Updated on 18/07/2024
Balconies can be great for sunny days, giving you access to outside space even in a flat or crowded city home. Unfortunately, balconies are also ideal for pigeons to roost, nest, or perch. They are high up, which provides pigeons with a good field of view, helping them feel safe from all the usual dangers. Furthermore, the handrail on a balcony is perfect for perching.
Once pigeons have been attracted to your balcony, it won’t take long for them to feel safe, and when they do, you can expect them to start nesting. While most of us consider pigeons to be vermin, they are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning killing pigeons is illegal. As such, to get rid of pigeons from your balcony, you’ll need to look for effective pigeon proofing or bird control methods.
Why Do Pigeons Nest On Balconies?
There are several reasons why pigeons may have chosen your balcony to roost or nest on. First, food is a common attraction that draws pigeons to an area; if there is a plentiful food source, they will keep returning. Even if you’re not feeding the pigeons, there is a chance that your neighbours are, or they’re finding something to eat that they shouldn’t be, such as crumbs.
Pigeons always look for safe and secure areas that offer protection from harsh elements. Pigeons don’t like to be out in the wind and rain, and your balcony may provide shelter from these elements while offering a place to stay at night. The balcony railing can provide a safe, comfortable perch, while your balcony floor can be a nice place to sit or build nests.
If your balcony has a good vantage point, it is the perfect home for a pigeon to move in. Even worse, multiple pigeons could perch on your balcony, and in this case, it will only be a matter of time before they start nesting. If you’ve noticed pigeon nests on your balcony, keep reading for our best tips to keep pigeons away.
How To Get Rid Of Pigeons From Your Balcony
Many bird proofing methods are available to keep pigeons off your balcony. However, a lot of these methods, particularly DIY ones, are ineffective at preventing pigeons and do not keep pigeons away forever. The solution we recommend depends on the configuration of your balcony and the level of pigeon infestation currently present. The only guaranteed method to keep pigeons away is to use a professional company like Pest-Tech to install pigeon deterrents. We’ve completed many pigeon pest control jobs in our time and are true experts in pigeon exclusion. Here are some common solutions to discourage pigeons from your balcony.
Pigeon Decoy Birds
More often than not, customers call us after wasting time and money on a fake decoy bird. Many people use fake owls, but unfortunately, most decoy birds are usually ineffective and don’t scare pigeons away. However, that does not mean they are 100% useless; there are cases where they work as visual deterrents. The options available on the market are Hawks or Owls, which visually scare pigeons from landing in an area.
Fake birds work by activating the pigeon’s sense of danger, causing them to become frightened. They are straightforward to install as a DIY pigeon deterrent, making them the first point of call for many of our customers. Although we don’t recommend using decoy birds, here are a few tips to increase the chance of success:
- Combine with other removal techniques. This includes removing all food and water sources for pigeons, including asking your neighbours to stop feeding the pigeons.
- Get rid of any nesting material, as this may attract pigeons to your balcony. Before performing this step, please ensure pigeons are the birds causing you problems, as many other nests are highly protected.
- Make sure to move the fake bird decoy regularly. Pigeons will get used to the decoy in the same place, and it won’t take long to learn that it poses no danger to them. Move the decoy on a daily, if not weekly, basis.
If you’re set on a decoy bird, then we can provide advice on how to combine it with other techniques to get rid of your pigeon problem for good.
Bird Netting
The most effective method to get rid of pigeons and other pest birds is to install a bird net system, which is made of strong wire mesh. Pigeon netting will act as a barrier to prevent pigeons from gaining access. However, a professional should always carry out the installation of pigeon netting. The reason is that they will need to attach fixings and a steel wire rope to the framework of the balcony. If this is not done correctly, it won’t last, and smaller birds could get through the sides.
Pest-Tech will usually install 50mm pigeon netting, which is available in a range of colour options and can be virtually invisible while also stopping pigeons making your balcony their home. Furthermore, if access is required to the outside of the net, we can install zips to ensure the netting is not damaged. Our balcony pigeon netting services are cost-effective and guaranteed to keep pigeons off your balcony, acting as a physical barrier that the pigeons can’t get past.
Although pigeon netting is our preferred solution to keep pigeons away, if you don’t like the idea of bird netting being fitted, don’t worry; other bird control options are available to deter pigeons.
Bird Spikes
Pigeon spikes are another highly effective solution that involves securing bird spikes to rails and ledges using adhesive. Spikes work effectively to deter these pesky birds from landing on handrails, but other areas of the balcony can still be at risk of being infested by pigeons. Furthermore, bird spikes are not aesthetically pleasing on your balcony and can spoil the look and feel of your space. Spikes work by making the area uncomfortable to keep pigeons away for good. In addition, they are a humane option that prevents pigeons from perching.
Pigeon Repellent Gel
Bird Free Gel, also known as fire gel or optical gel, is a low-profile pigeon deterrent that works in two ways. Firstly, the repellent presents an optical illusion to the pigeons, which makes them feel unsafe and insecure. There is also a powerful odour that smells like very potent garlic, which pigeons dislike and will move away from. The pots are positioned with set spaces on any potential roosting points.
Bird Free Gel is a proactive pest control approach to keep pigeons off your balcony. If there is an active infestation, then bird repellent gel is likely to be less effective. It is best used with a combination of other bird deterrents to ensure pesky pigeons are not attracted to the location in the first place.
Ultrasound Pigeon Repeller
Ultrasound pigeon repellers are a completely harmless and humane way to get rid of pigeons from your balcony. The technology can work in two ways. Firstly, it uses a timer, and secondly, it recognises pigeons are in the vicinity before producing sound waves to stop pigeons from landing.
The effectiveness of the cheaper options available online is questionable as pigeons get used to the noise and learn that they are in no danger. So while they may be effective in the short term, they usually lose their impact. Also, having a professional to install your ultrasound pigeon repellent tool can be vital to its effectiveness, as our experts know how to position and set up the technology for maximum effectiveness.
Wind Chimes
Pigeons tend not to like noises and being startled, so the theory is that wind chimes will deter them. Unfortunately, lightweight wind chimes are similar to fake birds of prey in their effectiveness. While unexpected noises can keep the pigeons away, it won’t be long before they get accustomed to the sound.
So, if you’re noticing pigeons at the beginning of their migration to your balcony, you may have success with wind chimes and alternatives like hanging reflective tape and aluminium foil, as pigeons also don’t like reflective surfaces; however, be aware that success is not guaranteed. Also, if it is an active infestation and the pigeons are already nesting, it is doubtful that wind chimes will keep pigeons away.
Remove Water And Food Sources
Ensuring your balcony is unattractive for pigeons is the cheapest pest control method to deter pigeons. This includes removing bird baths and any food sources the pigeons may use. The problem is getting your neighbours or a whole flat block to participate in the same activity, which can be challenging, which is why proactive measures such as bird netting and spikes can be an ideal way of keeping birds off your individual balcony.
If you’re eager to find the right solution to your pigeon problem and keep birds away in the long term, call 01622 296055 to find out more about our pigeon proofing services.
Problems Caused By Pigeons On Your Balcony
Many homeowners might wonder what the issue is with pigeons. If you haven’t had pigeon problems yet but have noticed them in the area, then you could soon face many issues. Some of the most common problems with pigeons include:
Pigeon Guano
Some people feel happy allowing pigeons on their balcony to start with, but after a short period, the pigeon guano (pigeon poop) will begin to build up. Pigeon waste smells and is hazardous to deal with. When it dries out and you disturb it, dust particles can disperse into the air, which gets breathed in. Due to the risks inherent in removing pigeon guano without proper safety equipment, we recommend that you get professional bird dropping cleaning if you have a build-up. If you don’t act straight away to get rid of a pigeon infestation, the guano will build up further, and there will be a constant fly problem around the area. Excessive pigeon droppings can make your space unusable and unhygienic, so it pays to be proactive and contact the professionals as soon as possible.
Diseases
Pigeons are known carriers of a range of diseases that are transferable to humans. The problems usually stem from guano being disturbed during cleaning. Diseases that pigeon guano contains include Psittacosis, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Salmonellosis. Ultimately, there is no need for yourself or your loved ones to be at risk of those diseases when getting rid of pigeons is easy with our pigeon control methods.
Damage
Damage is another problem that can be highly problematic when pigeons move onto your balcony. Pigeons are messy, and their guano is highly acidic, which can strip paint from your balcony. Furthermore, it can cause a slipping hazard for anyone using the balcony.
How To Keep Pigeons Off Your Balcony For Good
If you’re looking for an effective strategy to deter pigeons from your balcony, then you need professional help.
Pest-Tech can provide support to homeowners and businesses throughout Kent with keeping pigeons at bay. We typically use pigeon netting as that is a guaranteed approach, but we have other options available, including visual deterrents and high-tech solutions to deter problem birds.
We’re a well-established pest control company in Maidstone and Kent, meaning you can rely on us to provide expert solutions for your balcony. Feel free to call us on 01622 296055 to learn more about our methods to get rid of pigeons.