The Best Pigeon Traps: [Our Top Picks This Month]

Our top picks for the best pigeon traps for this month are five. Pigeons can make pretty good pets, but they are pretty troublesome when they set up camp on your building. Pigeons cause damage to buildings, structures, and statues, not to mention pigeon poop all over the place. They’re also responsible for noise pollution when they are in a flock. 

Pigeons are usually attracted to structures by things like under solar panels or roof-mounted air conditioning units. 

Do Pigeon Traps Work?

Pigeon trapping is quite an effective method of pigeon population control. Although trapping alone does nothing to prevent new pigeons from nesting in the same structure later, it can help get rid of the existing pesky birds.

Getting rid of pigeons totally from a structure can prove to be quite difficult. Pigeons are usually quite stubborn, especially if they have set up camp for a long time on a given structure.

Even the best of efforts in pigeon proofing may only result in the birds moving from where they currently are to somewhere else within the same building. When push comes to shove, it becomes necessary for one to employ trapping methods to deal with the stubborn birds. 

You might be asking yourself if pigeon traps really work for pigeon removal. Pigeon trapping programs have been available for quite some time, and this means they have developed tried and tested methods to use in pigeon removal. 

Pigeon traps can trap multiple pigeons at one time, which means they can be quite labor-intensive. The law states that pigeon cage traps have to be inspected once every 24 hours.

If the pigeons are captured live, you are required to provide food and water to prevent suffering. Always remember to check on the pigeon traps regularly so you can relocate them before they become restless.

Read More: What Do Pigeons Eat?

Best Pigeon Traps: Our Top Picks

Whatever your problem with pigeons, trapping can work. You can do this without harming the pigeons if you don’t want to. Once you have caught them, arrangements can be made for the pigeons to be placed in a new place. You cannot underscore the importance of having an excellently designed pigeon trap.

Bird-B-Gone Two-Chamber Pigeon Trap

This amazingly designed pigeon trap can capture multiple pigeons at once. It is designed to allow for the capture of two pigeons at once. Once the pigeons enter, the trap doors, which are one-way, prevent them from escaping.

This pigeon trap also comes with a quick-release door that makes removing the trapped pigeons easy.

It is made of metal resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for any weather or terrain. This also makes the cost of maintenance small. It can be used in wet weather because it is adequately waterproofed.

Features

• 3 entry doors, each one-way and with a door guard
• comes with a feeder pan and water container
• The Bird B Gone pigeon trap is about 36 inches long and can hold up to 12 pigeons. It has entry doors for the pigeons.
• trap also has a door at the top center for removing the birds.
• Aside from the compartment designed to hold water and food, with a hinged shade panel.
• Although this trap sounds perfect, there is a challenge with getting the pigeons to take the bait and enter the trap.

Pros

• Has the capacity of keeping 12 pigeons at a go
• There’s a hinged panel
• Has a container for food and water for the pigeons
• There is an accessible entry on top, which simplifies the removal of the pigeons

Cons

• The pigeons can become frightened or shy to enter the trap
• Sometimes the instructions for the use of this pigeon trap are not clear.

Tomahawk Double Door Rigid Pigeon Trap

The trap is professionally designed with two doors that can hold up to 15 of the pesky pigeons at a time. It’s one yard in length and nearly 4kg in weight. The Model 502R, Tomahawk Double Door Rigid Pigeon Trap , is a big trap that can hold up to 15 pigeons or similar-sized birds.

Once the pigeons overcome their fright and shyness about approaching it, it becomes easy for you to catch several of them every day. However, the smaller pigeons will manage to escape the trap. This trap has a sturdy construction, allowing it to withstand the weather.

You’ll need to oil the hinges regularly to maintain it. It is also quite easy to set them up before use. However, be careful and keen when taking out the birds, otherwise, they may be able to escape.

Pros

• Sturdy design and build
• Easy to ready it for pigeon trapping
• Ideal for large pigeons
• Can hold up to 15 pigeons

Cons

• If there are smaller pigeons, they may escape

Nixalite Rooftop Pigeon Trap

The reason this pigeon trap appears in our list of recommended pigeon traps is because of its suitability to be used on the roof and it’s ideal for trapping pigeons on the roof.  Mostly, you will see more pigeons on the roof than any other place.

The trap is flat and has adjustable legs to make it easy and convenient to stabilize on different types of rooftops. The Nixalite Rooftop also has one-way doors, six of them. Once the pigeons are trapped, they won’t have a chance to get out of the live capture wire mesh.

The trap is designed with two access doors to allow you to remove the pigeons. Has a place to place for water and food, making it ideal for people looking for a humane way to trap pigeons.

Pros

• Tough and durable
• Economical
• Humane way to trap pigeons

Cons

• It may not work in other areas as it does on the roofs.

CHENGYIDA One-Piece Live Pigeon Trap

This is an economical alternative to metal traps. This is especially advantageous because it will not harm the pigeons. If you want a simple way to trap pigeons without harming them, then the CHENGYIDA One-Piece Live Pigeon Trap is what you’re looking for.

This is an efficient trap that opens and sets up easily and is made up of durable materials that will last for a long time. To set the trap, all you need to do is simply open it and place the bait onto the metal trigger. Once the pigeon takes the bait, the trap will close. To release the bird, open the cage and let it fly away.

Pros

• It’s an economical alternative to metal traps
• The pigeons will not be harmed
• Safe to use. Children and pets are not endangered
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Can only trap one pigeon at a time

Kness Kage-All

This pigeon trap is a cost-effective alternative to the brands mentioned above, and it has a similar style. The sole disadvantage of this product is that the door cannot be kept open for an extended amount of time to attract the pigeons to enter.

Features of a Kness Kage-All Pigeon Live Animal Trap

• The Kage-all Pigeon live animal trap is a safe and compassionate method to catch and keep pigeons, chipmunks, rats, and other small mammals.
• The pigeon lives animal trap is reusable and comes fully constructed for years of pest management.
• The design of this pigeon trap for transporting caught animals is safe, easy, and practical.
• Trap – A pigeon trap.
• Dimensions: 36.25 in. x 18.25 in. x 8.25 in.

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Humane
• Reusable

Cons

• Cannot be kept open for an extended amount of time.

How Long Does It Take To Trap Pigeons?

 It is important to note that pigeon trapping will not be an overnight success. This is a process that will require a good deal of patience. It is possible for it to take a week or two or, in some cases, a month in order to get bait and trap acceptance.

As already mentioned, the actual removal process must be done correctly. It is important to follow all the instructions properly. 

In most cases, in order to fully get rid of pigeons, there will need to be two removals. Chances are quite high that you will not catch them all the first time around.

It is important to make sure that the birds do not die or suffer in the traps; otherwise, you will have quite a difficult time catching the rest of them the next day.

Another important note to make is that the pigeons need to be released at least 50 miles away from the structure. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the expert has included this in the cost quotation if you engage one.

A good pigeon removal program will have all this information up front, and the removal will be done correctly. If the birds are not relocated to a far enough location, they will come back, and this time it will be harder to catch them using traps.

How to Set a Pigeon Trap

To guarantee that your pigeon trap is as successful as possible, position it in an area with a high concentration of pigeons. Ensure there is enough bait for more than one pigeon to feast on and provide a small saucer of water to entice them to remain longer. Most traps include a two-way door that, when activated, allows the pigeon to enter but not escape. 

Like other pest traps, we strongly recommend that you keep the pigeon trap door open for a few days (up to a week) to allow the pigeons to examine and gain trust in this new food source. When the pigeons have become accustomed to the unset trap and are entering peacefully, it is time to open the doors.

This might all sound easy, but trapping pigeons can be quite a hassle. Pigeons are naturally quite trapped cautiously. They are clever birds, and a simple trap just won’t cut it.

Generally, where a pigeon goes, others will follow, flapping their wings and bobbing their heads. On the other hand, Pigeons are perceptive birds that will not stay in a cage trap indefinitely, especially if they have witnessed other pigeons get trapped and fail to escape.

Is it Legal to Kill Pigeons?

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act 1918 was enacted to protect native wild birds in America. This means it is illegal to kill them or remove their nests. However, the pigeon is not considered a native bird. They are not protected by state or federal law.

Laws concerning pigeons may differ from state to state. Some states allow the poisoning of pigeons, while others consider such a method as animal cruelty.

In most states, you are allowed to shoot them, provided you have a hunting license. Shooting or trapping is one of the most effective methods of controlling pigeons.

Best Types of Pigeon Traps

For several years, pigeon traps have been the most popular solution for pigeon population control. Pigeon traps have been quite efficient in helping to reduce pigeon numbers across the United States.

The pest control industry has developed both live and lethal traps to be used to control pigeon populations in both urban and city locations.

There are several pigeon trap models to choose from, both live and lethal ones. You can use these traps both residential and commercial. Whether you go for a lethal trap or you choose the more humane live model, they work essentially in the same manner.

Pigeon traps are basically large cages that have one-way entry doors. As soon as the pigeon gets in, the door slams shut, and the pigeon is stuck in the cage.

Live Pigeon Traps

Live pigeon traps are more popular than their lethal counterparts since they are considered the more humane choice. These traps ensure that the pigeons remain safe within the cage. Many do prefer this option, although you have to think about how you will get rid of the pigeon once you have it trapped.

Pigeons are quite clever birds. They can soar quite high and remember their routes. In fact, they were used in the olden days as messengers during the war. Nowadays, they are usually kept as pets, and some are used in racing.

As such, if you do choose the live traps, you have to ensure that you do not release them locally. Chances are very high that they will find their way back to your building.

According to research, you are supposed to release the pigeons over 50 miles from the original location in order for them to be disoriented enough. Otherwise, the pigeons will find their way back, and the whole endeavor will be rendered useless.

Lethal Pigeon Traps

Lethal traps, unlike live traps, are designed to kill the pigeon on impact. Once the pigeon enters the cage, it is instantly killed. This is usually accomplished through a snapping or constricting mechanism. Although lethal traps are an effective way of getting rid of pigeons, the success of a lethal trap is often hindered by the pigeons’ intelligence.

After one or two pigeons have been caught and killed, it’s a short time before the other pigeons notice and alert the rest of the flock. At this point, the trap becomes useless as the pigeons avoid it entirely. If the pigeons are no longer venturing into the trap, then the whole thing is redundant.

It’s also important to note that lethal pigeon traps are illegal in some states as they are considered inhumane. If you are looking to purchase lethal traps, you need to check the regulations in your state before making the purchase.

Additionally, the traps can be quite difficult to put in place and can also cause injury to humans. It’s also quite unpleasant to get rid of a dead pigeon, and if left unattended, it can attract the attention of other pests, including rats.

How To Choose An Effective Pigeon Trap

The numerous pigeon traps designed in the market easily confuse anyone looking for the best trap for pigeons. Many people report that enticing the pigeons enough to get Into the Trap is the biggest hurdle when trapping pigeons. It is, therefore, necessary to find an effective pigeon trap and understand how to deploy it properly.

But experts advise that you should not put your pigeon trap under any tree or cover because this keeps pigeons away. Pigeons are birds that prefer foraging for food under an open sky providing ample room to escape.

Pigeons are also known to avoid traps containing nesting objects or similar nesting material or any object that may stand in the way of a quick escape whenever necessary. Considering this, you should look for a pigeon trap made to make the pigeons safe.

The next factor you will need to consider when choosing a pigeon trap is quality. A pigeon trap made of quality materials will withstand wear and tear, allowing for reuse over many years. Ensure that the trap you choose is durable to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions your trip may be subjected to.

How To Get Pigeons Into The Trap

It will make no sense to get a pigeon trap when you are unable to capture any pigeons.

Renowned bird experts conclude that pigeons are very clever birds, and you will need to get them to somehow trust you first to trap them effectively. The first step in gaining the trust of the pigeons is by wiring the trap access doors open. The pigeons will then get in and out without being harmed, giving them the confidence to do this even more.

Once you have their trust, you will be free to set the pigeon trap daily. It is not necessary that you are sneaky when setting the trap. When the pigeons get used to seeing you bait the trap, they will grow curious, acting to your advantage.

This will attract them to the pigeon trap to survey it. When an individual pigeon establishes that the trap is safe, others quickly fly towards it and follow suit.

The trick in establishing trust between you and the pigeon is patience. Trapping pigeons effectively is a skill that may take time to learn and deploy.

Quickening this process may end up making it even harder for you to trap a pigeon. Always remember to stay patient if you want your pigeon trap to work effectively.

How Do You Bait The Pigeon Trap

If you want the pigeon traps to do what they are meant to, you should ensure they are correctly baited. An excellent bait is a birdseed because pigeons are known to love it. This will then motivate them to venture into the trap in search of delicious seeds.

Half a cup of birdseed is enough to bait your pigeon trap. It would be best to scatter this on your pigeon trap, where the pigeons will forage and set the trap off.

The trick to trapping as many pigeons as possible is keenly watching their behavior for a couple of days before deciding what to use as bait. If you pay attention to their eating habits, you may notice their preference for certain fruit nuts or trees.

This may be the best option to use as bait for your pigeon trap. The advantage of doing this is that you’ll save on the money you could have used to buy pigeon bait.

Always ensure that the bait is exclusively within the pigeon trap. Any lure that is put round the trap will discourage the pigeons from venturing inside. It is therefore advisable to constantly confirm that there is no bait material outside your pigeon trap.

How Do You Get Rid Of Trapped Pigeons

Once you have successfully tracked the pigeons, you may not know acceptable ways of getting rid of them. Releasing them somewhere else is not as effective as you might think. Pigeons are naturally homing, and they will always find their way back.

A number of experts will recommend that you exterminate them as a long-lasting solution. However, if you do not wish to use lethal methods on the pigeons and are against keeping pigeons as pets, your state animal control authorities will be of great help. Get in touch with them to help you get rid of your pigeon menace for good.

Conclusion

Trapping is quite a big part of any pigeon control program. However, this must be done correctly. If done the wrong way, pigeon trapping could end up being ineffective, and you won’t get the desired results. It is therefore paramount that you fully understand the methods of trapping pigeons before embarking on the process.

For a successful pigeon trapping program, the best choice of a pigeon trap and pre-baiting is an essential part of the entire process.

It’s important to carefully go through the pros and cons of each pigeon trap in order to find the best fit for you. A good pigeon trap will help you keep your pet birds safe and relocate any unwelcome feral pigeons.