Even the avid bird lover doesn't want pigeons hanging around their Moline property. It's not easy to keep pigeons away, but it is possible. Learn how you can successfully keep this common pest away from your property starting today.
What Are Pigeons?
Pigeons are birds that live in most urban areas. Typically, they are easy to identify by their gray color, unique markings, and bobbing head.
You can find pigeons on city streets, on top of buildings, and hanging out on windowsills. At times, people feed the birds, and they arrive in droves. But don't let your love of birds cause problems. Feeding pigeons only encourages them to remain on your property, and that comes with some significant risks.
The Danger Of Pigeons
So why are pigeons so dangerous? They're not aggressive, and some would even go as far as to say that they're cute. But there are several reasons you don't want pigeons around.
For one, they carry diseases. When people inhale particles from bird droppings, they may catch histoplasmosis. Those who are elderly or immuno-compromised are most likely to become ill.
Another potential disease carried by pigeons is cryptococcosis. This disease is rare but occasionally spread by pigeon feces. Psittacosis is another rare disease that pigeons transmit.
Health risks aside, there are other reasons you should try to keep pigeons away. Pigeon droppings are slick and can cause people to fall while walking on your property. In the winter, pigeon droppings are particularly slippery. Whether you own a home or business, a slip and fall could result in a lawsuit.
Pigeons also cause property damage. Because they tend to live in large groups, pigeons create quite the mess. They leave behind their feathers and feces, both of which can clog your gutters. If the problem goes unnoticed, the clog can lead to leaks in your roof.
While looking for nesting material or food, pigeons may lift roof tiles, coverings, and battens. Their feces can corrode paint as well. It might not seem like much, but the damage often costs thousands of dollars in repairs.
Pigeon Deterring 101
If you don't want pigeons to nest or remain on your property, you need to be proactive. Although professional help is the most effective form of pigeon control, there are a few preventative things you can do to keep the pests away.
First, you can use wind chimes to scare the pigeons. They don't like the noise and are less likely to roost in areas with chimes.
Because pigeons often fall prey to owls, snakes, and hawks, they are often scared off by statues of birds of prey and snakes as well. In fact, you can even place a rubber snake on your building to deter these birds. Although this is somewhat effective, it's not always great for appearances.
If you head to a hardware store, you might come across anti-roosting spikes. After you install them on your roof, pigeons won't be able to roost. While these are effective, they are also expensive. Installing them often requires the assistance of an experienced professional.
For a less permanent solution, you can consider using pigeon gel. After you apply the gel, the surface will be slippery. This makes it very difficult for pigeons to perch. However, you will need to reapply the gel on a regular basis.
Call A Professional
For the best outcome, you should work with an experienced professional. They know all the tricks and techniques it takes to keep pigeons off your property. The longer you wait, the more damage the birds will do. If you're ready to get started and to protect your Moline property, contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators today.