BTW, I have a neighbor who is a Santero, and he is mad at me right now….so, I’ve always had a gut feeling that he is behind this. Am I being paranoid? Please let me know what you think! Thank you!

I picked it up, it let me, and it just sat in one hand, I didn’t have to hold on tight. So i took it home and put it in a cage. KNowing it was a pigeon I took the bars out of the bottom of the cage so it could stand on the plastic bottom like it would on concrete and tried to make it comfortable.

Well he won’t eat or drink or make a single noise. He sits in the bottom of the cage. I’m worried about dehydration?

If it is a pigeon, it was wild, could it be a sickness? Do I need to just let it go and get it out of my home? It’s not hurt.
Okay. I let the bird go almost as soon as I posted this. I knew I should just let him go and guess I needed to hear someone else had the same opinion. I took him outside and let him go and he sat and stared at me. I picked him up and gave him a light toss, he flew himself into the wall and slid down it, flapping his wings. I left him out there for an hour, deciding it was safer for me and my boyfriend and other pets to do so.

I came back out an hour later and the bird is fluffed up, leaning against my door. There’s something wrong and I won’t have a phone for another three hours (the boyfriend took the cell) so Im just curious what I should do until then.

I really don’t want him in here and can’t call a Society for another three hours. Any ideas?

What may be surprising is a Discovery Channel report that indicates pigeons may be partially responsible for the collapse. Certainly experts aren’t looking to the pigeon as the brainchild of some terrorist plot, but the pigeons apparently do create a problem, and not just for bridges.

This DC report indicates pigeon guano is highly corrosive. Since these birds instinctively nest in concealed locations the discrete call of nature can provide significant and corrosive buildup given enough time.

Reports going back to 1987 indicate the birds were a problem in relation to the bridge in the collapse and their guano was especially problematic for bridge inspectors who recognized the potential problem. Screens were placed over openings in the bridge reducing nesting opportunities, but the birds continued to roost on the steel beams, which pigeons apparently view as a place to roost much like they would on cliffs in a more natural setting.

According to the report, the corrosive nature of pigeon guano may have actually accelerated rusting of the steel beams of the Minnesota bridge beyond engineers original predictions.

Colorado Department of Transportation officials indicate pigeon guano can actually dissolve concrete.

No one is saying the pigeons are responsible, but the bridge collapse has allowed concerns to be issued and other states are looking into ways to discourage pigeons from seeing bridges as a desirable place to roost.

Entrepreneurs can gain some insight into how they develop their business from the hapless pigeon.

There is a saying that is true in most instances, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” However, when developing a business it is important to at least pay attention and work at managing the ‘small stuff’.

It is possible to view minor issues that come up as simple annoyances, but the accumulation of ‘small stuff’ provides the potential of creating a major problem in the realm of entrepreneurialism.

Developing an entrepreneurial enterprise is not unlike building a bridge in that you need a mechanism to get from one location to another. Entrepreneurialism helps make it possible to travel to where your dreams have yearned to explore (from point A to point B).

Sometimes the concentration of mismanaged, but minor, details can cause the bridge of entrepreneurialism to collapse. For instance if you do not pay attention to the details of administration you may miss details that could cause problems down the road. Refusing to look into various government regulations could cause additional problems, setbacks and the potential collapse of your entrepreneurial efforts. These problems might be minor setbacks or they could be something more substantial.

I recognize the devastation of the bridge collapse and nothing in this article is intended to minimize the seriousness of the issue, but the matter of the pigeons and their long-term association with the bridge provides a powerful lesson in the negative effects of failing to adequately address the small problems in your startup. This is true of bridges, life and entrepreneurialism.

By: Alex A. Kecskes

When it comes to pigeons and the problems they’ve caused, we should probably begin with a big mea culpa-pigeons were the first bird species domesticated by man over 5,000 years ago. They were raised by the millions across medieval France and England. Eagerly fed by kings and paupers, the lucky pigeons became messengers, the not so fortunate, meals. Eventually, they grew in mass numbers, feeding off grain stores and pooping on statues. Attempts to control them with guns failed. As did all manner of culling efforts. After World War II, poisons emerged, but still they proliferated. Feeding them was banned as early as the 1920′s in Los Angeles’ Pershing Square. At Wimbledon, pigeons swooping down on Centre Court would distract players in the middle of heated matches. Marksmen were hired to shoot down the dive-bombing pests. Hawks were stationed at key areas, but the pigeons simply flew around them. Environmentalists came to their defense and it seemed mankind has lost its battle with the indefatigable pigeon until a whole new industry emerged, pigeon control.

The new industry took flight almost immediately. Needless to say, home and boat owners, property and city managers, architects, churches, sports fans at ballpark owners-all breathed a sigh of relief. Your average sized pigeon dumps approximately about 25 pounds of poop annually. This can cause all sorts of problems. Not the least of which is the high concentration of uric acid found in pigeon poop. It can discolor paint, stain wood, erode metal, even crumble concrete and expensive stonework. The unsightly waste must often be blasted off hard-to-reach areas using expensive boom lifts and steam hoses. There’s also the health risk of bacteria, fungi and parasites that live and grow in the droppings, which can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. The fleas, mites and ticks that attach themselves to pigeons can also carry disease. Pigeon-related damage in America has been estimated to cost $1.1 billion a year.

Among the most common and effective pigeon control devices is the bird spike. Made to order for rooftops, awnings, gutters, girders, roof peaks and ledges, bird spikes keep pest pigeons and larger birds from landing. Some spikes are made of stainless steel, others feature rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. They are easy to install and won’t harm birds. The spikes are usually placed to cover an entire ledge positioned to seal off corners and open sides to keep the clever birds from sneaking around them. 

Combining simplicity and functionality in a single pigeon control measure is the bird slope. Ideal for ledges, eaves, beams and other 90-degree areas where pigeons tend to nest and roost, the slippery panels prevent pigeons from getting a grip, causing them to simply slide off. Bird slope panels are easily painted to match any structure’s décor. They can be easily glued to any surface.

Another popular and highly effective pigeon control solution is netting. Properly installed, pigeon control netting presents an impenetrable barrier on rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other similar surfaces. For larger buildings and commercial structures, try Bird-B-Gone’s heavy-duty bird netting. It’s most often prescribed by architects. Its polyethylene fabric is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The netting should be draped over window recesses, balconies or even whole rooftops to prevent pest pigeons from reaching nesting areas.

Many building managers have opted for electric-track pigeon deterrents. These have proven to be a very effective pigeon control solution. They discourage pigeons from landing with a harmless, but irritating mild electric shock. Shocked pigeons are persuaded to change their nesting and/or feeding habits and move on. Electric-track pigeon control is ideal for ledges, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces like signs. Building and restaurant owners often prefer this method of pigeon control because its low-profile electrified track conforms to a wide range of architectural configurations; it’s almost invisible to anyone looking up from below. Some electric tracks come in a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces. Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Jolt FlatTrack system uses a knitted copper wire that’s stronger than steel, resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to alkali and acidic environments. The knitted design features a single strand of higher gauge wire and a tube-within-a-tube design for greater conductivity, strength and reliability.

The pigeon control people at Bird-B-Gone have also recently developed a Solar Powered pigeon repeller. Its arms rotate at 30 RPM and gently sweep pigeons away. Ideal for signs, billboards, parapet walls, roofs, or any flat surface, including outdoor eating areas. Bird-B-Gone also offers a number of sonic bird repellers for a wide range of outdoor applications.

For homeowners and property manages who want a speedy, economical pigeon control solution, there’s bird gel. This non-toxic, sticky chemical won’t harm birds, yet it leaves a surface that’s tacky and uncomfortable to pest pigeons. When it dries, it provides an uncomfortable surface for the pigeons to land on. Pigeons just don’t like it and will move on.

For low budgets and large areas, one can find an almost endless number of “pigeon scare” products currently on the market. These simple solutions discourage pigeons from landing on overhangs, gazebos, patios, eaves, pool areas, and other locales. They include iridescent reflective foil or flash tape and inflatable balloons imprinted with lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings. Some pigeon repellers have iridescent foil eyes to scare away birds by day and glow-in-the-dark backsides to keep them away at night.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Americans have had a love-hate relationship with pigeons. While our fine-feathered friends carried thousands of messages that saved many hundreds of lives during World Wars I and II, they have also been a real foe for homeowners. The high concentration of uric acid found in pest pigeon droppings can discolor paint, stain wood, erode metal, and even crumble concrete and expensive stonework. Then there’s the health risk of bacteria, fungi and parasites that live and grow in pigeon droppings, which can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. The fleas, mites and ticks in wild pigeons can also carry disease. All told, pest pigeon infestations cost homeowners millions of dollars annually.

While some homeowners have resorted to shotguns, poisons and lethal traps to pigeon proof their homes, there are many more humane ways of discouraging these pest birds from making your house their home.

One of the most popular pigeon proof deterrents is the bird spike. Particularly useful for awnings and patio covers, the bird spikes discourage birds from landing. Some spikes are made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. Others have stainless steel spikes. They come in a variety of sizes, are easy to install and won’t harm birds. They are ideal for discouraging pest pigeons from landing on ledges, parapets, beams, pipes, chimneys, cutouts, and light fixtures. Be sure to install a sufficient amount of pigeon proof spikes to cover an entire ledge (otherwise pigeons will get in behind it). Also, be sure to close off corners and all open sides of a ledge.

Another effective pigeon repellant system is pigeon proof netting, ideal for courtyards, patio covers, and rooftops. Properly installed, pigeon netting presents an impenetrable barrier against these pest birds. Bird-B-Gone’s heavy-duty bird net 2000 is most often prescribed by architects. Its ISO 1806 mesh polyethylene fabric is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The sub-zero stable, non-conductive webbing comes in 3/4″, 1-1/8″ and 2″ mesh sizes to deter pest pigeons. Bird Proof Netting should be positioned over window recesses, balconies, eaves, and even whole rooftops to prevent pigeons from reaching nesting areas.

To discourage pigeons from simply landing, some homeowners have opted for Bird Slope as an effective means of pigeon pest control. These angled slippery slopes are easy to install and ideal for ledges, eaves, beams and other 90-degree areas where pigeons tend to nest and roost. Pigeons simply can’t get a grip and slide off the ledge. The Bird Slope presents an attractive bird-proofing alternative. The panels come in a two colors, gray or stone-or can be easily painted to match any home’s décor. For wide ledges, the flat base simply glues to any clean surface. For narrow ledges, the slope can be trimmed down. Be sure to use UV stabilized Bird Slope panels, like those offered by Bird-B-Gone.

There are also a number of economical pigeon proof deterrents that have appealed to homeowners. These “bird scare” products include iridescent reflective foil or flash tape, which create an “Optical Distraction Zone” for pest pigeons. Another low-cost visual bird scare device is the inflatable balloon imprinted with lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings. These bird repellers or scare-eye diverters are easy to hang in problem areas. Some bird repellers have iridescent foil eyes to scare away pigeons by day and glow-in-the-dark backsides to keep them away at night. They keep pigeons from landing on trees, overhangs, gazebos, patios, eaves, pool areas, and other areas.

Still another low-cost pigeon deterrent is bird gel, which creates a sticky surface that pest birds hate. Bird Gel is ideal for ledges, parapet walls, pipes, and flat or curved surfaces. A fast and easy way to control pigeon infestation, this non-toxic, sticky substance leaves a surface that’s tacky and uncomfortable to pigeons. The gel skins but never sets hard, yielding an unstable surface for the pigeons to land on.

You’re Not Alone

Pigeons love to land on roof ledges, windowsills, building projections, signs, statues, trusses and beams. So troublesome have been pigeon infestations in many cities that officials have resorted to some draconian methods of control. To reduce Hollywood’s estimated 5,000 pigeon population, California considered putting OvoControl P, which interferes with egg development, in bird food in new rooftop feeders. In Venice, exploding pigeon populations have prompted the city to consider a ban on the throwing of rice, a tradition at many weddings.

With their life span of 15 years, pigeons have become a major nuisance around parks and playgrounds, leaving disease carrying poop on swings, slides, jungle jims, benches–all the places kids touch and then eat snacks with pigeon poop hands. In general, bird droppings have been known to carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. For example, they can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis and Ornithosis, which resembles viral pneumonia. To make matters worse, pigeon droppings and their nesting materials contain insects and mites. It’s no wonder the pigeon spike has become so popular.

Pigeons have also caused a number of problems for boat owners and boat docking facilities, pooping and nesting on canvas covers, sails, outboard engines, rigging and  masts. Pigeon poop has clogged many a rotating radar antenna. And who hasn’t fallen on wet pigeon poop while climbing in and out of a boat?

For restaurant owners, pest pigeons have been a constant source of aggravation and expense. The offensive odors pigeons create can be enough to dissuade any customer from visiting a restaurant, in particular, one that offers outdoor service. (Nothing is a bigger turn off than a fast food restaurant whose sign is dripping with dried pigeon poop.)  For property owners like these, the pigeon spike has become a mainstay.

If you’re the facilities manager of a commercial building, you probably write the yearly checks to clean up pigeon poop damage. You know that the high concentration of uric acid found in pigeon droppings can ruin wood, paint, metal, even crumble concrete and stonework. In most cases, you have to pay high rates to guys with boom lifts and steam hoses to blast off the unsightly mess left by your dear friend, mister pigeon. Every year, pigeon-related damage runs over a $1 billion. If only more managers know about the pigeon spike and how effective it can be.

The Pigeon Spikeâ?¦Defined

Ah, the noble pigeon spike. Simple. Surprisingly effective. The physical pest bird deterrent that convinces pigeons not to land. Widely used around the globe, the spike has kept pigeons of all types and sizes from roosting on structures new and old. Sold in strips of spikes, they’re the prefect solution for boat docks and rooftops, parapet walls, I-beams–any flat surface where pigeons dare to close wing and claw.

Splayed out like the back of a porcupine, the long spikes can appear pretty menacing to a pigeon looking for a landing spot. But the long spikes are harmless to pigeons and other birds. And nowadays, you even have a choice of spikes. You can get either stainless steel spikes, which are very durable and useful in areas where conductivity is not a problem. Or you can opt for rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes–less expensive, but still highly durable and effective. You also get a choice of spike strip lengths, which usually come in 3â?, 5â? and 8â? widths and two-foot sections. Pigeon spikes have become so effective that architects, contractors and government agencies have recommended them. Another thing about the spike strip: it’s permanent and unobtrusive as a building fixture.

Using the Pigeon Spike

Pigeon spikes are usually attached to street lighting, building ledges and commercial signage to keep feral pigeons from perching or roosting. They are practically invisible when installed properly. Before mounting the spikes, clear the area of obstructions and pigeon droppings. Some pigeon spikes come with a special glue or silicone. Apply this to the base of the spike and press down hard to ensure a snug seal. When installing the spikes, be sure to seal out any gaps, holes or cavities to prevent pigeons from sneaking around them. For wide ledges, you may need three or more rows of spikes. For small ledges or sections of pipe, use small sections of spikes to seal off these areas. Got a curved surface? No problem. You can get spike strips with a flexible base for hassle-free installation.

If you’re a home or boat owner, or a facilities manager for a warehouse, airport, park, zoo, government or commercial building, the pest pigeon has undoubtedly cost you time and money. Which is not surprising, since your typical pigeon deposits roughly 25 pounds of poop annually. And you’ve learned, through rather painful experience, just how damaging pigeon poop can be.

It can ruin a painted surface, permanently scar wood and metal, even reduce concrete and expensive stonework into something resembling a coral reef. The only way to rid a surface of pigeon waste is to blast it off with powerful (and very expensive) boom lifts and steam hoses. Pigeon damage in America has risen to the tune of well over $1 billion annually. Worse yet, more and more people are becoming aware of the many health risks associated with pigeon waste. We now know that the bacteria, fungi and parasites that live and grow in pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. Even the fleas, mites and ticks that bury themselves in pigeons can carry a number of diseases.

If you’re like most people who have been victimized by pest pigeons, you long for a solution. Relax. There are many. Each is effective, humane and easy to install and use.

Perhaps the most effective pigeon control device ever invented is the Bird Spike. This deterrent has saved many a sign, storefront, warehouse and commercial building from costly cleanups and repairs. Ideal for rooftops, awnings, girders, ledges, and just about anywhere pigeons try to land, the array of spikes coming out of these strips are a powerful persuader in convincing pigeons to move on. The longest lasting spikes are made of stainless steel, others have rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes. Either way, the spikes wonâ??t harm birds. When installing the spiked strips (some can be glued down, others can be tied or nailed down), they’re usually positioned to cover an entire ledge and to seal off corners and open sides. This is done to prevent some smart pigeon from sneaking around the strip.

The most entertaining pigeon control device is the Bird Slope. The slippery, angled PVC panels keep pigeons from getting a solid footing when they try to land. They just slide off doing a “Road Runner” with their legs. Ideal for beams, ledges, eaves, and other 90-degree nooks and crannies where pigeons tend to nest and roost, the panels are available in a variety of colors to blend into a structure’s aesthetics. Installation is a snap as they can be glued to any surface or screwed to wood. One suggestion: opt for UV stabilized polycarbonate panels that retain their color and last longer.

Another shockingly simple solution is the Electric-Track pigeon repeller. They keep pest pigeons away by imparting a harmless but very annoying electric shock. Once shocked, pigeons simply avoid the area and move on. Electric-track pigeon control is perfect for rooftops, ledges, and almost any flat or curved surface. Easy to install, the low-profile electrified tracks readily conform to a wide variety of architectural configurations. Aesthetically, when the tracks are installed on rooftops or signs, they’re virtually invisible to anyone looking up from below. In terms of which track designs work for you, opt for the flow-through designed tracks, which prevent water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces. One manufacturer uses marine grade Monel knitted wire in its tracks, which is stronger than steel, resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to alkali and acidic environments. The knitted design incorporates a single strand of high gauge wire and a tube-within-a-tube design that allows for increased conductivity and strength.

For larger areas, few pigeon control solutions beat Pigeon Netting. If it’s properly installed, pigeons simply can’t get through, become frustrated and leave. Ideal for rooftops, courtyards, patio covers, and other large areas, heavy-duty pigeon netting is often specified by builders. For applications that call for lasting durability, insist on U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof bird netting with a 10 year gruarantee. When installing netting, be sure to drape it over window recesses, balconies and complete rooftops to prevent pigeons from sneaking in.

If you’re into high-tech pigeon control devices, you might consider a Solar Powered Pigeon Repeller. With arms rotating at 30 RPM, this device briskly sweeps pigeons away. This solution is ideal for roofs, signs, billboards, parapet walls, and almost any flat surface. Many restaurants use these devices to keep outdoor eating tables clear of birds before they open in the morning.

Another high-tech pigeon control device that’s well suited for a wide range of outdoor applications is the Sonic Repeller. It emits annoying distress and predator calls only birds can hear. Pigeons feel threatened by the sounds of their natural enemies and leave.

Next up is a sticky solution that pigeons hate. Called Bird Gel, you apply it to troublesome areas with a caulking gun. The stuff is non-toxic and wonâ??t harm birds, yet it sticks to pigeons’ toes like warm saltwater taffy. It’s like when you go to the movie theater and step in a puddle of half dried soda pop.

If you’re on a budget, there’s one last pigeon control solution you should consider: Pigeon Scare deterrents. They include an entire family of products that create an “Optical Distraction Zone.” They do this through the use of iridescent reflective foil or flash tape and inflatable balloons covered with lifelike reflective predator eyes. Some have day/night capabilities–iridescent foil eyes to scare away birds by day and glow-in-the-dark backsides to frighten them off at night. So you get two deterrents when you install one.

This low-tech method of pigeon control became the modus operandi for all those who could no longer deal with these pests and their unwanted deposits. The truth is, the pigeon spike couldn’t have come a day too soon for home and boat owners, property and city managers, architects, churches, sports fans and ballpark owners, the list goes on and on.

Who can blame them? Your typical pigeon dumps approximately 25 pounds of poop annually. The high concentration of uric acid found in pigeon poop can discolor paint, stain wood, erode metal, even turn concrete and expensive stonework to crumbling dust. Pigeon poop is expensive to remove, especially from hard-to-reach areas. Crews with boom lifts and steam hoses can take days to remove the stains from large building facades. The pigeon spike helps control the damage this feathered pest is costing America–estimated at over $1.1 billion a year.

Then there’s the health risk of bacteria, fungi and parasites that live and grow in the droppings, which can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. The fleas, mites and ticks that attach themselves to pigeons can also carry disease. Again, the pigeon spike comes to the rescue.

While there are all sorts of ways to humanely discourage pigeons from landing and nesting in areas we’d rather have them avoid, the pigeon spike remains one of the most common and effective pigeon control devices. Their 4-1/4” spikes look menacing, but they’re harmless to pigeons and other birds. Some spikes are made of stainless steel, others feature rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. They are usually placed to cover an entire ledge while sealing off corners and open sides to keep the smart birds from sneaking around them. Pigeons, especially, will land on roof peaks, where they perch, on the lookout for food, a place to roost or a sheltered area to build a nest.

Some pigeon spikes are recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies. Most stainless steel spikes will prevent pigeons from landing or roosting on rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams, window ledges, and other similar areas. Some feature a no-gap design to deter large birds. Spikes are generally available in 3”, 5” and 8” widths and two-foot sections for fast installation. They can be glued down or nailed or screwed into any surface and are virtually invisible when installed. Some even feature a flexible base that allows them to be easily installed on curved surfaces (they’ll bend a full 360 degrees to fit any contoured surface).

Those on a budget might consider plastic pigeon spikes. Made from unbreakable UV-protected polycarbonate, they are as tough as their steel counterparts–at just half the cost. Other than economy, their chief applications advantage is that they are non-conductive and will not interfere with electrical or communication transmissions.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Americans have had a love-hate relationship with pigeons. While our fine-feathered friends carried thousands of messages that saved many hundreds of lives during World Wars I and II, they have also been a real foe for homeowners. The high concentration of uric acid found in pest pigeon droppings can discolor paint, stain wood, erode metal, and even crumble concrete and expensive stonework. Then there’s the health risk of bacteria, fungi and parasites that live and grow in pigeon droppings, which can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. The fleas, mites and ticks in wild pigeons can also carry disease. All told, pest pigeon infestations cost homeowners millions of dollars annually.

While some homeowners have resorted to shotguns, poisons and lethal traps to pigeon proof their homes, there are many more humane ways of discouraging these pest birds from making your house their home. 

One of the most popular pigeon proof deterrents is the bird spike. Particularly useful for awnings and patio covers, the bird spikes discourage birds from landing. Some spikes are made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. Others have stainless steel spikes. They come in a variety of sizes, are easy to install and won’t harm birds. They are ideal for discouraging pest pigeons from landing on ledges, parapets, beams, pipes, chimneys, cutouts, and light fixtures. Be sure to install a sufficient amount of pigeon proof spikes to cover an entire ledge (otherwise pigeons will get in behind it). Also, be sure to close off corners and all open sides of a ledge. 

Another effective pigeon repellant system is pigeon proof netting, ideal for courtyards, patio covers, and rooftops. Properly installed, pigeon netting presents an impenetrable barrier against these pest birds. Bird-B-Gone’s heavy-duty bird net 2000 is most often prescribed by architects. Its ISO 1806 mesh polyethylene fabric is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The sub-zero stable, non-conductive webbing comes in 3/4″, 1-1/8″ and 2″ mesh sizes to deter pest pigeons. Bird Proof Netting should be positioned over window recesses, balconies, eaves, and even whole rooftops to prevent pigeons from reaching nesting areas. 

To discourage pigeons from simply landing, some homeowners have opted for Bird Slope as an effective means of pigeon pest control. These angled slippery slopes are easy to install and ideal for ledges, eaves, beams and other 90-degree areas where pigeons tend to nest and roost. Pigeons simply can’t get a grip and slide off the ledge. The Bird Slope presents an attractive bird-proofing alternative. The panels come in a two colors, gray or stone-or can be easily painted to match any home’s décor. For wide ledges, the flat base simply glues to any clean surface. For narrow ledges, the slope can be trimmed down. Be sure to use UV stabilized Bird Slope panels, like those offered by Bird-B-Gone.

There are also a number of economical pigeon proof deterrents that have appealed to homeowners. These “bird scare” products include iridescent reflective foil or flash tape, which create an “Optical Distraction Zone” for pest pigeons. Another low-cost visual bird scare device is the inflatable balloon imprinted with lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings. These bird repellers or scare-eye diverters are easy to hang in problem areas. Some bird repellers have iridescent foil eyes to scare away pigeons by day and glow-in-the-dark backsides to keep them away at night. They keep pigeons from landing on trees, overhangs, gazebos, patios, eaves, pool areas, and other areas. 

Still another low-cost pigeon deterrent is bird gel, which creates a sticky surface that pest birds hate. Bird Gel is ideal for ledges, parapet walls, pipes, and flat or curved surfaces. A fast and easy way to control pigeon infestation, this non-toxic, sticky substance leaves a surface that’s tacky and uncomfortable to pigeons. The gel skins but never sets hard, yielding an unstable surface for the pigeons to land on.