Pigeons

What are pigeons?

Pigeons are a huge cause of concern for home and business owners and are known as the “rodents” of the bird world because, like mice and rats, they have come to want to live near people, taking advantage of the food and shelter our properties offer them!

An adult pigeon has a light gray body and a dark gray head, shoulders, and breast. Another way to identify these birds is by the two dark bars going across their wings and tail. Some will have rust or metallic-colored feathers on their breast, neck, and head. Pigeons are known as powerful fliers and can travel long distances.

Are pigeons dangerous?

Pigeons carry and spread pathogens like histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis in their droppings that can make people quite ill.

These birds also carry and spread fleas, ticks, and mites. Those parasites are capable of spreading diseases that can also make people sick also.

Pigeons are not only a health risk, but also destructive pests. Their nests and feathers will clog and damage gutters, fans, and electrical equipment. Their feces are corrosive and will damage roof shingles and the exterior of buildings.

Why do I have a pigeon problem?

Pigeons live together in large flocks. They are especially problematic in urban and rural areas where food sources are presentt. Some of their favorite foraging sites include:

• Trash cans and dumpsters
• Gardens
• Outdoor eating areas
• Bird feeders
• Crop fields
• Livestock feed

In Arizona, a property near a reliable source of water is also crucial to pigeons. Things like ponds, clogged gutters, birdbaths, and wading pools provide them with water.

Where will I find pigeons?

Where you are likely to spot pigeons roosting is dependent on whether they live in a rural or urban area. During the day, pigeons are out and about, actively foraging for food. In the evening, they return to their roosting spots. Roosting areas shelter these birds from the elements and predators and are a place where they can nest and raise their young.

Some of their favorite roosting sites in rural areas include barn eaves, feed mills, feed storage buildings, and in between rock crevices. In urban areas, pigeons roost around church steeples, the rafters of large open warehouses, on roofs, under bridges, and in parks.

On or close to our homes, some of their favorite roosting spots include:

• Gutters
• Roof eaves
• Chimneys
• Inside attics
• Inside garages, sheds, and other outbuildings

How do I get rid of pigeons?

Preventing pigeons from becoming a problem on your Arizona property is difficult; they are opportunistic and will take over any residential or commercial property that provides them with roosting spots, food, and water. The best way to prevent problems with pigeons is to partner with an experienced, highly trained, local professional.

If you are constantly seeing pigeons on your property, reach out to us at Pest Friends. Our professionals will solve your pigeon problems through our modern pest control solutions, eco-friendly approach, and innovative services. Our exclusive pigeon defense technology works to deter pigeons- effectively and humanely ridding properties of these flying pests.

To learn more about our pigeon control services, reach out to Pest Friends today!

How can I prevent pigeons in the future?

Preventing problems with pigeons and other pest birds is a frustrating task. While the best solution is a professional solution, there are some things you can do around your property to make it less attractive to these pests.

The best way to avoid issues with pigeons is to remove common sources of food from your property.

• Remove any bird feeders.
• Keep lids on trash cans and compost bins.
• Maintain your gardens.
• Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

You can also help avoid problems with pigeons by making sure gutters are free of debris and not collecting water, remove birdbaths, and fill in low-lying areas that collect rainwater. Keep pigeons out of chimneys, vents, and electrical equipment by installing tight-fitting screens over them.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.