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PIGEONS
The feral pigeon is the number one urban pest bird in North America. Not a native bird, feral pigeons are descendants of domestic homing pigeons brought over from Europe and released here in the 1600s. They were domesticated from the wild rock doves from the sea cliffs of Europe by the Romans over two thousand years ago.
Several traits have allowed them to dominate the urban landscape. Because of their history, pigeons are not afraid of people; they roost and nest readily in man made structures and they have a diverse diet. The average life span is three (3) to four (4) years in the wild.
Feral pigeons are responsible for untold millions of dollars of damage each year in urban areas. The uric acid in their feces is highly corrosive. Debris from roosting flocks can build up, backing up gutters and drains causing damage to roofs and other structures. Extensive damage to air conditioning units and other roof top machinery is common place. There are also other economic costs that can be associated from pigeon’s taking up residence; such as slip and falls, liability issues, projection of an unclean premise dirty company image. In addition physical damage the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings sometimes represent a health risk.
When deciding on how to solve a pigeon issue two areas are looked at, perching issues and harbourage areas. Perching points tend to be gutters and roof top peaks. Harbourage areas are usually tight corners on roof tops, where upper and lower roof lines meet, gaps or holes in the roof line. As a general rule it is best to focus on removing the harbourage areas. Once the harbourage areas are removed the pigeons typically move on within a few weeks. When clients decide to solve perching issues it is usually when pigeons are perching above a doorway to a store or on top of a sign for a business.
The installation of pigeon deterrent products requires a professional applicator.
Several traits have allowed them to dominate the urban landscape. Because of their history, pigeons are not afraid of people; they roost and nest readily in man made structures and they have a diverse diet. The average life span is three (3) to four (4) years in the wild.
Feral pigeons are responsible for untold millions of dollars of damage each year in urban areas. The uric acid in their feces is highly corrosive. Debris from roosting flocks can build up, backing up gutters and drains causing damage to roofs and other structures. Extensive damage to air conditioning units and other roof top machinery is common place. There are also other economic costs that can be associated from pigeon’s taking up residence; such as slip and falls, liability issues, projection of an unclean premise dirty company image. In addition physical damage the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings sometimes represent a health risk.
When deciding on how to solve a pigeon issue two areas are looked at, perching issues and harbourage areas. Perching points tend to be gutters and roof top peaks. Harbourage areas are usually tight corners on roof tops, where upper and lower roof lines meet, gaps or holes in the roof line. As a general rule it is best to focus on removing the harbourage areas. Once the harbourage areas are removed the pigeons typically move on within a few weeks. When clients decide to solve perching issues it is usually when pigeons are perching above a doorway to a store or on top of a sign for a business.
The installation of pigeon deterrent products requires a professional applicator.
