Is Pigeon Nesting Season Over?

Ordinarily, having a bird’s nest near your home or business wouldn’t be any cause for concern. But what about when the birds in question are pigeons? Pigeons are noisy, messy, and they carry and spread diseases. This is not just a problem for the spring and summer either. Unlike many other birds, pigeons nest all year round.

So I Should Be Worried About Nesting Pigeons?

When pigeons nest near your home or business, they can cause a lot of problems.

They Spread Diseases

You might have heard pigeons being referred to as ‘flying rats’ and this is not completely unjustified. They spread diseases like salmonella and histoplasmosis (which causes lung problems) through their droppings. You don’t need to touch the droppings either, it’s enough to just breathe in the airborne particles.

They are Messy

Speaking of droppings, pigeons can make a mess of walkways and paths with their droppings. They can also encourage the growth of weeds and moss on roofs.

They are Noisy

A lone pigeon cooing isn’t too bad, but a large population of them creates a lot of noise.

Can I Move a Pigeon Nest?

Nesting pigeons are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you try to move a nest during peak nesting season in the spring and summer, you’re breaking the law. However, if you’re pretty sure the nest is redundant, you can move it.

The problem with that is that unlike many other birds, pigeons can lay eggs several times per year. They don’t just lay eggs and nest in the spring and summer, so technically, they could be using a nest all year round.

What Can I Do About Nesting Pigeons on my Property?

Because pigeons are protected by law, if a nest is established and there are no serious health and safety risks, you may have to allow eggs to hatch and fledglings to leave a nest before you do anything. Lethal control is only allowed under licence and even then, only for specific reasons. Other bird control methods also have to be exhausted first.

If you have a pigeon problem around your home or business, your best bet is to call in professional bird control. That way, you can be sure that any strategy that’s being used is both legal and effective.

One of the best ways to deter pigeons from nesting on your property is to use deterrents and bird proofing methods such as:

• Bird Spikes

• Bird Netting

• Fire Gel

• Falconry Bird Control

• You can also do your bit to make your property less attractive to them by:

• Removing Food Sources; This means keeping bins shut, not letting them overflow, and avoiding putting loose bin bags out. It also means that nobody on or near your property should be feeding pigeons.

• Getting Rid of Any Standing Water

• Standing water attracts thirsty pigeons.

Need Help With Nesting Pigeons on Your Property?

Contego has a reputation in the industry as one of the leading bird control companies in the UK. We’ve controlled pest birds like pigeons for customers in challenging locations like supermarkets, power stations, stadiums, rail platforms, factories, warehouses, and listed buildings.

From our initial survey of your property all the way through to the treatments and prevention and proofing advice, we’re there for you.

Need help dealing with nesting pigeons now?