Pigeons can cause all kinds of havoc on roofs, if they’re keeping you awake, nesting under your solar panels or pooping all over your property then you’ll want to find an effective way of deterring them.
Below are 5 ways to keep pigeons off your roof:
1. Clear Nests Out Of The Eaves
Pigeons that perch on your roof may actually be nesting or roosting in your attic or the eaves of your house.
If they are in the loft or attic, then you need to get up there and clean out the nests.
Once that is done, block off the eaves and any other open access points.
Hopefully, your unwanted guests will get the point and move elsewhere.
2. Install Spikes
Chimney pots and stacks are a favourite spot for pigeons, especially when they are nesting.
They may settle in between the pots or at the base of the chimney stacks themselves.
One way of deterring them is to place spikes between or around the pots or the base of the stack.
Whether the spikes are made of plastic or metal, doesn’t matter. They are a humane way of keeping them away.
The spikes aren’t intended to harm the birds.
They are used as obstacles only to prevent them landing and roosting on the particular spot where you position them.
A lot of the time pigeons like to line the peak of the roof.
Once one pigeon finds a secure perch with good visibility, it attracts others.
So, that would take a lot of spikes, but there are other methods to keep them off.
3. Use Low Voltage Shocks
Running electrical shock wires along their intended or favourite spots is another method.
The wire should be placed along the ridge of the roof and around the edges or your chimney stack to prevent birds from getting into the chimney.
These low voltage shocks are unpleasant, but not harmful.
If your roof attracts a multitude of pigeons, it may be a good idea to use a mesh design to cover a greater area.
4. Use A decoy
Alternatively, you can use some kind of decoy.
These come in different materials and are designed to scare off pigeons and other avian pests by having the appearance of birds of prey.
Some are stationary and some are designed to move in the wind.
Also Read:
- How To Keep Pigeons Away From Your Bird Feeder
- How To Keep Pigeons Away From Your Balcony
- How To Keep Pigeons Away From Your Plants
- How To Get Rid Of Pigeons From Trees
5. Use Pigeon Repellent Gels
Another method is to use pigeon repellent gels.
These come in different forms and can be found in good pet stores or pet accessory outlets.
Some have to be applied by hand using a silicon or a gunk pistol.
Others come in their own containers.
Basically, they are clear goo-like substances that are smeared on and around where pigeons perch.
They work in two ways:
- They are very sticky, so when a pigeon steps on it they have the unpleasant feeling that they are becoming glued to the surface.
- Along with that, bad odors are released. The gels are impregnated with some essential oils that pigeons don’t like the smell of.
One particular version comes packed in a shallow bowl and emits UV light that appears to resemble a flame when the pigeon steps on it.
7. Call-In The Pigeon Control Specialists
If you’ve tried everything in our list and pigeons are still congregating on your roof then it is worth getting professional help.
If you’ve got a serious pigeon problem the best solution is to get professional help, click the relevant image below (U.S or UK) to find a pigeon control specialist near you:
Summary
All these methods have their own level of effectiveness. Each product has its pro and cons. What you, the house owner, has to decide is what is the best method to deal with your pigeon problem in terms of effort and cost.
