Pests come in all shapes and sizes. There are a variety of pests that can invade your home, including ants, spiders, rodents, and wasps. These creatures can be more than just a nuisance; they can also cause damage to your property and pose a threat to your health. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs of a pest infestation and take action to get rid of the pests as soon as possible.
However, pests aren’t just limited to those mentioned above. Some pests can fly like bats and pigeons. Among these two, pigeons are the most common. You might have seen pigeons in your neighborhood, but do you truly know them? If you don’t, here’s what you need to know about pigeons.
What Are Pigeons?
Pigeons have been around for centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and have been used for communication and transportation for thousands of years. Pigeons were also used in wartime to carry messages between troops. A pigeon made the first successful transatlantic flight in 1933.
Today, pigeons are not typically used for communication or transportation. However, they are still relied on for their droppings. Pigeon droppings can be used as fertilizer and are also high in nitrogen and phosphorus. This makes them a popular choice for agricultural use.
Pigeons are a type of bird that is found all over the world. They are usually gray or white and have a characteristic double crest on their head. Pigeons are omnivorous, which means that they eat both plants and animals. They typically eat seeds, fruits, and insects.
Biology of Pigeons
Pigeons are exciting creatures because they are one of the few animals that can thrive in urban and rural areas. In cities, pigeons eat food scraps from restaurants and other businesses. They can also be found living in parks and other green spaces. In rural areas, pigeons typically live in open fields or near farms.
Pigeons are monogamous birds, which means that they mate for life. The male and female pigeons will build a nest together out of sticks and other materials, and the female will lay 2-4 eggs in the nest per sitting. Both parents will care for the eggs until they hatch, and both parents will help raise the chicks. As a result, the survival chance of chicks is relatively high compared to other birds, making them the most populous birds in the world.
It’s estimated that there are about 400 million pigeons in the world, and a fraction of that lives in the United States. It’s estimated that there are a million pigeons in the state of New York alone!
Pigeons Are Becoming Pests
Pigeons are usually considered pests because they can carry diseases, and they often steal food from humans. Pigeons are known to carry a variety of diseases, such as salmonella and E.Coli.
They can also transmit these diseases to humans through their droppings. In addition, pigeons often steal food from picnics and other outdoor gatherings. This can be a nuisance for people, and it can also increase the spread of disease.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons
If you have a pigeon problem, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of them. The first is to ensure that your roof has no holes.
Repair Your Roof
Like many avians, pigeons love nesting in the attic. It provides a lot of shelter for their families and is accessible to food.
If you want to avoid taking care of a pigeon family, ensure that you have no holes in your roof. You can fix your roof or install a new roof over it. Consider installing corrugated roofing PVC sheets if you’re planning to do the latter. These sheets are practically impenetrable. They are also low maintenance, so they are cheaper than alternatives in the long run.
Use a Pigeon Repellent
Another way to get rid of pigeons is to use pigeon repellent. There are many different types of repellents available on the market, so you’ll need to research to find the right one for your needs. Some repellents use sound to scare pigeons away, while others use scent.
You can also use a visual deterrent, such as a plastic owl or hawk. The sight of these predators will usually be enough to scare the pigeons away.
You may need to consult with a professional if you have a severe pigeon problem. Many companies specialize in removing pigeons from homes and businesses. These companies typically use a combination of methods to get rid of the pigeons to be very effective.
Pigeons may be considered pests, but they are still exciting creatures. With a little effort, you can get rid of them without harming them. Just be on the lookout for them and ensure that there are no clear entranceways to your attic.
