To follow up on our last blog post about pigeons and the damage they cause to residences and commercial properties each year, we have information on pigeons, their habits, and diseases and illness’s they spread.
All the pigeons around us are now feral. First domesticated more than 5000 years ago and through out time enough escaped creating feral roosts. Pigeons are generally grey, with a white rump. There are black bar markings on the wings, and a broad black band on the tail with red feet. They are also found to be white, tan and black. They average 11 inches long with a weight of 13 oz.
Pigeons choose one mate, and are monogamous. They live up to 15 years in captivity, but on the streets seldom live more than 4 years. Populations of pigeon are often split evenly. Feral pigeons lay eggs six times a year, often producing two squabs at a time or 12 squabs a year. Peak reproduction occurs in the spring and fall . Thats 48 pigeons over the lifetime of a pair of mating pigeons.
Pigeons are well known to carry and spread diseases through their droppings. Pigeons can transmit a number of diseases such as histoplasmosis, pigeon ornithosis, salmonellas, cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, and encephalitis. Pigeons can host numerous ectoparasites as well, such as ticks, flies, fleas, mites and biting lice which also carry disease. Some insects that inhabit the nests of pigeons are also fabric pests and/or pantry pests.
If your residence or business is experiencing problems with pigeons, contact Earth Guard Pest Services today.