Controlling population growth is an issue that the human race has grappled with for millennia. We have wrestled with ethical questions over how to manage population size without resorting to means such as extermination.
This eternal struggle is no less true when it comes to controlling the population of pigeons in our cities. Pigeons are not only a nuisance, but their numbers can get out of hand if left unchecked – luckily, there are humane ways to control their expansion!
In this blog post, we’ll explore six practical ways to tackle the pigeon problem in urban areas without harming birds.
1. Egg Addling
Egg addling has long been an effective way to reduce the population of pigeons in cities. By preventing fertile eggs from hatching, this method limits the number of chicks in a given area. Of course, egg addling must be done carefully and humanely – adult birds must not be harmed or taken away from their nests.
This method involves collecting eggs from nests and replacing them with artificial eggs. These fake eggs fool the parents into believing they are incubating the eggs for hatching while experts ensure that no new life spurts forth from unhatched eggs.
This technique can only be done by a company or professional that offers pigeon control services as it requires skill and knowledge about the bird species and its habits. However, for it to work, there must also be other forms of management employed, such as establishing roost exclusion measures or feeding disruption strategies.
2. Spiking:
Spiking is one of the most effective control methods for pigeons who insist on roosting in unwanted places. This technique uses sharp metal spikes, making it virtually impossible for birds to nest and perch along eaves and other surfaces. Spikes can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but metal is a tried-and-true method for making roosting difficult.
When laid out strategically along windowsills, rooftops, and other surfaces commonly preferred by pigeons, spikes create an uninviting environment that makes it hard to establish a foothold. An added bonus is that they are discreet and will not damage anything beyond providing an unpleasant surface to land on. Over time, pigeon infestation should steadily decrease as they seek out more inviting spaces elsewhere.
3. Habitat Modification:
This method works by reducing or removing the features that make a certain area a desirable place to live. For example, roof overhangs at commercial buildings provide pigeons with ideal nesting spots, so reducing these overhangs can discourage them from roosting in these locations.
You can also close off otherwise accessible spaces by setting up angle boards on window ledges, roof parapets and other small openings that would otherwise make perfect spots for roosting or nesting. Painting or covering walls with protruding installations can also be a good solution for reducing available space for the birds.
4. Removing Food Sources
Keeping pigeons away from your property is possible if you remove their food sources. The birds congregate in areas where there is a plentiful and continuous supply of food and water that is easily accessible. Depriving them of this is crucial to pigeon control. Start by eliminating potential food sources, including exposed pet food, garbage bins without lids, garden bird feeders and any other sources of meals for these birds.
You can even install netting over these areas so that they are inaccessible to the birds.
5. Hazing Techniques:
Hazing is a long-held, somewhat controversial method of controlling feral pigeon populations. It’s based on the principle of deterrence, allowing humans to cause enough discomfort among the birds that their natural inclination is to fly away from population-prone areas.
Hazing techniques range from sound or light distractions to chemical repellents like oils or bright paint. Different hazing techniques may be employed for short-term action or longer-term bird population control, but any method used mustn’t involve injury or harm to the birds – but merely create an environment which deters them from living and breeding in populated human areas.
One successful application is to use decoys of hawks, given the fear these predator types can generate in birds, resulting in the effective dispersion of these birds at once.
6. Birth Control
Pigeon birth control has long been a popular option for those looking to manage their local pigeon populations. The approach utilizes an oral delivery system of contraception that works naturally within bird bodies and is safe for pigeons and the environment.
Through spreading tiny contraceptive pellets in areas frequented by pigeons, the reproduction rate is slowed down, and a significant decrease in population size can be seen.
Additionally, as no traps or poisons need to be used in this pigeon control method, it’s an incredibly humane form of pest management while still providing effective results. Pigeon birth control also requires less maintenance than other methods, as there is no need to spend time actively monitoring or removing dead birds like with some trapping methods.
