How to get rid of Pigeons

Before we dive in, let me just say, I promise to do my best to put aside any bias I have as a contract shooter when talking about the various control methods for getting rid of pigeons. Obviously, shooting is a really great, direct-control method. However, the long and short of it is that a combined approach of several methods generally gets the best outcome. With that said, let’s get into it.

What’s the Issue With Pigeons?

Feral pigeons are a common sight in urban and rural areas across Australia. While these birds might appear harmless, they can pose significant risks to human health, infrastructure, and native wildlife. 

The primary issue with pigeons is the amount of mess they make by leaving excessive amounts of droppings on anything under where they roost. It never ceases to amaze me just how much poop these things can generate. If this mess is not cleaned up regularly it can then cause issues with disease, sickness, and damage to property.

Like most feral animals, it is impossible to completely eradicate them. However, controlling feral pigeon populations and keeping their numbers low is crucial to mitigating these risks. Let’s look at some of the most effective methods for managing feral pigeons, including baiting, trapping, environmental controls, and shooting.

Baiting

Baiting involves the use of treated grains to manage pigeon populations. This method can be effective when used responsibly and in accordance with local regulations. Chemical baits, such as those containing avicides, disrupt the nervous systems of pigeons, leading to their humane removal. However, baiting must be carefully managed to prevent accidental poisoning of non-target species. Proper placement, timing, and monitoring are essential for successful baiting campaigns.

Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of baiting. While it can be done humanely, I don't believe it is the most humane method of pest removal. However, I understand that it has a place when you are dealing with enormous numbers of pests where other control methods simply aren't cost-efficient or practical.

Trapping

Trapping is another widely used method to control feral pigeons. Live traps, such as funnel traps or cage traps, allow for the humane capture of birds. Once captured, pigeons can be relocated or humanely euthanised, depending on local guidelines. Trapping is particularly effective in areas with concentrated pigeon activity, such as feeding sites or nesting areas. Regularly checking and maintaining traps is critical to ensuring humane treatment and preventing unintended captures of non-target birds.

Environmental Controls

Environmental controls focus on modifying the habitat to deter pigeons from settling in specific areas. This method includes measures such as:

• Exclusion Devices: Installing spikes, nets, or wires on ledges and rooftops to prevent pigeons from roosting.
• Waste Management: Reducing access to food sources by securing trash bins and cleaning up food scraps.
• Building Maintenance: Sealing entry points and nesting sites to discourage pigeons from breeding.

Environmental controls are a long-term solution that requires ongoing maintenance but can significantly reduce pigeon populations over time.

Shooting

Shooting is considered one of the most effective direct-control methods for controlling feral pigeons, particularly in peri-urban and public access areas where other control methods may not be suitable. An example of this is a managed apartment complex where pigeons are roosting in gutters and leaving mess all over outdoor areas and furniture. Situations like this, other methods like placing faux prey birds in pigeon hot spots, bird spikes, etc, may not be suitable since they will ruin the visual aspects of the property and negatively impact the residents' experience.

In my experience, many environmental controls like bird spikes, faux predator birds, and the like are generally ineffective over long periods of time. Pigeons are dumb enough to keep landing on spikes until they bend them over, and faux predator birds only scare them for so long until the pigeons start landing on top of them.

It is a combination of these reasons as to why I believe precision shooting is the most effective and humane method of pigeon control.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to adhere to Australian laws and ethical guidelines regarding feral pest control. Permits and special licensing is generally required for certain methods, such as baiting or shooting, and non-lethal approaches should be prioritised wherever possible. Additionally, any feral pest control measures must be conducted humanely to minimise suffering. Even though they are a destructive pest animal, they still deserve humane removal.

Conclusion

Managing feral pigeon populations in Australia requires a multi-faceted approach tailored to specific situations. Baiting, trapping, environmental controls, and shooting each have their advantages and limitations. Combining these methods as part of an integrated feral pest control plan ensures the most effective and humane outcomes. By taking proactive steps to control feral pigeons, we can protect public health, preserve infrastructure, and support native ecosystems.

If you're experiencing issues with feral pigeons on your property or place of business, please click here for more details on our feral pigeon control service.