Many years ago, mankind succeeded in domesticating pigeons and using them as a means of obtaining fertilizer and good. One can spot the feral pigeon all over the world.
Where do they live?
The rock doves, which were ancestors of the modern feral pigeon used to dwell in rocky cliffs, therefore their descendants live in the same setting in the urban environment as well. For instance: under bridges, ledges, roofs, window sills, etc. Pigeons are social by nature and they spend the daytime in eating while they roost at night.
How do they breed?
All pigeons who are six months or older can breed. They lay their eggs, generally two at a time, in a self-constructed nest located in a sheltered place. The two eggs are then incubated by the pigeon for 16-18 days. The parent pigeons feed their offspring with pigeon 'milk', these baby pigeons leave their nest after five weeks' time but they are still reliable on their parents for feeding for another week or two. At this stage, their parents can breed once again. Pigeons generally breed for about six times annually. The availability of food is one of the primary factors that determine the population of pigeons.
Their diet
The natural diet of the urban feral pigeon comprises of seeds or grains but at times they devour discarded food too.
Problems caused by them
People living in cities generally love to feed pigeons but this habit can create problems, especially when this attracts too many pigeons.
What about their droppings?
Pigeon droppings are hideous-looking and they can damage stones and other materials in case of buildings because of the presence of acid. The same on pavements can be slippery when they are fresh. Dead birds, nest material or droppings can cause huge damage when they land on drains and gutters. At times these dead pigeons can also fall into uncovered water tanks, thereby contaminating it completely.
Overfeeding them
While overfeeding doesn't go against the law but it can pose a problem when people engage in the same because the extra food can rot and attract mice and rats.
Pigeon-proof your property
Pigeon proof devices can be used to drive away pigeons and prevent them from building their nests or residing on one's building. Pigeon proofing is a work best done by professionals because they would be knowledgeable about the installation of such devices.
Do they pass on diseases?
Just like humans, pigeons too can transmit diseases, but this happens mostly in case of people who are required to or who loves to come in close contact with these feathery creatures. Nevertheless, in order to avoid such diseases it is advisable to wash hands after coming in contact with the birds or their droppings.
Can such pests be controlled?
Pigeons, their eggs and their nests are all covered by law, so it is not legal to kill or destroy any of the three. In some places destruction of pigeons are allowed but this method is best left to the professionals and not to common people, who should be using non-lethal weapons.
Where do they live?
The rock doves, which were ancestors of the modern feral pigeon used to dwell in rocky cliffs, therefore their descendants live in the same setting in the urban environment as well. For instance: under bridges, ledges, roofs, window sills, etc. Pigeons are social by nature and they spend the daytime in eating while they roost at night.
How do they breed?
All pigeons who are six months or older can breed. They lay their eggs, generally two at a time, in a self-constructed nest located in a sheltered place. The two eggs are then incubated by the pigeon for 16-18 days. The parent pigeons feed their offspring with pigeon 'milk', these baby pigeons leave their nest after five weeks' time but they are still reliable on their parents for feeding for another week or two. At this stage, their parents can breed once again. Pigeons generally breed for about six times annually. The availability of food is one of the primary factors that determine the population of pigeons.
Their diet
The natural diet of the urban feral pigeon comprises of seeds or grains but at times they devour discarded food too.
Problems caused by them
People living in cities generally love to feed pigeons but this habit can create problems, especially when this attracts too many pigeons.
What about their droppings?
Pigeon droppings are hideous-looking and they can damage stones and other materials in case of buildings because of the presence of acid. The same on pavements can be slippery when they are fresh. Dead birds, nest material or droppings can cause huge damage when they land on drains and gutters. At times these dead pigeons can also fall into uncovered water tanks, thereby contaminating it completely.
Overfeeding them
While overfeeding doesn't go against the law but it can pose a problem when people engage in the same because the extra food can rot and attract mice and rats.
Pigeon-proof your property
Pigeon proof devices can be used to drive away pigeons and prevent them from building their nests or residing on one's building. Pigeon proofing is a work best done by professionals because they would be knowledgeable about the installation of such devices.
Do they pass on diseases?
Just like humans, pigeons too can transmit diseases, but this happens mostly in case of people who are required to or who loves to come in close contact with these feathery creatures. Nevertheless, in order to avoid such diseases it is advisable to wash hands after coming in contact with the birds or their droppings.
Can such pests be controlled?
Pigeons, their eggs and their nests are all covered by law, so it is not legal to kill or destroy any of the three. In some places destruction of pigeons are allowed but this method is best left to the professionals and not to common people, who should be using non-lethal weapons.
About the Author:
We are experts in pigeon pest control with many years of experience handling a host of domestic and commercial pests. If you feel you may need our services or would like to learn more about pigeon netting please go to our website where you'll find all of our contact details.
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