We all know that pigeons are highly intelligent creatures who, unfortunately, receive a lot of unnecessary abuse. However, it’s a different story when it comes to them making a home in your attic/loft!
They can cause irreversible damage to your property whilst also keeping you up all night.
So if you’ve noticed a lot of pigeon activity around your property, then we highly suggest you take preventative measures to deter them from entering – before it’s too late…
Signs Of Pigeons In Your Attic
Unsure whether you need to be worried about pigeons in your home? We’ve put together a list of signs to look out for when identifying the presence of pigeons in your loft:
- Noise – The most obvious sign of a pigeon infestation is noise.
Listen out for flapping noises, footsteps, cooing etc., during the early hours of the morning and evening. - Nests – If you have access to your attic, it is worth looking up there to see if there are any birds nests around.
They are very easily identifiable; however, they may be slightly hidden.
We suggest also checking vent spaces and any other gaps like this you have around your home.
They provide the birds with a pre-made shelter that also has easy access in and out. - Guano – Or as it’s otherwise known, bird poop!
Unfortunately, wherever pigeons go, they will leave a trace in the form of guano.
However, it can be a helpful sign when trying to determine their presence on your property.
The distinctive white-colored poo is easy to spot, so if you think you have pigeons in your loft space, the easiest thing to do is to simply have a look around. - Damage – To access your property, pigeons will enter through tiny holes in your fascias and soffits.
Head outside and take a good look at your roofline.
If you can spot a hole, then it may mean you have pigeons in your loft – and even if you don’t have a pigeon problem, it might not be long until you do!
If you’ve identified one or more of these signs, then you most definitely have a pigeon infestation.
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:
Unfortunately, pigeons are not pets, and they can cause damage to your property and put your health at risk; therefore, they have to leave.
While you can attempt to remove them yourself, it is more challenging than you may first think.
The safest bet for the effective removal of pigeons is to contact a pest control professional.
If you are worried about removing them humanely, most pest controllers will offer humane services or alternatives to suit all requirements.
Preventing Pigeons From Getting In Your Attic
So, maybe you haven’t noticed any of these signs in your home – great news, you don’t currently have a pigeon problem.
However, it’s only a matter of time before pigeons (or another bird, or even a rodent) decide to call your attic it’s home.
There are both DIY and professional options out there to prevent this from happening. In our opinion, professional bird deterrents are the most effective method of preventative bird control.
If you’re based in the Uk you can buy these from trustworthy pest control suppliers such as:
If you’re based in the U.S or elsewhere just do a quick search for ‘pest control supplies’ to find a reputable supplier that delivers to you.
Below are a few different methods you can use to prevent pigeons from getting in your loft:
- Secure your loft/attic!
As previously mentioned, pigeons will easily gain access to your home via small holes in your fascias and soffits.
Take the time to check for any spots that will provide a way in.
Block up any holes you do find immediately; not only will it help your heating bill, but it will also keep out pigeons and other unwanted pests like rats and squirrels.
Most quality pest control suppliers will stock bird mesh and netting ideal for vents and gaps that you can’t fill. - Bird Spikes.
Bird spikes are one of the most common pigeon deterrent methods worldwide.
You can purchase them from a pest control supplier and place them on ledges, roofs, beams and pipes.
They are used to stop pigeons, and other birds, from perching in particular areas. If you use these spikes, pigeons will begin to leave your property alone.
If they can’t land on your roof, then they can’t gain access to your loft – simple!
Also, bird spikes are nowhere near as dangerous as they look for those who are worried about harming the pigeons.
Pigeons are clever creatures; they won’t just impale themselves on your spikes without thinking.
Instead, they will spot the spikes and know that this is a place they are no longer welcome. - Tidy your garden.
If you have a tree close to the house, overhanging branches will act as a path straight into your loft!
Make sure that you are regularly trimming branches and keeping them away from your property.
Lofts are not the only area of your home at threat; pigeons will often make their homes in your gardens.
If this is the case, read our guide on keeping pigeons out of your garden for helpful tips and tricks. - Decoys.
A cost-effective way to keep pigeons away is the use of decoys.
Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, decoys will scare pigeons away from your property.
However, many cheaper options will be stationary, and our clever pigeon friends don’t take long to figure out that the decoy isn’t an authentic predator.
So their efficacy is often relatively short-lived.
