Let’s face it, no one likes dealing with pigeon poop on their roof. It’s unsightly, but it can also cause significant damage to your roof and gutters. If you’ve pigeons hanging around, then you’ll want to know how to get rid of them – and stop them coming back. Read on to find out how.
Why Are Birds on the Roof a Problem?
Pigeons might seem harmless, but it’s not nice when they make themselves at home on your roof – especially when they leave behind bird poop. There are several reasons why pigeons on your roof are more than just an eyesore.
- Damage to your roof: Pigeon droppings are acidic and can eat away at the roof’s materials over time.
- Clogged gutters: Pigeons tend to nest in your roof gutters, which can cause clogs that prevent water from draining properly, leading to damage, rust, and mould.
- Health hazards: Pigeons can carry diseases and parasites that pose health risks. Their nests can also attract mites and fleas, which you don’t want in your home.
- Noise: Pigeons make loud cooing and fluttering noises, especially at dawn when they’re most active.
What Will Attract Pigeons to Your Roof?
Birds are smart when it comes to finding a safe, comfortable spot to build their nests.
1. Food Sources
If you’ve got a bird feeder or scraps of food nearby – even pet food – pigeons will be attracted to an easy meal. They’re opportunistic birds, so they’ll keep coming back if you’ve got leftover food.
2. Water Sources
Birds need water, and if your roof offers them easy access to a water source, like a leaky pipe or a puddle in a blocked gutter, pigeons might be attracted to your roof.
3. Shelter
Pigeons like to roost in sheltered spots that offer protection from predators and the elements. If your roof has lots of gaps, crevices, or secluded areas like chimneys or vents, it’s prime real estate for pigeons looking for a nesting spot.
4. Flat Surfaces
Pigeons prefer wide, flat surfaces to build their nests. If your roof has a flat or slightly sloped surface with lots of open space, it’s a perfect place for pigeons to make a home.
How to Remove Pigeons From Your Roof?
There are several methods you can use to remove pigeons from your roof. However, it’s always worth speaking to pest control companies if you’re not sure about doing it yourself.
1. Block Off Their Food and Water Supply
The first step in getting rid of pigeons is to remove what’s attracting them in the first place. Remove the food remnants and water sources by making sure that there are no bird feeders or open food sources around your home. If pigeons have been drinking from a gutter or leaky pipe, fix the issue to make sure no standing water remains.
2. Install a Fake Predator
Pigeons are naturally afraid of predators like hawks, falcons, or cats. Installing visual deterrents, like a plastic owl or a falcon-shaped kite, can help scare pigeons off your roof.
Pigeons can become used to seeing the same decoy over time, so it’s a good idea to move the decoy around or use more than one.
3. Use Reflective Objects or Mirrors
Pigeons dislike bright, shiny surfaces because they confuse them with predators or danger. Hanging shiny objects, like aluminium foil, reflective tape, mirrors, or old CDs, can deter pigeons from your roof.
4. Use Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are a great way to prevent pigeons from landing on your roof. You can install spikes along ridges, ledges, and gutters to create a barrier that the pigeons won’t be able to land on. The spikes don’t harm the birds. They just stop pigeons nesting on your roof.
There are different types of bird spikes, from plastic to stainless steel, to deter birds and discourage pigeons.
How to Deter Pigeons From Coming Back?
You want to keep pigeons and other birds from returning to your roof once they’ve been removed.
Here are some strategies to keep them from coming back:
1. Seal All Entry Points
Make sure to seal up any gaps, vents, or cracks on your roof. Pigeons can squeeze into small spaces, so inspect your roof thoroughly for potential entry points. Use caulk, mesh netting, or foam sealant to block off these areas.
2. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters
Keeping your roof and gutters clean and in good condition is essential to preventing pigeons from returning. Regularly clear debris from your gutters and check for any potential nesting sites.
3. Install Bird Netting
For more stubborn pigeons, bird netting is a highly effective deterrent. This mesh netting prevents pigeons from accessing certain areas of your roof, like gutters or ledges. It’s a more permanent solution.
4. Use Bird Repellent Gel
Another option is a pigeon-repellent gel, which is a non-toxic substance that makes surfaces sticky and uncomfortable for birds. Apply this gel to ledges, ridges, and other spots where pigeons like to perch. The gel doesn’t harm the birds, but it discourages them from landing.
Dealing With Your Pigeon Problem
Dealing with pigeons doesn’t have to be a headache. But if you’re not up for tackling the problem yourself, it’s always a good idea to call in professional pest control services to help you out.
Don’t forget that pigeons are protected by Australian wildlife laws, so it’s important to make sure your methods are humane and legal.
FAQs
What Do Pigeons Hate Most?
Pigeons dislike bright, shiny objects, loud noises, and the smell of things like peppermint and eucalyptus. They also hate the presence of predators, like hawks or cats. Using these deterrents can help keep pigeons away from your roof.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons on Your Roof in Australia?
To get rid of pigeons on your roof in Australia, you can try a variety of humane methods, like blocking food and water sources, using reflective objects or mirrors, installing fake predators, or adding bird spikes to your roof. It’s important to check local regulations to ensure you’re using legal and humane methods.