withstands rain, snow, wind, UV rays
Discreet appearance—nearly invisible from a distance
Protects large or oddly shaped areas
Low-maintenance & long-lasting
Where to Install Pigeon Netting
Balconies & patios
Roof overhangs & HVAC units
Parking garages & warehouses
Solar panels
Under building signage
How to Install Pigeon Netting
Inspect the area & measure dimensions
Install anchor points (eye bolts or brackets)
Stretch net taut across opening
Seal edges with zip ties or clips
Check for gaps to ensure birds can’t sneak in
FAQs
Is pigeon netting permanent?
Yes—when installed correctly, netting can last 5–10+ years.
Can pigeons break through netting?
No—Pigeon Patrol’s netting is heavy-duty and pigeon-proof.
A pigeon net is one of the most effective bird control products for keeping spaces 100% bird-free. For large commercial properties or high-infestation zones, netting is a must.
This dramatic increment in flock size confirmed that the city council’s lethal control policy, operated between 1963 and 1985, had not only been totally ineffective, but had actually resulted in an increase in flock size of nearly one third. As a result, the city council realized that the problem had to be tackled at source
s of birds killed by the commercial agent Avitrol, used legally by exterminators all over the city. “You can get caught up in the ‘Carbofuran Killer,’ but Avitrol is what’s killing most of the birds in New York City,” argues anti-Avitrol activist Mary Kelly, whose outrage at the sight of dead pigeons plopping to the pavement from lofty aeries on York and 86th Street in 1997 prompted Stone’s larger inquiry. After autopsying Kelly’s birds, Stone recommended a statewide ban on Avitrol (his employers at the state Department of Environmental Conservation issue licenses to exterminators). He has also found the toxic substance in at least one peregrine falcon – evidence, he says, that the agent is passed to other birds up the food chain, since peregrines love pigeon pie.
