Though they may look cute from a park bench, pigeons are filthy birds. Like rats they carry diseases and can cause damage. In addition to being unsightly and stinky, droppings from pigeons can damage buildings, statues, equipment, and other outdoor structures. Their droppings are also known for triggering people to slip and fall, which makes it especially important to rid the birds from highly trafficked areas.
Pigeon droppings, especially when dry and airborne, can expose humans to many diseases, including aspergillus, Newcastle disease, candidiasis, encephalitis, ornithosis, and toxoplasmosis. In addition, they can also carry cryptococcosis, and coccidiodomycosis, which cause meningitis. The droppings may also harbor growth of fungus, which causes histoplasmosis. Fleas, lice, mites, and other pests often live on these birds, hitching a ride to where ever they want to jump off. Pigeons may also attract other pests, such as rats, which feed on dead pigeons and food that well-intentioned bird lovers may scatter for them.
Prolific breeders, pigeons hatch several broods a year, sometimes even laying a new clutch before the previous have even hatched. They are creatures of habit and highly social. Once they have found a cozy spot the will return again and again, bringing along more of their pigeon pals. Often our buildings and structures have architectural features such as drain spouts and eaves that make perfect nesting spots for these birds. Pigeons are comfortable around humans and they’re hard to scare away or deter. Once a flock of stubborn unwanted pigeons have set up shop in/on your building, it can be stubbornly resistant to removal, often requiring the services of a pest control or animal control professional. As is true of many pests that invade our homes and businesses, the first step to controlling feral pigeons is to remove their food source.
Tips to deter pigeons:
1. Screen drains and gutters to make your property less attractive to pigeons
2. Encourage children to pick up spilled food – and teach them NOT to feed rats with wings
3. Keep areas around trash bins and outdoor dining areas clean
4. Eliminate water sources such as bird baths, over-watered lawns, or kiddy pools.
If you need help to prevent or eliminate pesky problem pigeons, please contact our trained Sacramento pest control professionals at 916-457-7605, [email protected]