Pigeons - Frequently Asked Questions

Are pigeons considered pests?

Pigeons are considered pests when their numbers become excessive or their presence causes problems for people, buildings and businesses. They can create significant mess through their droppings, damage property, block gutters and ventilation systems, and spread certain diseases. Large groups of pigeons can also become a nuisance around residential and commercial premises.

Why are pigeons attracted to my property?

Pigeons are attracted to properties that provide easy access to food, water and suitable nesting locations. Roof ledges, balconies, loft spaces, solar panels, gutters and sheltered building features can all provide attractive roosting and nesting sites. Food waste, bird feeders and accessible rubbish can also encourage pigeons to gather.

What damage can pigeons cause to buildings?

Pigeons can cause considerable damage, particularly when they regularly roost or nest on buildings. Their droppings are acidic and can gradually damage certain building materials, paintwork and metal surfaces. Nesting materials can also block gutters and drainage outlets, potentially contributing to water damage and damp problems.

Are pigeon droppings dangerous?

Pigeon droppings can present health risks, particularly when they accumulate over time and are disturbed during cleaning. Dried droppings can release contaminated dust particles into the air, potentially exposing people to harmful microorganisms. Certain infections associated with bird droppings include psittacosis, cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis.

It is important to use appropriate precautions when dealing with accumulated pigeon waste, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Can pigeons spread diseases?

Yes. Pigeons can carry various microorganisms and parasites that may present health risks to people. Their droppings can become contaminated with organisms associated with diseases such as salmonellosis, psittacosis and cryptococcosis. Pigeons may also carry mites, ticks and other parasites that can become problematic when birds nest in or around buildings.

Why do pigeons keep returning to my roof?

Pigeons are creatures of habit and often return to locations where they have previously roosted or nested. If your roof provides sheltered ledges, accessible nesting areas and protection from predators, it may continue to attract the same birds and others from the surrounding area.

Without suitable deterrents or proofing, simply moving pigeons away may not prevent them from returning.

Can pigeons nest under solar panels?

Yes. The sheltered space beneath solar panels can provide pigeons with an attractive location to nest and roost. The panels offer protection from weather and predators, while the surrounding roof provides convenient access.

Nesting beneath solar panels can cause several problems, including:

Accumulation of droppings
Build-up of nesting materials
Blocked drainage around panels
Attraction of mites and other parasites
Increased maintenance requirements
Potential interference with cables and equipment
Reduced access for cleaning and inspection

Professional solar panel bird proofing can help prevent pigeons from accessing the space beneath panels.

Can pigeons damage solar panels?

Pigeons can cause problems around solar installations, particularly when they establish nests beneath panels. Droppings can accumulate on surrounding surfaces, while nesting materials can obstruct drainage and create maintenance concerns. Birds may also damage or disturb exposed cabling.

Although pigeon droppings do not necessarily damage the solar panels themselves, accumulated debris and nesting activity can affect the surrounding installation and make maintenance more difficult.

Can pigeons get into lofts and roof spaces?

Yes. Pigeons can enter lofts and roof spaces through broken roof tiles, damaged soffits, open vents and other gaps in the building structure. Once inside, they may establish nesting sites, leaving droppings, feathers and nesting materials behind.

Bird activity in roof spaces can create hygiene concerns and potentially lead to damage if left untreated.

Why are pigeons a problem for businesses?

Pigeons can create significant problems for commercial premises, particularly restaurants, shops, hotels, warehouses, offices and industrial buildings.

Large numbers of birds can leave droppings around entrances, walkways, loading bays and outdoor seating areas. This creates additional cleaning requirements and can affect the appearance and hygiene of business premises.

For businesses, pigeon infestations can lead to:

Unpleasant and unhygienic entrances
Contaminated outdoor seating areas
Damage to signage and building surfaces
Blocked gutters and drainage systems
Increased cleaning and maintenance costs
Potential health and safety concerns
Poor impressions for customers and visitors

Visit our Pigeon Pest Control page to find out how we can help.

Do bird spikes hurt pigeons?

Properly designed and installed bird spikes are intended to prevent birds from landing comfortably rather than injure them. They create an unsuitable landing surface and encourage pigeons to find alternative roosting locations.

They must be installed correctly and maintained to ensure they remain effective and do not create unnecessary risks to birds or other wildlife.

Is it legal to remove pigeons and their nests?

Pigeons are subject to wildlife and animal welfare legislation in the UK. The legal position depends on the species, the circumstances and the control method being considered. Feral pigeons are not protected in the same way as certain wild bird species, but animal welfare requirements and restrictions on certain methods still apply.

Other bird species, including some that may nest around buildings, have additional legal protections. It is important to identify the species and check the relevant legislation before disturbing birds, eggs or nests. Professional advice can help ensure that bird control is carried out lawfully and responsibly.

Should I clean pigeon droppings myself?

Small amounts of fresh droppings may be manageable with appropriate hygiene precautions, but large accumulations should be treated with greater care. Dry sweeping or brushing can release contaminated dust into the air, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms.

Extensive contamination, particularly in enclosed lofts, roof spaces or commercial premises, should be assessed and cleaned using suitable protective equipment and procedures.

Will pigeons return after removal?

They may. Pigeons are highly adaptable and often return to familiar roosting and nesting locations. Simply removing the birds or disturbing an existing nest may not prevent further activity.

Long-term prevention generally requires suitable proofing or deterrents to make the location less attractive and accessible.

Can pigeons cause problems in residential properties?

Yes. Pigeons frequently roost on domestic roofs, chimneys, balconies, conservatories and extensions. Their droppings can make outdoor spaces unpleasant, while nesting materials can block gutters and create maintenance problems.

Pigeons nesting beneath solar panels are another common issue for homeowners, particularly where installations provide sheltered spaces that birds can access easily.

What is pigeon proofing?

Pigeon proofing involves making buildings and other structures less accessible or attractive to pigeons. It can include installing physical barriers and deterrents to prevent birds from landing, roosting or nesting in problem areas.

Common pigeon proofing solutions include bird spikes, netting, wire systems and solar panel mesh. The most suitable option depends on the location and the type of bird activity.

A professional pest controller can assess the infestation, identify likely entry points and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.

How do I arrange pigeon control with Pest ID?

If pigeons are causing problems at your home or business, contact Pest ID to discuss your requirements. We can help assess the situation and recommend appropriate bird control and proofing solutions.

Don’t let pigeons damage your property or create an ongoing nuisance. Contact Pest ID today on 0800 955 0003 for professional rat pest control.

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For help call 0800 955 0003