Pigeon Control Frequently Asked Questions

Pigeons are nesting under the eaves of my house where one roof overhangs another. How can I get them to leave?

The feral pigeon, a relative of the homing pigeon will fight to reclaim an area where they have nested in the past. In some instances the pigeons may have been born there & knows no other home. The only guaranteed way to keep them from coming back is to physically exclude them with screening. The screening must be firmly attached to the perimeter of the area, or else the pigeons will manage their way back in; they are very persistent. We recommend applying our heavy duty galvanized steel screening to areas like these. Permanently affixed to the building, it is impossible for pigeons to re-nest in screened areas. Unlike inferior products, such as chicken wire, our screening will not rust. In fact we are so confident that this is a permanent solution, we offer a lifetime guarantee that pigeons will never nest inside of the treated areas. Additionally, the screen is painted to match the color of your home, making it aesthetically pleasing.

How can we keep birds off the roof-top air conditioning area on our commercial/residential building?

Total exclusion can be achieved in these areas using StealthNet. Netting can be installed over any A/C system to permanently exclude birds from the area. If pigeons are getting under an A/C unit that sits on a frame, we can exclude birds by closing off the under side with our heavy duty, galvanized steel screen. If the system is installed in a recessed area, the netting can simply be installed over the parapet. When properly maintained, the net will last for about 5 years.

How can I get behind netting to access A/C unit(s) once it is installed?

The application of StealthNet utilizes a system of hooks and cables. The cable runs along the perimeter of the netting and each end is joined with the use of a turnbuckle. The turnbuckle works to loosen or tighten the perimeter cable. When access to the netted area is required, larger areas can be fitted with a zipper, most applications use a turnbuckle. The turnbuckle is loosened by unscrewing it, reducing the tension in the cable. Once the cable is no longer taut, the net can simply be lifted over the application site, allowing homeowners and/or service techs access. Once access is no longer needed it is imperative the net be put back in place and the cable snugged up via the turnbuckle. Failure to properly affix netting as it was originally installed can result in nesting by a new flock of pigeons and dropping accumulation.

Do scare tactics like scary eye balloons, and plastic owls, actually work?

No. Although sold by many retailers and bird control companies, these items are ineffective. Initially (about a day or so), the birds may respond to the presence of a plastic owl, snake, scary eye, etc. However, once the pigeons realize the “deterring” object does not move, they resume normal activity. In fact, many of these objects have directions printed on the bottom, instructing the user to move it at least once a day.

I’ve heard of spreading sticky gels on ledges and peaks. Is this a good way to keep pigeons from making a mess on my home/business?

Although these products have been used for the past couple of decades, these sticky products cause more problems than they address. First & foremost, these gels are very sticky & are hard to remove from buildings (especially when applied to a porous surface like roofing tile or ledges). Due to their nature, the sticky gels attract & collect dust, pollution & other airborne debris, making a huge mess. There are few options to clean this gel up & almost always leaves the treated ledges & roofs stained with what becomes black gunk. The sticky gunk also poses all sorts of problems for contractors and/or maintenance workers who may need roof or ledge access. In warmer climates, gels have been known to drip off ledges. Finally, gels are generally not guaranteed for more than a few months, at best, a short term solution. We are committed to offering a more effective, long term, aesthetically pleasing solution such as screening, spikes or netting, depending on the area.

Is trapping a good way to get rid of pigeons that are nesting and/or roosting on my home/business?

Trapping is by far the most effective way to reduce a large flock. On average, our trapping programs last about 30 days & utilize 2 phases: baiting & trapping. Although trapping programs are extremely effective often they are used in conjunction with the various other methods of pigeon control we utilize. The first thing that must be done is determining why the pigeons are nesting and/or roosting at the property. Is there a food source (dog/cat/bird food, golf course over seeding, etc)?

Why not use poison to eliminate birds?

When poison is administer via a tainted food source. Birds from the surrounding area are attracted. Once a bird eats the tainted food, it becomes violently ill, this is evident to the other birds, who will steer clear of the tainted food. Birds who have ingested the poison rarely expire at the poisoning site. This leaves infinite possibilities as to where the carcass ends up. Unfortunately, cases of humans and domestic animals who have had contact with tainted birds becoming ill and/or dying have been documented. Pigeons Be Gone’s trapping programs offer and effective way to eliminate most if not all of the flock in a manner that is NOT potentially hazardous to the health of you, your family & your community.

Food sources attract pests. What kinds of food sources will attract pigeons to my property?

Food sources for pigeons can include grass seed, berries from pyracantha bushes or olive trees, and dog or cat food left outside . To reduce the number of pigeons, eliminate or control their access to the source of food. The strategies needed to control problem pigeons around homes are often different from around commercial properties.

For example, to reduce the number of undesirable birds around homes choose plants that do not produce edible nuts, fruits, and berries. Try not to constantly put seed on a lawn if the seed isn’t germinating.  If the seed isn’t growing and you keep adding more your just going to make the problem worse.

For dogs, we advise to bring in the dog food and not to leave it out all day while you are at work. If this isn’t an option, you can purchase an automatic dog feeder that provides a food access door that only the weight of the dog’s head can open it.  The same rules apply to cats and their food as well. Whether dog or cat food, unattended and left in the open, pigeons will find the food source. Once they are comfortable using your property as a source of food, it will be difficult to get them to move elsewhere.

Around commercial properties its usually trash that is left in dumpsters in unsealed bags or dumpster doors left open.

It may sound odd, but we do have a number of small farms or horse property in the Vegas Valley. Denying pigeons access to food sources such as grain storage and livestock feed can be effective. In both situations, variety in technique and method is fundamental to successful pigeon control. Around barns and feedlots, the first step is to determine whether birds can be excluded from the food source like grain and other livestock feed. Deny the pigeons this food by cleaning up spilled grain, by using bird-proof grain storage facilities (netting, screening, or other means), and by using covered feeders where possible such as flip top feeders.

How do I stop birds from drinking out of my pool? They are a nuisance and making a mess of my deck?

For pool owners with a spa that flows into the pool via a cut out or spill way, the answer is simple. The object is to create a bridge over the spill way, making the shallow water inaccessible to the birds.The first step is to measure the width of the cut out/spillway. Lastly, apply a piece of plywood, Plexiglas, or flagstone of the proper dimensions across the high portion of the spillway to create your bridge. Our personal favorite is the flagstone. It is inexpensive, visually appealing and easy to find at any nursery or landscaping supply store.  Watch our demonstrational video.

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