FERAL PIGEON CONTROL

The feral pigeon is a descendant of the domestic homing pigeons introduced into Australia from Europe. Pigeons live 3-4 years in the wild and do not migrate. They stay near their birth site, which may be your house. Feral flocks have been able to increase in numbers and dominate the urban landscape due to the availability of food, fresh water and secure breeding sites. Remember to always check if the pigeon is feral, if there is a tag around the leg the pigeon is owned by somebody. Pigeon Facts rno Life span of 3-4 years in the wild, up to 16 years in captivity. rno Pigeons are monogamous and a mating pair will have 3 to 4 broods per year of 1-2 eggs each. rno Eggs are a solid white colour and hatch in 18 days, and the young leave the nest within 35 days. rno Pigeons do not migrate, staying near their birth site (which may be your home). Identifying a Feral Pigeon rnThe standard feral pigeon is generally: rno Blue-grey with a white rump. rno Has iridescent feathers on head and neck. rno Two broad black bars across each wing. rno A broad dark band across the end of the tail. rno They can also display white, brown or grey plumage. Does Your Property Have a Pigeon Problem? rnMany property owners do not realise their building has a feral pigeon problem. Factors which indicate a pigeon problem on your property include the following: rno Do one or two pigeons frequent the building? rno Do flocks of pigeons regularly frequent the building? rno Is there an accumulation of pigeon droppings on or around the building? Control Techniques rnResearch has shown that simply using lethal methods of pigeon control (culling) is not effective in the long term. Implementing non-lethal control techniques is the most effective long term solution to reducing the pigeon population. These include:- rno Food Reduction - Remove sources of food and water (outdoor pet food bowls, bird baths, bird feeders). Ensure that refuse, especially food refuse, is properly stored and food spillage is kept to a minimum. o Destruction of Nesting Sites Pigeon nests are very simple and often consist of a few still twigs. Look for nests along building ledges, bridge supports, air conditioning units, windowsills etc. Pigeons are very persistent and destruction of the nest at regular intervals will be beneficial along with a combination of other control methods. rno Proofing/Deterrents It is important to prevent pigeons from gaining access to roosting and nesting sites by sealing doorways, windows, open eaves etc. This may require extensive renovations or may be as simple as sealing a crack or crevice using materials such as mesh or wooden panels. rnProducts such as netting (bird wire or mesh), wire coils or 'pigeon spikes' prevent pigeons from landing or roosting on building surfaces. Please note that poorly designed or maintained pigeon proofing can lead to birds becoming fatally trapped. It is important for such products to be installed by a professional. o Trapping In many incidences trapping does not have a long term effect on the pigeon population. The number of birds caught and killed during trapping operations can be replaced as quickly as the birds are removed. If you decide to implement a trapping program, you must remember that the source of food must be removed otherwise the trapping exercise may be pointless. rno Eradication Licensed pest control operators use a painless narcotic agent which causes the bird to overdose and go to sleep. The theory is that the birds take the bait, sit and wait to be picked up and disposed. Unfortunately in many circumstances many of the birds feed, fly off and can die and inhumane death. Large numbers of other birds may also take the bait and die in the same way. It is important that if this control option is used, professional advice is sought. rno Shooting Licensed pest control operators kill pigeons with an air gun to reduce pigeon numbers. Every situation will be assessed by the pest control operator to determine if shooting is a viable option. It is important to realise that if birds are shot on high inaccessible ledges they cannot be retrieved to be humanely dispatched. As with all the above control methods, killing adults may also leave juvenile flightless birds in nests to die of starvation. rnIt will also be in the best interest for neighbouring properties to proof their property otherwise pigeons will quickly take up residence and simply move the problem around without reducing the flock size. rno Remember to Wear Protective Equipment Licensed pest control operators and 'do-it-yourselfers' must take proper precautions when tackling pest control projects. Respirators, goggles and protective clothing should be worn when cleaning bird sites particularly those with large amounts of droppings present. rnWorking Together on Pigeon Control rnIn large numbers, pigeons do a great deal of damage to buildings due to the acidic nature of their droppings. Feathers, eggs and dead birds also foul the environment and buildings, sometimes blocking gutters which can lead to flooding in rain events. rnConsequently, just as we need to control the rat and mice numbers, it is equally important to control the feral pigeon population. No single method of control offers the ultimate solution, but rather a combination of methods, with the responsibility having to be shared by Council, industry, businesses and residents. In order to control pigeons the following need to be employed: rno The reduction of food sources; rno The reduction of nesting and roosting sites; rno The pigeon proofing of buildings. Some businesses in the area, as well as Council, have already undertaken extensive pigeon proofing of their buildings by using spikes and fine wires. These deterrents are effective in reducing the number of birds able to land and roost on building ledges, window sills and roof tops. Along with this, new building work should also look at designs that do not provide roosting points and ledges for the birds.