Feral Pigeons

Our bird control service offers expert solutions for pigeon control from experienced and knowledgeable bird specialists.

Call us on 0800 117 851 for advice on how to control pigeons on your premises and to arrange a free business survey from a Rentokil bird specialist.

Problems with Feral Pigeons

Feral pigeons are descended from wild rock doves which have interbred with different strains of escaped ornamental, domestic and racing pigeons over the centuries. They thrive in our towns and cities by adapting to the urban environment, making use of seemingly inhospitable areas of tall buildings that provide the smallest amount of shelter (similar to the cliffs used by their ancestors). Pigeons will also make use of balconies, ledges, flat roofs, guttering and loft spaces in particular, as they are capable of lifting damaged or loose roof coverings to force entry.

A pigeon's natural food source is grain and seeds but they have adapted to survive in towns and cities by scavenging on processed food matter, such as the remains of takeaways and waste from dustbins. Given an adequate food supply pigeons can breed throughout the year.

Feral Pigeon Droppings

Pigeon droppings and pigeon debris are not only an aesthetic issue but can directly damage the structure of a building. The acidity of the pigeon faeces can eat away at concrete and brickwork. Tar based roofing materials are particularly vulnerable to this type of erosion. Nesting material and feathers can also block gutters and rainwater drainage systems, potentially leading to damage to premises from water penetration. Effective pigeon control is therefore very important in protecting buildings from damp.

The presence of feral pigeons and their droppings represents a potential health hazard to people. Pigeons are carriers of a number of serious diseases such as salmonella and psittacosis (commonly known as pigeon fancier's lung). Their droppings provide the ideal environment for organisms causing diseases such as listeriosis, cryptococcis and aspergillosis to thrive. Pigeons are also hosts to fleas and other parasites such as pigeon ticks and bird mites. These pests can be spread to other hosts including people.

Feral Pigeon Deterrents

One of the most successful long term measures for controlling pigeons is to remove their food sources, however in busy urban areas this is not always practical. Bird proofing solutions such as bird netting, bird spikes or deterrents such electrical bird deterrent systems offer a more viable option to deter pigeons from roosting and nesting on buildings. Other methods of pigeon control include egg, nest and bird removal to reduce the pigeons flock size.

Call us on 0800 117 851 for further advice on pigeons and to arrange for a free business survey of your premises.