Cleaning up a pigeon infestation is a worthwhile undertaking, but do you want to go to all of the trouble of removing the toxic substances pigeons leave behind by using equally toxic cleaning supplies or pest removal methods? Organic pigeon control allows you to get rid of the flying pests and their hazardous waste without adding more chemicals into the air you breathe. The first step in organic pest control is finding ways to remove the pigeons via natural means.
Trapping Pigeons for Natural Pest Control
Trapping pigeons requires no chemicals whatsoever, making it a naturally organic pigeon control technique. Before you being this undertaking, make sure you have a plan for what to do with the pigeons once they have been captured. Your local animal shelter is a good place to gather ideas.
- Purchase a pigeon trap. The Internet is a helpful source if you do not know where to go locally. Your neighborhood humane society may also be of help.
- Find a place to put your pigeon trap, some place that is easy enough for you to get to and is an attractive location for the birds, away from predators like the neighbor’s cat.
- Leave the trap open with some food inside to entice the pigeons. Do this for a couple of days until the pigeons are comfortable going into the cage. For totally natural pest control, use food from your home as bait instead of commercial products.
- Once you have several pigeons feeding inside the trap, close it shut and take the birds to a new location or have a pest control company come and pick them up for you.
- Continue this process until all the pigeons have been relocated.
Green Pest Control Deterrents and Repellents
There are many options for organic pigeon control. Since poisons are only available to select pest control individuals, the use of chemicals isn't really an option. Here are some inventive products that use green pest control methods to drive pigeons away:
- Metal or plastic bird spikes for use on flat surfaces. This product makes landings impossible and is known to be a very effective form of natural pest control.
- Metal or plastic gutter spikes. These work just like the bird spikes but they easily clip onto gutters. This organic pigeon control product not only keeps pigeons from perching on gutters, but also keeps them from nesting inside them.
- Bird spiders, or daddy long legs as they are also called, have a steady base and long steel arms that sway in the breeze to keep birds out of large areas. This is a good natural pest control option for chimneys, AC units, and even patio umbrellas.
- Bird slopes, or bird slides, make it impossible for the pigeons to perch without slipping off. They are best for ledges, I-beams, and eaves, and can even be painted to blend in with your home or office building.
- Electronic repellents use a low electric pulse that produces a harmless, but startling, shock to the pigeons when they attempt to land (professional installation recommended).
- Netting can be used to cover large areas where the pigeons like to nest. This product is nearly invisible so it can be used in decorative areas like entryways.
- Copper mesh covers small roosting areas and can be stuffed into holes to keep pigeons from building nests inside. This product is very flexible and can really fit into tight spaces.
- Electronic sound devices use the call of a predator, along with bird distress calls, to frighten the pigeons into leaving the area. This organic pigeon control product is good for large, open areas like a backyard, pool or tennis court.
Cleaning Up Using Organic Pest Control Methods
Tidying up after pigeons is a very dirty and potentially hazardous job. The mess left behind in a pigeon's roost can harbor parasites, bacteria and diseases. Salmonella and histoplasmosis are two of the more notorious illnesses that can be found trapped inside pigeon waste.
Precautions should be taken with cleaning up pigeon waste and nest debris. Disposable gloves should be worn at all times so that your skin doesn't come into contact with the waste during the pest control process. For organic pest control, you can use soap and water to wash the area clean and then flush it with water. If you have a large clean-up on your hands, you would be wise to call in a professional service or see if your local government has a clean-up policy in place.