If Pigeons have chosen your room’s window ledge as their roosting site, disturbing and annoying you with their loud noise and messy poops, don’t waste your time getting angry. Instead, invest your time eliminating the root cause of your problem and start thinking “How to stop Pigeons sitting on your window ledge?”
Quick Tips to Stop Pigeons Sit on Windows Ledge
- Covering your window ledge with bird netting
- Using Bird Spikes on the window sill
- Non-toxic eco-friendly Birds Gels
- Live Traps
- Super Sonic bird chaser
Why Do Pigeons Sit On My Window?
Pigeons have an instinct to find a safe place for their nests. They get attracted to the window ledges because they can act as a comfortable perch for them. They also like to sit on ledges because they are often warm, and safe, provide shelter, and being at height, provides them with a good overview of their surroundings.
In addition, pigeons get attracted to windows in search of food that is left by people on their window ledges.
What Attracts Pigeons To Your House?
If you are living in an urban area, you must have seen Pigeons everywhere. Humans brought them to cities and now they have adapted themselves to feed upon human leftovers and use buildings as their nesting sites.
If you own a house that is quiet and peaceful, then it is the most attractive place for pigeons to choose to roost, feed, or build a nest, as pigeons are very sensitive to noise and loud sounds can easily scare them.
Another thing that might attract pigeons to your house is the availability of food. If you, your family, or people in your surroundings are habitual of feeding birds or leaving leftover food (like bread crumbs and seeds) on the roof, windows, and compounds, then it is an open invitation for the pigeons to have a yummy delicious breakfast or lunch at your place.
Why Do People Hate Pigeons?
Despite the fact, people brought Pigeons to the cities, now they have been observed as a nuisance. They are ill-famed for ruining cities and buildings alike. People started disliking them because they have reached the status of household pests by making roofs, compounds, balconies, and window ledges messy with their acidic poop and dusty feathers.
Pigeons are also blamed for polluting human habitats and have fame as “sky rats” because just like rats, they have been reported to spread diseases through their droppings including Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, and Psittacosis. The elderly and people with low immunity are at risk when we talk about these diseases.
According to the research published online in 2013. “Pigeons are therefore natural reservoirs for pathogens that have caused emerging and re-emerging diseases in humans”
How Do I Get Rid Of Pigeons On My Ledge?
Pigeons are very close to humans since ancient times. People as a token of love feed pigeons. This overfeeding is increasing their population at an unnatural rate creating so many problems. If you are aware of the risks associated with pigeons around, and you want to keep them away then the below-discussed hacks might help you to achieve your goal.
How To Get Rid Of Pigeons Without Hurting Them?
If you are also in love with these cute-looking birds but want to keep them away from your place because of the potential environmental and health hazards associated with them, then it’s better to try methods that may safely force birds to leave your place without hurting them.
You can do this by making their roosting sites less comfortable for them, scaring them with objects or sounds, and using harmless bird repellents.
- Covering your window ledge or any other pigeon roosting or nesting site with Bird Netting is the easiest, most effective, low-cost humane method to avoid pigeons.
- Using Bird Spikes on the window sill is also a renowned, cheap method used for bird removal. They look dangerous but actually, they don’t harm birds at all. They give long-lasting results if installed perfectly.
- Non-toxic, eco-friendly Birds Gels (usually made from natural oils) are also used effectively to get rid of pigeons. Pigeons don’t like their smell and taste, therefore their instinct instructs them to leave the site as the place is not safe for them.
- Live Traps are also very helpful. With the help of bait, a bird can be easily captured and then released somewhere away.
How To Scare Pigeons With Sound?
Pigeons have a good sense of hearing and can hear at higher frequencies than humans. Humans used their efficiency against them and invented Ultrasonic devices. These devices emit irritating sound waves that are inaudible to humans but can be easily heard by pigeons and scare them.
Pigeons can easily get frightened by the sounds associated with their predators. People often use these sounds to scare pigeons giving them the impact that their predator is nearby so it’s better to fly away.
What Home Remedies Keep Pigeons Away?
Pigeons are very good at distinguishing between smells they like and dislike. Humans use this trait to push pigeons away from their surroundings. If you are working on pigeon control, you can easily do the job by using the things easily available at home that work very well as pigeon repellents.
Use of Spices like Hot Pepper, Hot Sauce, and Chilli
Their spicy scents are not liked by the majority of birds including pigeons. Hence, works as a good natural repellent.
Vinegar
Being acidic, vinegar has a very pungent and harsh smell that may rapidly disturb the olfactory lobes of pigeons, hence they would repel easily.
Peppermint Essential oils
You can easily deter the flock of unwanted pigeons from your window ledge by diffusing these oils near your window. Pigeons find this smell completely unpleasant and will leave your window soon.
Onion and Garlic
These common vegetables are famous for their strong smell that’s why can be used as a good deterrent against pigeons.
Cinnamon, Jalapeños, and Black pepper
All of them have spicy scents that pigeons hate. Pigeons can easily sense their smell and stay away from the places where you have sprinkled them.
Perfume, Cologne, and Hair sprays
Their fragrances which are very appealing to us, are very unappealing to pigeons. Pigeons find their aroma very unpleasant and don’t like to stay near places where they can feel these fragrances.
Use of Honey
Honey is an easily available sticky item available in your kitchen. Pigeons don’t like to roost or sit on sticky surfaces. So spreading honey or spraying its water-based solution on your window ledge may annoy your unwanted guests and signal them to leave the place immediately.
Tips to Deter Pigeons
| Natural Ways | |
| Use Smelly Plants | Place herbs like lavender and mint on your window ledges. Birds don’t like their strong smells, but they won’t harm them. |
| Fake Predators | Putting up pretend owls or shapes of hawks can scare pigeons. They’ll think a real predator is near. |
| Touch Tricks | |
| Spikes | Putting small, safe spikes on ledges stops pigeons from sitting there. They don’t hurt them but make it hard to sit. |
| Slippery Spots | Spread a safe gel on ledges. It’s too slick for pigeons to stand on, so they’ll leave. |
| Blockers | |
| Nets | Putting up soft nets around places birds like stops them from getting there. |
| Thin Wires | Stretch almost invisible wires over ledges. This creates a simple block. |
| Sounds | |
| Special Noises | Some devices make sounds pigeons don’t like but we can’t hear. These can send them away. |
| Clean Often | Pigeons like places with leftover food. Cleaning ledges and nearby areas makes them less inviting. |
How To Craft Pigeon Spikes: A DIY Guide
Materials List:
- Stainless steel wire or strong titanium rods.
- Base strip: This could be flexible vinyl, good quality pine wood, or metal.
- Strong epoxy or another kind of glue.
- Protective gloves for safety.
Measuring:
- Measure the area where you want to keep birds away.
- Plan for many spike-like pieces. Put them about 2 inches apart for best results.
Making The Spikes:
- Put on your gloves to be safe.
- Cut the wire or rods into 4-6 inch pieces; these will be your spikes.
- Bend one end of each piece to make it safe for birds.
Preparing The Base:
- Clean your base strip, removing any old dirt or stuff.
- Put a thin layer of glue on it, spreading it evenly.
Attaching The Spikes:
- Place the spikes on the glue, keeping them evenly spaced.
- Let the glue dry. Check the glue’s instructions to see how long this takes.
Installing Your Bird Barrier:
- After the glue dries, attach your spiked strip to the spot you chose.
- Relax, have a drink, and enjoy your bird-free area.
Important Notes:
- This is meant to keep birds away, not to hurt them.
- Make sure your spike strip can handle weather like rain and sun.
With these spikes, you can enjoy your space without birds making a mess. They’re safe for the birds and easy for you to make.
Other Tips To Consider
Reflective Materials
Dancing in the sun and shining like a natural disco ball, Reflective materials scare away birds and other flying creatures. Their brightness throws off the birds’ sense of direction, making terraces and platforms look like shifting, shimmering worlds. This makes the pigeons want to find more stable places to sit.
Securing Window Sills And Ledges
Think of the walls around a castle. Pigeons won’t hang out on window sills and steps that have been blocked off. You can make these ledges less appealing by putting up guards or surfaces that can be felt. This is almost like telling the pigeons, “This fortress is guarded.”
Pigeon Wire
This isn’t an internet for birds, but rather a set of thin, almost transparent lines that make a playground with movement. When pigeons try to land on these wires, they make the perch unsafe because they make the wires wobble. The effect is that birds go somewhere else where the ground is more stable.
Sticky Deterrents
Imagine how mildly annoying it would be to step on a sticky surface. For pigeons, sticky deterrents feel just like this on their feet, which makes them want to find a more comfy place to perch.
Owl Decoy as Repellent
The owl is a protector from stories. This top hunter is a sign of danger to smaller birds. With its piercing eyes, an owl decoy is a quiet protector that keeps pigeons away just by being there.
Lights
Beacons at dusk or strobe wonders at night. When lights are used in a smart way, they can make birds’ lives less predictable. The changing patterns of light and dark keep these birds away, as they prefer more stable and less dramatic environments.
Odor Deterrents
We see most of what’s going on around us. For birds, the world of smell rules. Pigeons don’t like the smells that we like, but those smells can keep them away. When these scent-based deterrents are used, they create no-go zones instead of using colors to mark off areas. Follow the below tips to make odor repellents through DIY tips.
How To Make Odor Repellents?
Pigeons don’t like some smells. Natural smells can be a good and earth-friendly way to keep them away.
Hot Pepper Solution: Pigeons don’t like the stuff in hot peppers. Mix crushed peppers with water, then spray it where the pigeons sit.
Use Mint: Pigeons don’t like mint. You can grow mint plants or put mint oil on a cloth and place it where pigeons come.
Garlic Spray: Make a mix with crushed garlic and hot water. After straining it, spray this where the pigeons are. They don’t like the strong smell.
Mothballs: We might use these in our closets, but pigeons don’t like their smell. Put a few on places like ledges.
Mix of Smells: Combine oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender with water and spray it. This mix confuses the pigeon’s sense of smell.
Keep it Fresh: Smell-based ways to keep pigeons away can fade. Remember to spray or put them out again every few days.
Be Kind: Make sure what you use doesn’t hurt any animals. The goal is to keep pigeons away, not to hurt them.
Make it Last: Using things like cotton balls can help the smell last longer.
Mix and Match: Use different methods together, like smell and something they can see, to keep pigeons away better.
Final Tip: Using smells to keep pigeons away is a smart move. It’s like a surprise move in a game of chess!
Install Ultrasonic Devices
Sound devices are a new way to keep pigeons away from your windows! These devices make sounds that pigeons don’t like, but we can’t hear. When setting up these devices, make sure they cover the whole window ledge. It’s good to pick ones that change sounds often so pigeons don’t get used to them.
Solar-powered devices are good for the environment. Make sure the device only stands out a little and can handle rain or shine. Check it now and then to make sure it’s working. The best part? They bother pigeons without hurting them.
Window Slides As Repellent Method
Another way to keep pigeons off your windows is to use window slides. Pigeons don’t like shiny things that move. These slides are shiny and move with the wind.
When you pick window slides, go for ones that shine a lot. When the wind moves them, they keep pigeons away. Strong materials like stainless steel or shiny aluminum are best because they last long outside.
Move the slides around sometimes so pigeons can’t get used to them. The slides can also make your windows look nice! If you use them with other methods, pigeons will stay away and your space will still look great. Follow the below tips to make Bird slopes through the DIY method.
Make Bird Slopes Or Bird Slides For Your Windows
What Are They?: Bird slides, also known as bird slopes, are like slippery ramps that pigeons can’t stand on. They slide off because they can’t grip.
What to Use: Smooth materials like shiny aluminum or clear plastic work best because they’re very slippery.
The Right Slant: Make sure the slide is tilted at about 45 degrees. This angle makes it hard for pigeons to try and land.
Perfect Fit: Measure your window ledge and make sure the slide covers all of it. This way, pigeons can’t find a spot to sit.
Putting It Up: Use strong glue or brackets to keep the slides in place, even in bad weather.
Looks Matter: Pick a color and style that looks good with your building. This way, it works well and looks nice.
Keep It Clean: Every once in a while, clean the slides. This keeps them slippery and stops any birds from trying to land.
Think Green: Use materials that can be recycled. It’s good for the planet.
Mix and Match: Use these slides with other ways to keep pigeons away. It makes your defense even better.
Enjoy the View: With the slides in place, you can look out your window without seeing or hearing pigeons.
Remember: Living in a city means finding smart ways to share space with nature. Bird slides are a great way to do this, keeping both people and birds happy.
Chemical pigeon Repellants
When we look into ways to keep birds away, especially pigeons, many chemical sprays are available. These sprays are carefully made to bother the pigeons’ senses. Because of this, they feel a bit uncomfortable and choose to rest elsewhere. But it’s important to remember: always choose safe sprays for the pigeons and good for the environment.
AviAngle
AviAngle is a smart tool designed to keep pigeons away. It’s different from chemical sprays because it uses a special shape to do the job. These angled barriers make it hard for pigeons to land and rest comfortably. AviAngle helps keep them away without using any chemicals by changing the shape of where pigeons might land.
Bird Proof Gel
Bird Proof Gel is a special kind of chemical product to keep pigeons away. It’s sticky and has a unique smell that pigeons don’t like. When pigeons try to land on it, they don’t like how it feels under their feet, so they leave. To make sure the gel works well, it’s important to check and clean it regularly. This also helps keep your window ledges looking good.
Visual Deterrents
Certain visual items can easily fool pigeons. Things like shiny tapes, spinning objects, or even shapes that look like birds of prey can keep them away. These items make pigeons think there’s danger nearby. Even though these tricks might seem sneaky, they’re clever ways humans have found to guide pigeons away without hurting them.
Do Pigeon Repellents Work?
None of the repellents can assure you that pigeons won’t come to your place ever. Well, every repellent has its unique qualities and every repellent comes with its pros and cons. It completely depends on how wisely you choose the repellent. All repellents have their expiry. They need timely maintenance and some need to be reapplied frequently.
Pigeons are intelligent and human-friendly birds. So it is not a piece of cake to get rid of them. You have to be consistent with your target. It is suggested to use multiple repellents at a time so they may together create an unbreakable barrier for pigeons, forcing them to finally give up and choose a new roosting or nesting place for themselves.
How Do I Stop Pigeons From Coming Back?
Pigeons usually don’t go away on their own. They possess excellent memories so they can easily remember and return to their favorite places whenever they want. If you have succeeded in getting rid of pigeons, that used to sit at your window ledge, keep the following precautions in your mind to stop them from coming back in the future.
- Make a habit of keeping your window sill clean and free from all food scraps so pigeons won’t get attracted to it again.
- Keep using the hack that helped you achieve your goal and may keep scaring birds in the future so they avoid visiting your window.
- If you repeatedly fail to stop these pests from coming back, then get professional help to prevent any further damage caused by them.
Conclusion
In urban areas, pigeons have proved themselves as destructive pests that not only cause a lot of damage to buildings and other structures but can also cause serious health problems through their droppings and feathers.
In the article, we have discussed ideas and talked about different deterrents that may help to keep pigeons away from your house by making it a less desirable place for them. Still, if you fail to get rid of them, seek professional help.
References
- NYC Health
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine