If you own a property with land and you have visiting pigeons it is important to learn how to control the pigeon population. While the pigeons play a valuable part of your local biodiversity they can quickly reproduce and become a pest. Every homeowner needs to know how to manage their outdoor environment to ensure they do not become a pest.

How to prevent pigeon population growth

Pigeons are pesky birds that many of us would rather not deal with. They’re often seen as dirty and can be a nuisance when congregating in large numbers. Unfortunately, pigeons are also very good at reproducing; their populations can grow quickly if left unchecked.

Here are some tips for preventing pigeon population growth in your neighborhood

9 Ways you can control the pigeon population growth

Destroy nesting sites:

One way to help prevent pigeons from reproducing is to destroy their nesting sites. This can be done by removing potential nesting materials like twigs, leaves, and small pieces of debris from your property.

If you see a pigeon nest, it’s best to remove it and dispose of it properly. Taking away their nesting sites will make it difficult for pigeons to raise their young, which will help reduce the overall population over time.

Use of contraceptives:

Another way to prevent pigeon population growth is through the use of contraceptives. This is mostly done by pigeon control service companies who have the experience and equipment necessary to administer contraceptives properly.

There are a few different types of contraceptives that can be used on pigeons, but the most common is OvoControl P. This contraceptive works by interfering with the pigeon’s egg production, which will eventually lead to a decline in population.

Remove sources of food for the pigeons

Pigeons are attracted to areas where they can find food easily. So, if you have a birdfeeder on your property, it’s important to keep the area around it clean. Pick up any fallen birdseed and dispose of it properly.

You should also regularly clean up any garbage on your property. Pigeons will rummage through garbage cans, dumpsters, and other potential food sources. If you keep your property clean, pigeons will be less likely to stick around.

Get rid of standing water.

 Pigeons also need water to survive. So, eliminating water sources is another effective way to keep them away. This includes things like bird baths, kiddie pools, and rain barrels. Drain any water accumulated in these items, and ensure they’re turned over or covered when not in use.

Use deterrents:

Another method that can be used to prevent pigeons from congregating on your property is using deterrents. There are various deterrents available on the market, but some of the most common include scarecrows, visual deterrents (like shiny objects), and noise-emitting devices.

Trapping:

If you have a persistent problem with pigeons, another option is to trap them and then release them elsewhere. This should only be done if you have the proper permits in place, as it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife without a permit in most states.

Make your home undesirable for them

In terms of shelter, pigeons will roost just about anywhere – under eaves, in trees, on ledges, etc. To prevent them from roosting on your property, trim back any overhanging branches and remove anything they could use as a perch (e.g., lawn furniture, and grills). You may also consider installing wire mesh or chicken wire around potential roosting areas (e.g., under eaves).

Chemical control:

This typically involves using pesticides or other chemicals to kill off adult birds or eggs/hatchlings. It’s important to note that this method should only be used as a last resort as it can potentially cause harm to other animals or humans if not used correctly.

If you decide to go the chemical route, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you’ll need to figure out what type of bird you’re dealing with, as different species have different levels of pesticide tolerance.

Second, you’ll need to ensure that the product you’re using is approved for use against birds and that you’re following the application instructions to the letter. Finally, you need to be aware of the potential risks involved in using any type of pesticide and take steps to minimize those risks.

Poisoning or shooting

Another popular method for controlling the pigeon population is through lethal means such as poisoning or shooting. While this may seem inhumane, it is actually one of the most effective methods for reducing the pigeon population in a specific area. Of course, these methods should only be used as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. 

You may also need to confirm whether these methods are applicable in your area as there may be specific regulations surrounding the use of firearms or poisons.

If you decide to go down this route, it is important to ensure that the pigeons are killed and not just injured. Otherwise, you could end up causing more harm than good.

One way to ensure that the pigeons are killed is to use a pellet gun. Pellet guns are designed to kill small animals and birds, so they should kill pigeons effectively.

Summary – How to control the pigeon population on your property

Pigeons can be a blessing and if they reproduce quickly and their population grows then sometimes they can also be pests. It is worth knowing and practising how to control the pigeon population on your own property to ensure they remain a valuable part of local bio diversity rather than become a pest.