A neighbour’s pigeons, whether pets or wild birds they feed, can cause mess or damage, but in almost every case the problem is a minor annoyance, and the best advice is to put up with it. If that is not possible, the approaches below, starting with a polite conversation, help solve it without falling out. Neighbourly feuds (opens in new tab) can start over small things, so tact matters.
1. Talk to your Neighbours
Talking to your neighbour about the problem first is the right way to start. Sometimes, making someone aware that there is an issue prompts a resolution.
If you don’t feel comfortable about confronting them face to face, you could always write them a letter explaining the problem you are having regarding the wild pigeons, or the neighbour’s pet pigeons.
Do remember that some people find a letter quite offensive, but you can write in the letter that you were having trouble catching them in person so you thought you would write a letter.
If you talk to them face to face, make sure to remain calm, and take on board what the neighbour has to say.
If you confront your neighbour and they do not agree with what you say and have refused to sort the problem out after you have asked them a few times, then you could look into contacting the pest control in your local area or some sort of local authority. However, this has to be a very last resort because it is the sort of move that will cause a massive amount of friction.
Seek advice from your local council about what the rules are towards people having or feeding pigeons in their or your shared garden. Doing this might help with your case against your neighbour if the pigeons cause any damage or mess.
You can call their landlord or tenancy agency to explain that you have tried sorting it out between yourselves, but the pigeon problem still has not been resolved.
2. What To Do If Your Neighbour Won’t Stop Feeding the Pigeons
If your neighbour is putting food out for the smaller birds that visit their garden, but the pigeons are stealing it, try advising them to get a feeder guard as they will be able to feed the birds, but may stop the pigeons from coming around.
You can also buy bird feeders that are pigeon (and other large birds) proof.
You have to remember that in most places it is not illegal to feed birds in your own garden (although some councils can step in if feeding causes a serious nuisance), however you could gift your neighbour a pigeon-proof feeder.
In most cases, it is best to create a garden or environment that pigeons will not want to visit.
There is little good evidence that noise makers work.
These are devices that emit a high-pitched noise to keep things like pigeons and cats away, but there is little evidence that they deter pigeons.
They change the behaviour of birds and wildlife but in very unpredictable ways.
In many cases, the birds become accustomed to the noise, while their predators (other birds, foxes, cats) may be put off, which could even make your garden safer for pigeons.
3. Make The Garden Less Hospitable for Pigeons
Find and implement ways to keep pigeons out of your garden.
Do not give the birds places to roost and sit.
Even small changes, like adding curves to the tops of your fences, will make it less convenient for pigeons to find a comfortable perch.
If you have high-up ledges and places where pigeons sit, then add pigeon guards to stop them. These are things like bumpy surfaces that make it difficult for pigeons to sit in a certain position.
Avoid spikes or things of that nature, because birds can get caught or injured on them, and pigeons sometimes even build nests on top of them.
Doing this in your garden will give pigeons who visit your neighbour less room to hang out so over time they may eventually move elsewhere.
4. Get A Cat (With A Bell)
Some people think that a cat will act as a permanent guard, but this is not the case.
There is a reason why dogs are used as guards and cats are not.
Many cats spend much of their time indoors.
In most cases, it will happily spend all day staring at the birds through the window while it lies in the sun.
Cats are most active around dawn and dusk, while pigeons are active during the day.
Plus, your cat is not likely to sit in your garden all day when it has a full world to explore.
However if you already have a cat, and you are disappointed by how ineffective it is at scaring off your neighbour’s pigeons then consider getting a bell for its collar.
This draws attention to your cat.
As the bell tinkles, birds give out a warning call that tells other birds that a cat is wandering around.
Many birds react to the alarm calls of other species, not just their own.
This means that if a robin or starling hears your cat’s bell, sees your cat, and screeches out a warning call, then all the birds (including the pigeons) will fly away.
5. Learn To Live With it
There are very few circumstances where a few pigeons will cause a big problem.
If your neighbour has a coop that they refuse to clean out, and the smell is getting into your house whenever you open the door, then this is something to complain about.
However, if your neighbour is simply feeding the birds and the pigeons keep coming around, then learn to love the pigeons.
There is already so much unhappiness in the world, why rob your neighbour of a little joy?
Last updated 31 October 2026 · Problems