Pigeons have been both friend and foe to mankind for centuries. They have inspired poets and saved lives in wartime. But when they gather in great numbers in cities and towns, they can be most unwelcome. As a pest bird, they can also be most prolific. A single pair of pigeons can produce as many as 18 new pigeons every year--it only takes 19 days for a pigeon egg to hatch baby pigeons.

Then, there are the droppings. One pigeon can generate up to 25 pounds of droppings every year, droppings that attract parasitic insects and flies. Droppings that can spread over 60 transmittable diseases to people and animals. According researchers of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, pigeon droppings can expose children to Cryptococcus Neoforman fungus. This is airborne fungus grows in rotting pigeon roots, and is present in pigeon droppings. The first step in controlling pigeon droppings is more effective pigeon control.

Aside from disease, the highly acidic nature of pigeon droppings can destroy metal, paint and roofs. In fact, droppings and nests can present property owners with an ongoing repair bills to cover damages to gutters, shingles, AC units, skylights, and dish antennas.

Thankfully, there are a number of highly effective pigeon control products currently available. Most are designed to discourage pigeons from landing and roosting. Moreover, these products have been carefully designed to avoid harming birds, animals and people.

Bird Wire Systems

These pigeon control set-ups rely on a bird's aversion to landing on wobbly or unstable surfaces. They consist of a post and wire arrangement to create an unstable landing area pigeons will avoid. Bird wire systems are ideal for deterring pigeons from ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and similar areas. The systems are humane, easy to install, and widely used on Federal and State government buildings. The best systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire for lasting durability in harsh weather.

Bird Motels

If you just have a few pesky pigeons that are causing you grief, try the Bird Motel. These live-trap pigeon control cages are ideal for use on rooftops, courtyards and other areas where pigeons like to nest. Many come with an easy-access door that lets you remove the bird and release it out in the boondocks. The best motels are constructed of galvanized wire so they won't rust or corrode in harsh weather. Bird motels come in different sizes to trap different pigeon types.

Bird Scare Products

These pigeon control devices run the gamut from flash tape that crackles in the breeze to banners that flap and snap in the wind. Also included are balloons, often covered with scary predator eyes. Few pigeons can stand the constant implied threat of these visual and auditory distractions and they eventually leave for less threatening habitats.

Bird Spikes

They look like they might impale anything that comes near them, but blunted Bird Spikes are harmless to birds and people. What makes them so effective is that birds won't land near them, since they simply can't get their wings around them. Spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate, or longer lasting slightly more expensive stainless steel. Steel spikes are available in a non-reflective metal finish and architects, contractors and government agencies will often specify them. The ever-popular spikes are now available in different styles to meet specific pigeon control needs. Girder Spikes, for example, are ideal for keeping pigeons and larger pest birds from landing on girders or I-beams. They come with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder. Gutter Spikes, on the other hand, are ideal for deterring pigeons from rain gutters. In general, spikes are easily glued or nailed down to almost any surface.

Electric Tracks

These pigeon control devices use a harmless jolt of electricity to discourage pigeons from nesting. Electric Tracks are ideal for persuading pigeons from gathering on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, signs, I-beams, and flat or curved surfaces. The electrified tracks are easy to install on most any flat or curved surface. Best are the low profile tracks, which are virtually invisible to anyone looking up from ground level.

Bird Slopes

These are simple, surprisingly effective PVC panels that present an angled, slippery surface to pigeons that try to land on them. Bird slopes are an ideal pigeon control solution for beams, ledges, eaves, and other L-shaped areas. The panels can be ordered in a variety of colors to blend in with your building's décor. UV stabilized polycarbonate panels are best as they stand up to tough weather. 

Pigeon Netting

Bird netting can be an effective pigeon control solution. Ideal for use on rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas, netting presents a physical barrier that keeps pest birds out. Some of the best netting is made from ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof netting is also available.

Sonic Pigeon Deterrents

Sonic Repellers generate sounds that annoy or alarm pigeons. These pigeon control systems emit a variety of bird predator sounds through a speaker system. To deter pigeons, these systems effectively recreate the sounds of Peregrine falcons defending their territory. The calls are repeated regularly--usually once every ten to fifteen minutes. Sonic systems are ideal for deterring pigeons from backyards, courtyards, gardens, pool areas, patios, gazebos, parks, golf courses, rooftops or other large open spaces.

Bird Gels

As a humane pigeon control solution, Bird Gels can be quite effective. The sticky goo goes on easy with a standard caulking gun. In general, gels skin over but don't dry, leaving pest pigeons with an irritatingly tacky surface to plant their little footsies on. Of course, once they land, they can't wait to leave.

Finally, the Scarecrow

This automated pigeon control device is ingeniously effective against the most stubborn pest bird. The Scarecrow is essentially a motion-activated sprinkler that blasts unsuspecting pigeons with a squirt of water whenever it senses a bird coming near it. The device features a realistic looking bird's head. Coupled with the sudden water blast and sound, you've got an extremely persuasive pigeon deterrent. The Scarecrow was made to order for gardens, pools, spas, backyards, and other outdoor areas.