Pigeons are renowned for their outstanding navigational abilities. They use a range of skills, such as using the sun as a guide and an internal magnetic compass. A study at Oxford University found that they will also use landmarks as signposts and will travel along man-made roads and motorways, even changing direction at junctions. Pigeons are highly sociable animals and they will often be seen in flocks of 20 to 30 birds. Pigeons mate for life and tend to raise two chicks at the same time. Pigeons can fly at altitudes up to and beyond 6,000 ft., and at an average speed of 77.6 mph. The fastest recorded speed is 92.5 mph. Pigeons use sticks and twigs to make a nest, and their feces makes it all stick together. The nests are usually situated on houses, under eaves, on top of air conditioning units, and anywhere that provides shelter. The hippoboscid fly is a typical blood-sucking parasite of pigeons. Pigeons are considered disease-carrying birds and a pest. Human contact with pigeons can cause a health risk. Some diseases that are thought to be caused by pigeon droppings are histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis.
Trapping Pigeons & Exclusion
Pigeons can make quite a mess with their droppings, nesting materials, and feathers. This creates an unhealthy environment and is very unsightly as well.
We employ multiple animal traps which usually catch about ten to twenty birds at a time in one trap. We then remove the birds and dispatch them. This method is a safe and very effective way to rid your property of these pests.
Once we have reduced the pigeon population that is causing problems, we can then proceed to clean up the droppings, remove nesting materials, and sanitize the affected areas. If necessary and possible, we can install exclusion materials (usually spikes and screens) where needed to prevent new pigeons from roosting and nesting on your building.
