Pigeons Damage and Control in New Jersey

The urban and suburban nuisance pigeons that take over structures, cover them with droppings, and take target practice on unsuspecting pedestrians are commonly called Rock Pigeons, Rock Doves, or Feral Pigeons. Pigeons are all too common and familiar birds that are found just about anywhere from city centers to farms. And if there is a place where food is plentiful, pigeons are almost sure to crash the party.

The urban pigeons of today originated from cliff-nesting wild European stock brought to North America by Northern Europeans. Inevitably, like all of our non-native bird species, some escaped. Their populations grew virtually unabated, and we are the ones stuck with the problem. The escaped domestic pigeons that have adapted to urban environments are called feral pigeons. These birds, while capable of perching on trees, prefer to nest and roost on buildings, ledges, and bridges, and other such man-made habitats. These structures provide ideal substitutes for the cliff and ledge formations of the bird’s natural habitat. That is why these birds are so attracted to buildings; for them, it’s like being home.

Pigeons are nuisances for a variety of reasons. They harbor diseases communicable to man, their nesting and roosting areas are dirty, and their prodigious droppings are unsightly and unsanitary.

Food Habits 

Pigeons are primarily grain and seed-eaters and will subsist on spilled or improperly stored grain. They also will feed on garbage, livestock manure, insects, or other food materials provided for them intentionally or unintentionally by people.

Damage & Disease from Pigeons 

Pigeon droppings deface and accelerate the deterioration of buildings and increase the cost of maintenance. Around grain handling facilities, pigeons consume and contaminate large quantities of food destined for human or livestock consumption. Pigeon nests can create fire hazards and may clog drainpipes.

Pigeons may also carry and spread diseases to people and livestock through their droppings. Droppings carry bacteria and diseases that can present serious health risks. Birds can carry and spread over 60 known dangerous diseases from a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These diseases can be introduced to humans by way of direct contact with droppings, food and water contaminated by droppings, and even inhalation. Salmonella is found in pigeon feces and accounts for frequent cases of food poisoning in humans.

Disturbing dried bird droppings release infectious microscopic spores into the air that are absorbed into the body when inhaled.

The ectoparasites of pigeons include various species of fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other biting insects, some of which readily bite people. Finally, droppings, feathers, food and dead birds under a roosting area can breed flies, carpet beetles and other insects that may become major problems in the immediate areas.

Pigeons located around airports can also be a threat to human safety because of potential bird-aircraft collisions and are considered a medium priority hazard to jet aircraft by the US Air Force.

Building & Equipment Damage from Bird Droppings

Droppings can discolor paint, stain wood, and are acidic enough to erode metal and dissolve paint and car finishes. Over time, bird droppings can even cause concrete and expensive stonework to crumble. The longevity of industrial roofing materials can be reduced because of droppings, resulting in expensive replacement costs. Birds can cause extensive machinery damage to buildings, ventilation systems, and machinery. Birds nesting in rain gutters may cause water backup, which can eventually lead to dangerous and costly structural damage.

Legal Status of Pigeons

Feral pigeons are not protected birds under federal law by either the Migratory Bird Treaty or the Endangered Species Act. Local laws should be consulted before any control measures are taken. Many towns and cities have restrictions on bird control methods. The bird control services we provide at Cowleys Pest Services - stays in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal regulations.

What Cowleys Pest Services Can do to Resolve Your Pigeon Problem?

Pigeon control is about keeping unwanted, nuisance pigeons from landing, roosting, and nesting on structures using various deterrents. Bird deterrents may be physical, visual, or auditory. In urban and suburban settings, physical barrier deterrents are the most effective and practical solution to long-term bird control and prevention.

Each solution must be designed to resolve the particular pigeon infestation at hand. Factors that must be assessed include the type of structure and the level of bird activity. In addition to choosing the right mix of deterrents, a proper installation by an experienced bird control specialist is essential.

Cowleys Pest Services will make your commercial building or property an inhospitable area for pigeons to land, roost, or nest. The objective is to have the pigeons take themselves and their droppings to another, friendlier location. With the right deterrents, the nuisance birds get the message loud and clear that your structure is an undesirable habitat once there is no longer enough real estate on your ledges and other areas to conduct their activities.

Click here to learn more about our bird deterrents that will protect your business and customers from the danger and diseases from birds.

If your property is experiencing a nuisance bird problem, such as pigeons, contact Cowleys Pest Services today for a Free Estimate! We provide our professional solutions and pigeon control services to both residential and commercial properties all throughout our Mid-Atlantic service area, including: New Jersey and more!

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