Pigeon Trapping Reduces Pigeon Poop
After a very informal survey, we came to realize that a lot of people don’t realize that pigeons are a nuisance animal which can be captured and removed with the use of live traps.
The intent of this blog is to spread the word that pigeons are trappable and discuss pigeon control in general.
Pigeons and Ohio Law
Did you realize that most birds have been federally protected for almost 100 years?
In fact, the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 protects just about every bird there is from unregulated hunting and nest disruption.
The common pigeon, however, is one of the few birds with no protections in Ohio. (European starlings and English sparrows are the others with no protections.)
In the Ohio Nuisance Animal Control Certification Manual, it states:
“European starlings, English sparrows, and common pigeons, other than homing pigeons, may be killed at any time and their nests or eggs may also be destroyed at any time. Unless specified below, all other migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act covered in the United States Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR).”
The silver lining for the common pigeon (also referred to as rock doves) is that they are so biologically “successful” that protections are not necessary to sustain their numbers.
As such, when common pigeons become a nuisance they and their nests can be removed at any time. Pigeon problems occur more often in urban environments where their concentrations are higher, but can be found wherever food sources and nesting sites are available.
When Pigeons Become a Nuisance
Pigeons and humans have been interacting for a long, long time.
- Humans have domesticated, kept, and selectively bred them over the years
- They been used for food by many peoples
- Pigeon racing is a widespread sport/hobby
- People interacting with pigeons in a park is widespread and well regarded image
Those who keep and breed pigeons for sport and friendship having given us the domesticated pigeon known as the homing pigeon. These beloved animals ARE protected and come in all shapes and sizes.
But, for some people, the undomesticated, common pigeon can become a nuisance species. Why is that?
The biggest issue with pigeons is their droppings. Simply put; Pigeon Poop = Problems
In urban areas with many pigeons, wherever droppings accumulate pigeons start to be viewed as problematic. Its generally the case that no one wants to sit on a park bench that has been whitewashed by the pigeons.
Droppings are also a major issue in areas where pigeons make nests. The nests and the areas under the nest can become thick with dried droppings and really smell.
Pigeons also like to nest in groups. So if one set of pigeons finds a good area to nest, it is likely that more will follow. Though pairs mate for life, they are a social bird and don’t mind neighbors close by.
Additionally, unlike many birds, pigeons lay eggs multiple times through the year. They lay two eggs at a time and it is not uncommon for them to 4 different clutches of eggs in any one year.
With these factors, it is easy to see that pigeon droppings are a problem that compound quickly.
Pigeon Control: Trapping, Exclusion, and Modification
When pigeons become a problem there are a variety of remedies available:
- Trapping
- Exclusion
- Modification
Trapping is a way to remove the current offenders in the short term. The birds that are causing the issue right now are removed. Pigeon trapping is accomplished by setting live traps with bait in them. It is an effective way to reduce numbers quickly.
Please watch the following video in which Ryan discusses pigeon trapping. In it you can also see what a typical pigeon trap looks like.
Exclusion and modification are longer term solutions for pigeons and describe any sort of installation or change to the area of a building where the pigeons are a problem. The installed devices or modifications prevent the pigeons from accessing these spots.
Netting, screens, spikes, and modification of building designs are all methods which keep pigeons from using spots that otherwise would be convenient for them.
In choosing this route, we work with the property owner to choose a method of exclusion/modification that is aesthetically acceptable as well as effective.
For example, pigeons may be roosting on a ledge under an overhang. Options that may be pursued are bird spikes on the ledge, angling the ledge, removing the ledge all together, removing the overhang, netting off the area, etc. Often creativity, aesthetics, and budget drive the choice of solution.
But, the bottom line is that there are solutions to keep pigeons from roosting on your property.
We often combine trapping with exclusion/modification as an effective 1,2 punch in providing a solution.
Pigeon and Bird Control for Akron, Canton, Kent
Care to discuss a bird problem? Give us a call.
We’ll work with you to discuss the particulars of your bird problem and formulate an effective solution.
You might also be interested in some of our other bird control posts.
