Why do birds make their homes in yours? From their perspective, your house, office, store, or restaurant is just another tree in a concrete forest. The ledges, rooftops, and awnings of human-made structures provide the perfect perching and nesting spots, giving pigeons everything they need—shelter, safety, and easy access to food. Unfortunately, once pigeons settle in, they can be difficult to remove, leaving behind droppings, noise, and potential health hazards.
Like it or not, pigeons and other avian pests aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to tolerate them. There are several proven methods to keep them off your roof and property. Your friendly pest control experts at Burns Pest Elimination are here to explain how to get rid of pigeons, what works, what doesn’t, what attracts pigeons, and how we implement effective pigeon pest control strategies built to your needs and the needs of your property.
Pigeon Spikes and Bird Wires
Pigeon behavior includes a natural tendency to perch on narrow ledges, power lines, and similar surfaces for resting, socializing, and surveying their surroundings. To effectively deter pigeons, we can take advantage of these instincts by making their preferred perching spots less inviting.
Pigeon spikes are one of the most effective deterrents available. Despite their intimidating name, they are not designed to harm birds. Instead, they function like a pile of sticks—unpleasant and unstable, discouraging pigeons from landing. The spikes create an uneven surface that pigeons cannot comfortably grip, encouraging them to move elsewhere without causing injury.
Similarly, bird wire systems prevent pigeons from perching on ledges and railings by installing a thin, tensioned wire just above the surface. This makes it difficult for pigeons to land securely, forcing them to look for more stable alternatives. Because bird wire is nearly invisible from a distance, it’s an excellent choice for businesses and homeowners looking for discreet pigeon control solutions.
Bird Netting and Ultrasonic Repellers for Open Areas
While pigeon spikes and bird wires work well on narrow ledges and railings, they aren’t suitable for every situation. Large, open areas such as canopies, awnings, and enclosed roof spaces require a different approach. In these cases, bird netting is one of the most effective long-term solutions.
Bird netting acts as a physical barrier, keeping pigeons out while still allowing airflow to pass through. This is important because strong gusts of wind can damage improperly installed netting, but a professionally installed netting system can ensure pigeons are blocked from nesting or roosting without compromising ventilation.
For businesses with large outdoor spaces, such as parking lots or warehouse loading docks, ultrasonic bird repellers are one of our go-to choices. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are disruptive to pigeons but inaudible to humans. Creating an environment that is unpleasant for birds, ultrasonic repellers can deter them from gathering in large numbers. However, these devices work best when combined with other control methods, as pigeons may gradually become accustomed to the sound over time.
Different Types of Visual Pigeon Deterrents
Despite their sometimes aimless behavior, pigeons are highly intelligent birds with a keen ability to recognize and avoid predators. This natural instinct allows us to use visual deterrents effectively against them.
One of the simplest and most maintenance-free solutions is the installation of false owls, hawks, or other predator decoys. When placed strategically around a property, these decoys can trick pigeons into thinking the area is unsafe, encouraging them to leave.
Another visual deterrent involves window decals to prevent bird strikes. Many modern buildings with reflective glass exteriors experience frequent bird collisions, as pigeons often fail to recognize glass as a solid surface. Placing black bird silhouettes or other visual markers on windows is a simple but highly effective approach to bird control, creating an optical cue that warns pigeons of an obstacle, reducing the likelihood of dead or injured birds around your building.
More Ways Professional Bird Control From Burns Can Help You
In addition to spikes, wires, and netting, we often use bird gels—a non-toxic, sticky substance that makes landing areas uncomfortable for pigeons. It’s an invisible barrier that discourages pigeons from returning to treated surfaces and works well when combined with another advanced method we use, which is electric bird rails. These easy-to-install devices deliver a mild, non-lethal shock when birds attempt to land, all of which reinforce the idea that your property is not a suitable roosting spot.
Pigeons are persistent and adaptable, and a comprehensive approach is the best way to experience long-term pigeon control results. If you’re struggling with pigeons on your roof, ledges, or outdoor spaces, Burns Pest Elimination has the expertise and tools to keep them away for good.
Contact Burns Pest Elimination today to request a quote. Whether you need pigeon control in Las Vegas or Phoenix, AZ, our team is ready to provide proven, professional solutions to protect your home or business from pigeons and other persistent pests.