other methods of getting rid of pigeons

We've sourced a selection of alternative solutions for humane pigeon control to help get rid of your pigeon problem. Pigeons use their natural 'homing' instinct to stay near their birth site so installing pigeon deterrent products force pigeons to look elsewhere for a nesting site. Getting rid of pigeons in most situations is, however, best achieved by installing anti-roosting pigeon spikes.

pigeon netting

The idea of pigeon netting is to provide an impenetrable barrier to the pigeon, causing no harm to the birds and displacing the population to other areas. This is achieved by first choosing the correct size of netting for the type of pest bird. A tensioned wire, either galvanised or stainless steel, is then installed around the periphery of the structure, with any additional cross wires being installed. The net is then fastened to the wires using hog rings.

Pigeon control netting usually come in packs with instructions and fixings for installation. If you are installing the system yourself to get rid of pigeons follow installation instructions carefully and make sure that no pigeons are roosting behind the netting before it is fixed so that birds aren't caught behind. Ideally a professional should be used as it can be a technical job.

ultrasonic bird scarer

Getting rid of pigeons with ultrasonic bird scarers may only work in very specific situations.

These units produce powerful high frequency sound making them useful for areas where audible sound is not an option. They can be used internally (including external areas that are protected from the elements) and also for non-protected external use in open-air environments.

Ultrasonic pigeon and bird scaring systems work on the fact that ultrasound is too high-pitched for human hearing but falls within the hearing range of most species of birds (so not so good if you'd still like to see other birds in your garden!). The high frequency waves are unpleasant and irritating to the birds but are harmless.

Note : With age, the human ear loses the ability to hear ultrasound but in some women and particularly in the young, ultrasound falls within hearing ranges and can cause considerable discomfort and headaches so placement of the devices should be considered carefully.

Note : It is extremely important to confirm that the area in which the unit is intended to be used is not inhabited by bats as they may be disturbed by ultra high-frequency sound and are a protected species in the UK. This means that it is an offence to interfere with their roosting sites or to disturb them in any way.

plastic owls

Plastic owl bird decoys work on the principle that a pest bird has an instinctive fear of predators and predation which scare the bird away from its desired roosting, perching or breeding area.

They should be placed as high up as possible, preferably above the pest birds and silhouetted against the skyline for maximum effect. The owl will then be clearly seen by problem birds as they approach their roosting or perching areas. Decoys should be re-located regularly to maintain their deterrent effect.

other scaring products

Other bird scaring products have varying degrees of sucess at getting rid of pigeons and include:

• Hang a terror eyes balloon from a tree or wire. It will act as a predator and scare many birds away.
• Install a scarecrow motion activated sprayer - startles unwanted pigeons and they're less likely to return in the future.
• Try an acoustic bird scarer - an audible repeller uses the birds' own distress calls to create a "danger zone" frightening infesting bird pests away. Alternatively predator cries (hawks, falcons etc.) can be used to help scare the birds. However this system will not deter pest birds if they are already nesting, or have nested on the site in the past.
• Flashing Hawkeye and Flashing Buddha Eyes are two visual scaring products combining the use of bright primary colours mirrors and predator/human images with movement to deter birds. Normally associated with use in agricultural applications they can also be roof-mounted for more versatility.