by Pigeon Patrol | May 3, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Spikes
Long-term pigeon solution
There is no denying that feral pigeons are a huge problem in some areas and cause extensive soiling of property. Contrary to popular belief they do not pose a risk to public health. If you doubt this statement you are welcome to look up scientific articles online. It is only pest control companies that depict pigeons as a health hazard.
The fact remains that large populations of feral pigeons are a nuisance and need to be controlled, but culling is not the way to do it. Culling is a completely ineffective method for the control of pigeon populations. A sudden reduction in numbers simply creates an increase in the resources available to the remaining birds.
A population is sustained by the resources that surround it. As long as there is enough food to sustain them, the population will keep replenishing.
Pigeons are also prolific breeders and dedicated parents can hatch several clutches back to back. A single a pair of pigeons can churn out two self-sustaining fledglings roughly every 40 days.
How long would it take for the remaining population to reproduce the amount of birds culled? The reality is that it would only take a couple of months at most.
Even if the shooters managed to kill a whopping half of the population and even if we assume that half of the babies born were to die before leaving the nest, it would still take less than three months for the remaining pigeons to reproduce the culled half of their flock, thereby making the entire exercise useless.
Our local councils can either keep using very short-term and short-sighted methods that do not achieve any tangible results, or they can start being proactive
Contraceptives, though certainly more effective than culling, are not an ideal solution either. They are expensive, and to be effective you need to feed the correct dosage regularly over a long period of time. Can one reliably control or even know how much of the medication the pigeons are consuming?
Also, as I understand it, there is the inherent risk that other wild bird populations can also consume the contraceptive. This may or may not be a concern in Sliema but I do not believe that contraceptives are the best solution to nuisance pigeon populations.
Instead of looking only at available options, let us look at some success stories.
Take for example Nottingham City Hospital that in five years managed to reduce a flock of birds to just 63, an incredible 95% drop in the population. Surrey Heath Borough Council also achieved an 80% reduction in their pigeon population in five years.
Heath Park Hospital in Cardiff says it prevented the birth of 150 pigeons each month with the help of one single volunteer. Paris claims to have prevented over 5,000 pigeon births in one year. How did they do it?
They built a pigeon loft, encouraged the pigeons to sleep and breed there, and tossed out the eggs they laid. The majority of the soiling and damage is done when the pigeons are roosting at night.
By building a safe and welcoming environment for the pigeons to roost in, while also installing anti-roosting systems on buildings, the birds can be drawn away from the problem areas and into a controlled environment.
Furthermore these lofts allow for access to the single most effective method of population control there is: egg removal. By encouraging the birds to breed in a controlled environment the city can effectively gain control over the breeding of its resident pigeon population.
All one has to do is manage the loft properly, weekly replace any laid eggs with fake eggs, and regularly clean out the area to avoid insect infestations. This method of control was established with success by the Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PiCAS International http://www.pigeoncontrolresourcecentre.org/html/reviews/artificial-breeding-facilities.html) as far back as the 1970s.
Unlike culling, it is not only extremely effective when done properly, but is a cost-effective long-term solution. Lofts can be built cheaply, though Paris chose to invest a huge amount in installing state-of-the-art lofts in its parks. Lofts can really be made from pretty much anything, utilising unused spaces and recycled materials, as long as they meet the pigeons’ needs.
At the end of the day the goal is to reduce the negative impact pigeons have on their urban environment. Our local councils can either keep using very short-term and short-sighted methods that do not achieve any tangible results, or they can start being proactive and figure out where and how to implement a long-term solution that allows the births in the population to be controlled, that encourages the birds to roost away from buildings, and invest in educating the public to better control refuse and litter and limit the available food source.
One can start by looking at the online resources and advice available, for example from the PiCAS International website itself which last I checked offered free guidance to public institutions on how to install and manage a pigeon control loft correctly.
Furthermore why not involve the community in the project? Perhaps entice University students to use the project as part of their studies, whether from a design aspect, a management aspect, an agricultural and animal husbandry aspect, or even in the use of recycled materials. There is so much potential in such a project above and beyond reducing pigeon numbers.
This method of pigeon control is a long-term project for a long-term solution. As with any long-term project, it will only work if the council sticks to it and keeps up with the management, cleaning and egg removal. It is not a one-time solution that will fix everything overnight, but it is the only method that will successfully control the pigeon population and reliably and effectively reduce pigeon numbers in our towns and cities.
About 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | May 2, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Spikes
They undertake some of the most audacious journeys in the animal kingdom, navigating across thousands of miles to arrive at a precise location.
Now scientists have unravelled exactly how migrating birds, butterflies and other animals are able to use the Earth’s magnetic field to help them find their way.
They have discovered proteins that ‘act like a compass’ are produced in the retina and nerve cells running from the eye to the brain.
Pigeons are known for their navigational ability but now scientists claim to have discovered the molecules the birds use to find their way. The animals, along with many other species, have proteins that form a rod-shaped complex that orientate themselves in a north to south direction in the Earth’s magnetic field
These molecules form a rod-like complex with light sensitive proteins and orientate themselves in a north to south direction in a magnetic field.
Together, this complex allows the animals to sense the direction they are travelling by combining information about the Earth’s magnetic field and the position of the sun.
RUSSIANS USE MAGNETS TO THROW MIGRATING BIRDS OFF COURSE
Long-distance songbirds perform incredible feats of navigation during their spring migration.
While scientists know the birds use the sun or stars as a ‘map,’ the idea that birds use magnetic compasses has been difficult to prove.
Now a group of researchers have used a magnet to deliberately send Eurasian reed warblers off course, to show they rely on a geomagnetic map cues to point them in the right direction.
In the experiment, the birds were captured at Rybachy, Russia, during their spring migration.
To test the role of magnetic fields, Dmitry Kishkinev of Queen’s University Belfast and Nikita Chernetsov at the Biological Station Rybachy housed caught birds outdoors in wooden and cloth cages so they had a clear view of the sky and their surroundings.
They observed the birds naturally orientated north-east, which matches the chosen direction of migration recorded over the previous decade.
They then generated a magnetic field identical to that found in the town of Zvenigorod near Moscow.
The system allowed them to manipulate the magnetic field without obscuring the birds’ ability to pick up on other cues, including the sun, stars, landmarks, and scents, which are also thought to help birds find their way across vast distances.
During the several days that the birds were housed in the magnetic coil system, they were led to ‘think’ they were in Zvenigorod, some 621 miles (1,000km) away.
Perhaps most astonishingly, the researchers discovered that humans also express these same proteins, albeit in far smaller amounts, raising the prospect that we too have some ability to sense the magnetic field.
Dr Can Xie, a molecular biologist at Peking University in China who led the research, said the proteins appear to act just like a compass needle and send information to the nervous system.
Writing in the journal Nature Materials, Dr Xie and his colleagues said: ‘The notion that animals can detect the Earth’s magnetic field was once ridiculed, but is now well established.
‘The biocompass model we present here may serve as a step towards fully uncovering the molecular mechanism of animal navigation and magnetoreception.
‘The existence of a human magnetic sense remains controversial but geomagnetic fields are thought to affect the light sensitivity of the human visual system.’
Many animals are thought to use the Earth’s magnetic fields to help them navigate including sharks, sea turtles, birds, insects, wolves, whales and even worms.
However, exactly how they do this has remained a mystery.
Some researchers previously identified specific cells in the eyes and beaks of birds like pigeons that seem to respond to a magnetic field.
The exact source was unknown, and some researchers identified clumps of iron bound by molecules as being responsible, while others attributed it to light-sensitive proteins called cyrptochromes.
The research by Dr Xie and his team, however, has found that these two systems in fact work together to form a navigational complex inside the cells of these animals.
In particular, they discovered a gene called MagR that produces a protein that combines with cryptochrome to form a cylinder shaped complex.
Ten cryptochrome molecules encase 20 MagR proteins to form this rod that then aligns itself with a magnetic field.
They were so magnetic that the researchers had to develop special plastic tools to conduct their research
Insects, including monarch butterflies (pictured) were also found to produce the proteins to help them navigate. Monarch butterflies undertake one of the greatest migrations on the planet, travelling up to 3,100 miles
The scientist found these molecules are particularly highly expressed in the retinal neurons running from the eye to the brain.
Fruit flies, monarch butterflies, pigeons and humans all produce these molecules while other creatures including minke whales and naked mole rats also have these magnetic proteins.
The researchers say their findings may also now lead to a new area of research that could have numerous biological and industrial applications.
It could lead to new types of genetic treatments that respond to magnetic fields or ways of increasing magnetic sensitivity.
The MagR proteins form a magnetic core inside a coat of light sensitive cryptochrome molecules (Crys) to form a cylinder. The graphic above shows how they orientate in the complex on the left while the diagram on the right shows the cylinder of proteins in a cross section
The MagR proteins form a magnetic core inside a coat of light sensitive cryptochrome molecules (Crys) to form a cylinder. The graphic above shows how they orientate in the complex on the left while the diagram on the right shows the cylinder of proteins in a cross section
They said: ‘It has not escaped our notice that the magnetic features of the MagR polymer and Cry/MagR complex may provide a useful tool for the isolation and manipulation of macromolecules with external magnetic fields, give rise to magnetogenetics and inspire numerous potential applications across different fields.’
Dr Steven Reppert, a neurobiologist at the University of Massachusetts who was not involved in the research, told New Scientist that the research could have huge implications.
He said: ‘It’s provocative and potentially ground breaking. It took my breath away.’
About 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | May 1, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Spikes
SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly has called for improvements on the Craigavon Bridge in Derry to address the problem of “unpleasant and unsafe” pigeon deposits which, he claims, are causing distress to cyclists and pedestrians.
Cllr Reilly was speaking after he was contacted by members of the public who use the cycle path along the lower deck of the bridge (pictured) who, he said, were “annoyed” at the gathering of pigeon mess which made cycling and walking “unpleasant and unsafe.”
Cllr Reilly: “Unfortunately, this part of the bridge is too narrow for Council cleansing vehicles – and in the past Council worked with Transport NI and Sustrans to close this stretch to carry out the necessary cleaning works.
“While this cleaning work is welcome the effects do not last long and a more permanent solution is required.
“Transport NI previously suggested installing netting in this area to prevent pigeons from roosting.”
Cllr Reilly concluded: “I am therefore calling on these statutory agencies to work together to find an adequate solution which would encourage further use of this key walkway and cycle route.”
About 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Apr 25, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services
These days a lot of people are spreading seed for winter lawns. While they’re at it, they’re feeding pesky pigeons and our other fine feathered friends that gobble up the grass seed almost as fast as it’s laid down.
A neighbor of mine has set out a plastic owl with an evil eye that’s supposed to scare the birds off her seeded yard. As is the case every time I see these scarecrows used, I’ve noticed that the doves and pigeons didn’t get fooled for long.
However ferocious the owls look, the live birds have them pegged as a non-threat, maybe because they’ve figured out the fakes never move.
Trying to stop the feeding frenzy seems to me to be a lost cause – so much so, that I’m half-expecting the owl to come to life and join in the feast.
About 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Apr 21, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting
Culling pigeons is becoming an attractive solution for local authorities but is ineffective in dealing with the root of the problem, according to an ornithologist.
“Shooting pigeons is a temporary solution,” Natalino Fenech told the Times of Malta. “The only solution is to introduce contraceptive feed while also ensuring that the dilapidated buildings where pigeons nest are shut.”
The Sliema local council angered some residents last week by carrying out a pigeon cull, which continues.
Mayor Anthony Chircop said the cull was the only solution to the “uncontrollable infestation” and that other methods – including contraceptive feed – had been tried but proved ineffective.
Dr Fenech, however, said the effect of contraceptive feed wore off after a few weeks, so the measure had to be sustained to yield a noticeable result and serve as a long-term solution.
Martha Vella Kane, a Sliema resident and former member of the locality’s animal welfare committee, blasted the council for not working with residents to find a solution and called the cull a “massacre”.
You have to work with those feeding the pigeons, not against them
“You have to work with the people feeding the pigeons, not against them,” she said. “For an animal lover, putting up signs saying not to feed the pigeons has no effect.”
Ms Vella Kane said feeders would be ready to switch to contraceptive feed and added that residents had similarly spent a year neutering cats in the area, which greatly reduced the stray population. “At the same time, you don’t want to eradicate pigeons altogether, just keep the population down,” she said.
“Imagine St Mark’s Square, in Venice without pigeons.”
Sliema is not the only locality facing problems due to an overpopulation of pigeons, which can spread disease and damage street furniture and buildings with their waste.
Birkirkara mayor Joanne Debono Grech said that her council had recently tried an innovative approach using a non-toxic repellent gel, which tricked the birds into thinking buildings were on fire.
However, Ms Debono Grech added, the approach was not effective enough and the council was considering other options, although she had no intention of opting for a cull. According to the mayor, the area around the church had been worst affected and some residents had resorted to their own remedies.
Culls have also been carried out by the government’s animal welfare department in Balluta in St Julian’s and at St Luke’s Hospital in Pietà in recent years.
A spokesman for the Pietà council said further measures were being studied after “daily” complaints by residents but there were no immediate plans.
About 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Apr 17, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes
A fox trying to get some sleep on an abandoned mattress in a disused Bournemouth garden. Must credit Blue Planet Society @Seasaver
LITTER blamed on young people is in fact often caused by foxes and pigeons, a Bournemouth councillor has claimed.
Cllr Michael Weinhonig made the assertion after asking the Environment and Transport Overview Scrutiny Panel what could be done to “deter the influx” of the urban animals.
The Strouden Park ward councillor, who said he was raising the subject after conversations with residents, asked if an article could be included on the subject in the council’s magazine, BH Life.
“We should perhaps educate residents not to feed them and also encourage other environmental measures for the natural environment of hedgehogs and other wildlife,” said Cllr Weinhonig.
Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for environment, responded that foxes “cannot really be controlled”, explaining that their territorial nature means when they are killed others from neighbouring areas always take their place.
He added that the problem of pigeons “has been going on for some years in this town”.
Cllr Smith cited the decline of pigeons in London’s Trafalgar Square as an example of how “robust” measures can help reduce numbers.
Cllr Weinhonig, however, said he would like the matter to be “taken more seriously”.
“If you were to starve [the foxes] out they are not going to come back to that territory,” he said.
“Take the litter element for example – there are bins where pigeons and foxes are diving in and creating litter – which is often attributed to young people and I think there can be something done.”
Cllr Smith told Cllr Weinhonig he did take the matter seriously and would liaise with the authority’s pest control officer to look for a solution.
After the meeting, Cllr Weinhonig told the Daily Echo he was not calling for a cull of foxes and pigeons. He said he was calling for more education, in particular to encourage residents not to feed the animals.
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There are only two legal methods to dispose of foxes – shooting and cage trapping in combination with a lethal injection.
Hackney council in London was recently forced to scrap an urban fox cull – which would have been the first in 30 years – after pressure from animal rights activists.
About 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
