Pigeon Droppings Archives - Page 14 of 49 - Pigeon Patrol Canada

Loved or loathed, feral pigeons as subjects in ecological and social research

by Pigeon Patrol | Nov 16, 2021 | Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News

The feral pigeon (Columba livia) carries with it a reputation that runs counter to conservation: it is feral, exotic and invasive and even considered down right filthy. But upon closer inspection, the pigeon could be a subject worthy of study for both ecological and social science purposes and highlight the importance of urban species in ecology. This insight on pigeons occurred during an urban ecology study that focused on habitat and population dynamics of the birds and is also supported through an extensive literature review. As a nearly ubiquitous species, we discuss how important pigeons are as a prey-base for numerous raptors and underscore our position by highlighting several studies on the biological uptake of environmental contaminants that may have benefited from including the pigeon as part of the research. We further our stance on the importance of pigeons in urban ecology by highlighting additional concerns such as zoonotic disease and climate change. We expand our case by turning to the social construction of nature, the importance of public participation in conservation. Once again, the ubiquitous presence of pigeons lends itself well to citizen science in ecology and conservation, especially to show trends across a range of geographic locations. In short, this commentary strives to reconceptualize the feral pigeon, promoting the bird as a valuable asset to ecological and social research in ways that raise awareness for conservation concerns and advance our scientific thinking.

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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.

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Why Pigeons Are Bad For Business

by Pigeon Patrol | Nov 12, 2021 | MBCA, pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Predators

No matter what type of business you’re in, pests may eventually become a problem. This is doubly true if you’re in the food business in London. Out of all the pests you may encounter, birds are probably one of the worst. Not only are these pests irritating, but they can also be extremely harmful to your business. As an example, here are a handful of reasons why pigeons are bad for business.

Pigeons can harm businesses in the following ways

1. Their faeces and the damage it causes

The biggest issue with pigeons is their faeces. These birds defecate constantly. To make matters worse, they very often do their business over your business. In addition to this, if their mess is on the ground, someone will eventually have to clean it up. And this is something you’ll have to do over and over again due to the health and safety risks associated with pigeon droppings.

Another reason why pigeons are bad for business, is because they defecate onto your roof. This is also an enormous hassle to clean up. More importantly, it can cause significant damage to your roof. The reason why is because pigeon faeces are extremely corrosive. This means that over time, accumulated droppings can eat through your roof, and also damage important infrastructure.

2. Annoying your patrons

The main problem with pigeons is that they often take over outside eating areas and harass patrons. This is probably the biggest reason why pigeons are bad for food industry and hospitality businesses. Anyone who has found themselves surrounded by a seething mass of pigeons pestering them for scraps can attest to this.

These birds are extremely annoying and off putting, and have even been known to defecate on customers. They also make a lot of noise. What’s more, over time the presence of these birds can actually dissuade people from purchasing your food or visiting your cafe. All in all, pigeons are a serious nuisance and should be dealt with by a professional London pigeon control team immediately.

3. Nesting on buildings

Pigeons are also bad for business because they nest on the property. The problem here is that pigeons can damage your building in several ways. Besides defecating, they also continuously shed their feathers.

These feathers can eventually block drains which may, in turn, lead to flooding and water damage. Along with this, their feathers blocks vents, chimneys, and air conditioning units.

Pigeons also cause damage whilst building their nests. Not to mention the mess and debris they leave you to deal with. The other issue with nests, is that pigeons often destroy parts of your roof in their hunt for building materials. These birds may also peck at and damage roofs and sections of your guttering.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

The ‘doos’ and don’ts of pigeon fancying

by Pigeon Patrol | Nov 12, 2021 | MBCA, pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services

THEY ‘doo’ like to be the seaside – that’s 25,000 enthusiasts who will flock to Blackpool for the Crufts of the pigeon world this weekend.

This major event, The British Homing World Show of the Year, is the highlight of the year for pigeon fanciers and showcases a sport that involves racing and showing homer pigeons and is followed by none other than the Queen.

The top prize has been won four times in recent years by the same Scottish couple – and they hope to lift the prestigious Supreme Champion trophy for a fifth.

John and Alice Bell are up against stiff opposition with more than 3,000 pedigree racing pigeons and 2,000 show pigeons competing at the Winter Gardens, but they are confident their prize pigeon will rule the roost once more.

John, 51, has had pigeons since he was 10 and caught the bug from a neighbour in the Ayrshire village of Catrine who raced pigeons. He started off with two hens and two cocks and now has 60 birds in the ‘loft’ or shed in his back garden.

Despite working full time at a garden centre, he and his wife spend up to seven hours a day feeding, cleaning and tending their pampered pigeons, and they spend most weekends packing the car with boxes of pigeons and taking them to shows all over the country.

“I used to race pigeons but all the races are in the summer months and it was interfering with family holidays,” said John, who has a 23-year-old daughter, Nicole, 23 who is also a pigeon fancier.

“I was also fed up losing pigeons as they don’t always come back, so I went into show pigeons. It’s more sociable and is something you can do with the family. We all get great pleasure from it – the pigeons are affectionate and tame and they’re always happy to see you. Growing up, my daughter came to the shows with us and now she has her own pigeons. I’ll be competing against her this year.”

The Bells won the Supreme Champion trophy in 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2016 and are hopeful the same bird, a nine-year-old cock that won in 2011, will win this year, along with one of its sons.

“He’s the top dog in the loft,” John said “and has bred some winners as well as being the Scottish champion. We’ve won that competition four years in a row.”

Linda Bruce, secretary of the Scottish Homing Union, said: “It’s a really absorbing sport but it’s time-consuming as you have to look after the birds seven days a week. Over the last 30 years the number of members in Scotland has halved from 6,500.

“Racing pigeons was popular in mining communities. If you are down a pit all day, you want to come out into the sunshine and look at your birds flying in the sky. It’s also a sociable sport and most towns in Scotland have pigeon clubs. The age group is mostly middle-aged now but they take the sport very seriously and there’s a lot of competitiveness.”

While racing pigeons are lean, light and can often suffer feather damage, show pigeons are large, plump and glossy with pristine plumage. In the weeks before the show owners keep the lofts spotless, bringing in fresh water in basins so the birds can bathe, carefully wiping off any dirt with a soft cloth and handling the birds after putting talc on their hands or wearing gloves to keep feathers oil-free.

Ian Evans, Secretary of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association and manager of The British Homing World Show of the Year, said: “There are 40,000 pigeon fanciers in the UK. While it’s always been seen as a working man’s sport, it actually covers all levels of society with some really wealthy people and lots of women taking part. The Queen has racing pigeons, and her father and grandfather before her.”

FIVE FASCINATING PIGEON FACTS

•The homing pigeon was the most decorated animal during World War II. A pigeon called Cher Ami was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for heroic service during World War I after it was shot in the chest and leg but continued its flight to get the message home through shrapnel and poison gas.

•Pablo Picasso was such a pigeon fancier that he called his daughter ‘Paloma’, Spanish for pigeon. Other famous pigeon fanciers include tough Scottish footballer Duncan Ferguson, former boxer Mike Tyson, and the Queen, who has 240 birds at the Royal Pigeon Lofts in Sandringham.

•Racing pigeons can be bought for as little as £15 but can fetch much more. Recently a champion racing pigeon was sold in America for a record $1.3m. A British company that breeds racing pigeons bought him as a stud.

•The Rothschild family set up a network of pigeon lofts throughout Europe and used homing pigeons to carry information between its financial houses. The speed of service kept them ahead of the competition and helped them amass a fortune.

•A champion pigeon can be released 400 miles from home and still return the same day. No one knows how pigeons make their way back, although it’s thought they navigate using landmarks in known territory. Another theory is they have an internal compass and use the earth’s magnetic field.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

Pigeon droppings health risk – should you worry?

by Pigeon Patrol | Nov 1, 2021 | history of pigeons, MBCA, pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Predators

An infection linked to pigeon droppings was a “contributing factor” in the death of a child at a Glasgow hospital, it has been confirmed.

The child was being treated at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital when he or she appears to have caught the infection – a fungus called cryptococcus.

The child has not been named. The fungus did not contribute to the death in December of a second patient infected with the same pathogen, say experts.

What is it?

Cryptococcus is a yeast-like fungus that lives in the environment.

It can be found in soil contaminated by pigeon droppings.

How can you catch it?

People can become infected if they breathe it in.

The child who died in December at the hospital in Glasgow had been exposed to the fungus.

Experts say the probable source has been traced to a room on the rooftop of the hospital. Pigeon droppings appeared in the room via a small break in the wall which was “invisible to the naked eye”, Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman confirmed.

The hospital says it has put infection control measures in place and no further cases have been reported.

How risky is it?

Most won’t get sick, but vulnerable people with already weakened immunity can get very ill with a chest infection or meningitis.

Expert Prof Hugh Pennington says it is very unusual to see cases in the UK.

“It is common in other parts of the world, particularly tropical parts, in the US and countries like that where they have more problems with this particular kind of fungus. But in the UK, very uncommon.

“There are cases in people who have problems with their immune systems. They’re the people who are at risk with this kind of bug.”

Cryptococcus infection cannot spread from person to person.

How dangerous is pigeon poo?

Breathing dust or water droplets containing contaminated bird droppings can lead to several diseases, including a flu-like illness called psittacosis.

Salmonella – a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhoea – may also be present in some bird droppings.

If you are cleaning up or come into contact with droppings, you should take precautions. Wash your hands and clean any exposed skin before eating, drinking or putting your hands near your mouth.

Likewise, if you are feeding or handling birds, wash your hands afterwards.

If you have a compromised immune system, including from HIV/AIDS or cancer, you should not clean up droppings.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

Two pigeon hobbyists sentenced in hawk killings

by Pigeon Patrol | Nov 1, 2021 | pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Predators

Two Portland-area pigeon hobbyists pleaded guilty Thursday to trying to capture and kill protected hawks that bothered their expensive pigeons, but were sentenced to lighter penalties than federal prosecutors had asked for.

Citing public outrage over the crimes, prosecutors sought penalties of $10,000 each against Peter Kaufman and Ivan Hanchett. Each of the men pleaded guilty to one count of violating the federal Migratory Bird Protection Act. But U.S. District Judge Ancer Hagerty sentenced each to pay $4,000 — a $2,000 fine and another $2,000 to the Endangered Species Justice Fund at the Oregon Zoo, which helps pay for wildlife projects.

Hagerty went along with a request from prosecutors to sentence Kaufman and Hanchett each to one year of probation. During that year they’re prohibited from hunting and fishing, must complete 120 hours of community service and may not participate in any activities of clubs that raise birds known as roller pigeons.

Kaufman and Hanchett were leaders of the Northwest Roller Jockeys, a local club that promoted the pigeons. Roller pigeons carry a genetic trait that causes them to suddenly stop flying and tumble through the air before righting themselves. That attracts hawks and othe raptors to prey on the pigeons.

Undercover agents investigating the men and visiting their homes saw traps designed to catch and kill hawks and other migratory birds. When Hanchett introduced Kaufman to agents, he said Kaufman had killed 30 hawks within 45 days, according to court documents.

Hanchett told agents that hawks are the biggest problem facing those who raise pigeons. He said trapping and killing hawks was a common practice, the documents said. Hanchett said he tries to trap hawks and suffocate them in garbage bags. He also admitted shooting hawks numerous times, documents said.

Prosecutors told the judge in sentencing memos that though the men were charged with misdemeanors, the actions “resulted in a public outcry because of the loss of valued wildlife in Portland and the surrounding areas.”

The government received many letters and e-mails asking for serious sanctions, the prosecutors said.

Although the judge did not levy the penalties prosectors sought, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Potter said the sentence was still substantial for a misdemeanor crime. “I think they’re going to have a real impact, not only for these defendants, but also for others who would consider taking this type of action”

A third man, Mitchell Reed of Mount Angel, has also pleaded guilty but has yet to be sentenced. Two other men have been charged with similar crimes.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

Solutions to Get Rid of Pigeons (Naturally and Fast)

by Pigeon Patrol | Oct 20, 2021 | history of pigeons, MBCA, pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Predators

Almost everyone is familiar with pigeons because they can be found in nearly all the parts of the world and share the places with humans as well. Numerous people are fond of keeping and feeding them. However, not everyone is comfortable with the damages caused by them.

These city pigeons like to live in open places as well as landscapes. They do not only cause harm to crops and grains but can be a pain in the neck for the owners of houses and apartment dwellers as well. The droppings of these birds are acidic which can destroy the machinery or metal and can be harmful to the buildings.

Furthermore, there is another reason to get rid of them is the infectious diseases they can cause due to their acidic droppings and dusty feathers. Their fallen feathers and the nesting stuff become the reason of blocked gutters and rainwater pipes. Humans, as well as other birds, can suffer because of pigeons.

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Diseases Caused By Pigeons

Group of pigeons on roof — Source: http://pigeons-palace.blogspot.com/

Nests, feathers, and droppings of these birds carry harmful fungal materials which lead to the serious health hazards for humans as well as for other birds. The common diseases caused by them are:

Histoplasmosis

This is a respiratory illness caused by the aerial fungal spores when they are inhaled. Pigeon’s nests carry this type of fungus in the nest material which can escalate the human condition by severe illness leading to even death.

Cryptococcosis

The accumulated and dried droppings of pigeon everywhere are not only the wastes but also a significant source of infection caused by the fungus these droppings are occupied by. The illness starts with the lungs and skin infection which can further spread to the other parts of the body. It becomes fatal if left uncured.

Candidiasis

This is another form of fungal infection the pigeons spread which can make the humans suffer badly.

Psittacosis

This disease caused by a harmful virus, is mild and shows no symptoms. However, sometimes, it can become serious if it is not taken seriously.

【Read more about Pigeons】

How To Get Rid Of Pesky Pigeons

Pigeons may be attractive for some people to keep them and feed them but the circumstances they can create cannot be avoided. They should be kept away to avoid the health hazards. There are several humane ways to get rid of them.

Sonic repellent devices are widely used to make the pigeon proofing homes, and these are eco-friendly repellents. Some people use oversized nets to cover the place where the pigeon rest so that they don’t cause further damage.

1. Make Roosting Spaces Less Appealing

Make the spaces uncomfortable on which they land. That can be done by installing spike strips because pigeons would certainly like to find another place to land if they see these strips. You can also make the nest areas difficult for them to stay by fastening the waterproof strings in the particular area so that they fail to balance themselves on the string. These newly installed barriers will bring peace at your place.

Furthermore, pigeons avoid settling in the slippery areas, and you can easily create one by setting up sloped covering. Another important thing is not to make the mistake of feeding a pigeon. In fact, limit available food and remove the other food sources, your lawn is offering to these birds. They can create an alarming situation for you if you keep on feeding them.

2. Sealing Off Entrances

Seal all the places that can provide pigeons a way to make their nests and create the hindrance. Mostly, the places pigeons uses are attic and chimneys. Close their ways by fitting the steel mesh caps on these holes. Window air conditioning units cannot be ignored. They find it a very good place to make their nests, cover them with a net.

3. Scare Off The Pigeons

Birds afraid of several things. You can scare them to keep them away is another useful method. Don’t let them settle in place by applying the water pressure with a garden hose. They would undeniably not like to be pushed away and would prefer to dwell somewhere else.

Hang the wind chimes, a mirror of other reflecting stuff in your garden. Their eyes get irritated with the reflection. Owl deterrents are also used to scare the pigeons. Install the muted bird having distinguished owl feature at the roosting spaces.

How To Catch Pigeon By Hand

You can catch these birds even with bare hands but, for that reason, you have to create the situation where you can get your hands on them.

1. Locate the Nesting Place and Put the Bait

If you intend to catch the pigeon, the very first thing to do is identify the places where they mostly land. After that, put the pigeon baits to attract them. Avoid using the chemical baits. Put their favorite seeds or fruit at a particular location. Once they land in this location, don’t let them go.

2. Position The Ladder If The Pigeons At High Places

It is not necessary that all the nesting sites of the pigeons are near the ground. They also settle at high places where it is not easy to reach. In that case, bring the ladder in use. Place it near that location with a proper position where it is easy to access the area. Make sure that catching this way is safe for you because you can fall if the situation messes up.

3. Place And Set The Trap

The Trap is one of the practical solutions to pigeon problem. There are various models easily available in the market. Grab a live Pigeon trap from the marketplace. Once you found the nesting and roosting places, now it’s time to make those places a source to catch the pigeons.

Bait the traps with the seeds or some other pigeon attractant, and set the trap in the nesting areas. Keep the check on the traps on a daily basis. If you find trapped pigeons, release them at some other location.

4. Keep Some Pigeons In The Trap

Pigeon is an intelligent animal. It may not be easy to catch them. You have to make all the possible ways to tempt them. One of the best tricks is, you can set a trap with pigeons already in it and provide them with food such as cracked seeds. These trapped pigeons will invite the other pigeons in the trap as well. That way, they won’t hesitate to enter the trap and will be easily caught.

Four Popular Home Remedies

If you have found the other ways ineffective, time consuming or expensive, try the household items to keep this creature away. You can find numerous things at your house that can help you solve this problem.

1. Honey To Remove Pigeons

Honey is an all-time-available item in any house. Bring it to use for your pigeon problem. Spread it at the place where pigeons roost or near the places of their nests. The sticky nature of honey will create a problem for pigeons to rest at a place. That is a natural way to get rid of this nauseating creature.

2. Pepper Powder

Homemade deterrents are always helpful. Discourage the pigeons to dwell and mess around at your place by using these natural remedies. Make all the expected ways of nesting of pigeon uncomfortable for them by spreading some spices or pepper powder around. Stop the pigeons before they make the situation uncontrollable for you. These deterrents will help you to keep these birds off.

3. Chilli Solution

Chilli solution works the same as pepper powder. That spicy solution is used in the way that is sprinkling near dwelling places. That is another way to avoid the destruction and health hazards.

4. Water Hose

Don’t let them settle in place by applying the water pressure with a standard water hose in your garden. It gets difficult for them to stay in that water spray. Do it the very first day you see a pigeon in you balcony before the whole flock decides to take your place.

Conclusion

Pigeons can create a mess that may not be seen as serious but can be destructive. One thing that cannot be compromised is your health. They are not only harmful to your garden but also a reason to spread fungal diseases. These diseases can be fatal and lead you to death.

Get rid of them even if you don’t find any disturbance initially. You can use the natural treatments to this problem or trap them to relocate them. Moreover, Eco-friendly alternative repellents are also available that can lessen your worries. Keep them away by removing everything that can attract them as soon as you see them. You can also get the pigeon control services from professionals if the situation becomes out of control.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

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Next Entries »

Loved or loathed, feral pigeons as subjects in ecological and social research

Why Pigeons Are Bad For Business

Pigeons can harm businesses in the following ways

1. Their faeces and the damage it causes

2. Annoying your patrons

3. Nesting on buildings

The ‘doos’ and don’ts of pigeon fancying

Pigeon droppings health risk – should you worry?

What is it?

How can you catch it?

How risky is it?

How dangerous is pigeon poo?

Two pigeon hobbyists sentenced in hawk killings

Solutions to Get Rid of Pigeons (Naturally and Fast)

Diseases Caused By Pigeons

How To Get Rid Of Pesky Pigeons

1. Make Roosting Spaces Less Appealing

2. Sealing Off Entrances

3. Scare Off The Pigeons

How To Catch Pigeon By Hand

1. Locate the Nesting Place and Put the Bait

2. Position The Ladder If The Pigeons At High Places

3. Place And Set The Trap

4. Keep Some Pigeons In The Trap

Four Popular Home Remedies

1. Honey To Remove Pigeons

2. Pepper Powder

3. Chilli Solution

4. Water Hose

Conclusion

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