Pigeons need a flat surface to nest and prefer a flat surface for roosting.

Problems/Solutions

Problem: Roosting (sleeping) on windowsills, balconies and other flat surfaces.

Solution: Slope windowsills with a piece of board or metal placed at a 45 degree angle or more. Make sure there is no food available around the area. Bird blinds may also be considered to eliminate access to balconies. Plastic owls, available at most garden centres or nurseries, can sometimes deter pigeons. To utilize these owls in the best way, hang them directly in the pigeon's flight path. To establish the pigeon's flight path, watch the pigeons for a day and you'll notice they have a definite path to the same landing area every time. Be sure to hang the owl facing outwards directly in the pigeon's flight path. Move the owl every now and again around the area to give the owl a more realistic look.

Problem: Pigeons nesting in open areas, overhangs, signs or eaves.

Solution: Most open areas can be completely pigeon-proofed by installing bird netting or a bird blind available from humane wildlife removal companies (see listings in your local yellow pages). Openings in lofts, vents and eaves can be blocked with wire screens, netting or metal.

Problem: Roosting on roof tops of other large open areas.

Solution: Porcupine wire is available from humane wildlife removal companies and sometimes at larger hardware shops. This wire prevents birds from maintaining a foot hold and deters them from landing altogether.

Other options, not guaranteed to be a long term solution: Noise has been known to work on occasion. Wind chimes, a radio left on in the area in where the birds are roosting, tin pie plates, flags, shredded plastic bags and balloons can be effective methods of scaring off pigeons. These methods will work, but the items should be continually moved around to give the area a different look.

Dealing with pigeons as soon as they seem to be settling is the best and easiest method of keeping them away. Pigeons develop a habit which becomes difficult to break once instilled. To let the birds roost will not only make it difficult to get them to move on, but any young will also develop the habit of landing in the area as well. Keep balconies free of clutter and check around anything that has to be kept on the balcony on a regular basis. One of a pigeon's favourite places to nest is rolled-up carpeting or under lawn chairs.

Be Aware

Pigeon droppings can be hazardous to our health. Once the droppings have dried, they become potentially transferable to humans through the air. If you are going to attempt to clean off droppings from sidewalks, shop signs, roof tops, balconies or anywhere pigeons roost, always wear a protective mask over your mouth and nose and wear gloves. Change your clothes immediately after finishing the job. Wetting down the area with water and moistening the droppings before attempting to clean them up will also help cut down the chances of inhaling airborne spores the droppings can produce.

Pigeons will only become a bother if they are left alone long enough to feel comfortable to establish a nest. Always be aware of potential nesting or roosting areas and net or cover these areas before the problem can arise. This will guarantee that there will be no future frustration with these birds.