Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 08:08 pm
Pigeons have lived in close proximity to humans for millennia. In their natural habitat, pigeons usually nest on sea cliffs or caves. In areas of human habitation, the flat balconies and ledges of apartment buildings tend to replace their natural cliff surroundings.
Pigeons are everywhere in cities, especially in coastal areas. Their ability to adapt and navigate complex city environments is incredible. However, most city dwellers see pigeons as pests, with some even going as far as referring to them as ‘rats with wings.’
Like rats and raccoons, pigeons are vermin that carry disease and can cause serious damage to your property. If you have pigeons on your balcony, you must act quickly to remove them. Below, we explore 6 humane methods to keep pigeons off your balcony.
1. Ultrasonic Bird Repeller
Ultrasonic bird repellers emit sound frequencies that can’t be heard by humans but are audible to birds. This harmless solution can be quite effective at deterring pest birds, including pigeons. Pigeons will steer clear of functional repellers.
2. Reflective Surfaces
Using reflective surfaces is another harmless way to keep pigeons at bay. Reflective surfaces are commonly used to keep pest birds away in gardens, but they can also be on the balcony and other areas of your home.
3. Bird Repellent Gel
Try bird-repellant gel if you’re looking for a long-lasting, non-toxic bird deterrent for use on ledges, sills, balconies, and other hard surfaces. This relatively new bird deterrent method is said to be extremely effective against pest birds, including pigeons.
4. Wind Chime
A wind chime is a harmless yet effective tool that prevents pigeons from nesting on your balcony or deck. The sound coming from the wind chimes helps drive the birds away. Some wind chimes feature reflective surfaces to increase effectiveness.
5. Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are also an effective deterrent against pigeons and other pest birds. They work by keeping the birds from accessing their favorite roosting sites, including balconies, ledges, window sills, and beams. Bird spikes are easy to install and maintain.
6. Netting
Netting is an effective and long-lasting way to protect your property from pigeon infestation. As the name suggests, bird netting involves the use of nets to keep birds from accessing certain areas. They provide a discreet and impenetrable barrier that protects the property without harming the birds.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Pigeons Humanely
The best way to get rid of pigeons is to prevent them from nesting on your property in the first place. But how do you do that? Pigeons are natural scavengers, so they are always in search of easy food, and their diet consists of anything they might stumble upon.
You can prevent pigeons from nesting on your balcony by ensuring there’s no food to attract them. If you live near a park, try to educate people about the health hazards associated with pigeons to discourage feeding.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons without Hurting Them
They may seem harmless, but there are many reasons to want pigeons off your property. For instance, their toxic droppings are a health hazard. Their acidic poop can also lead to structural damage on your property. Also, having pigeons around may invite vermin like rats and flies.
To get rid of pigeons without hurting them, do the following
- Get rid of food
- Use netting
- Install a bird fence/wire
- Use a rubber snake
- Add a plastic owl decoy
How to Stop Pigeons from Pooping on My Balcony
There are many reasons for wanting to keep your balcony free of pigeon poop. For starters, pigeon poop poses a health hazard. Researchers have recently identified over 60 diseases associated with pigeon droppings.
Secondly, pigeon poop is acidic, meaning it can deface and accelerate the deterioration of building materials. Luckily, a few tricks can stop pigeons from pooping on your balcony.
Use Deterrents
You can use deterrents to keep pigeons off your balcony. Pigeon deterrents are affordable, easy to install, and won’t harm the birds. Popular options include:
- Reflective surfaces
- Bird repellant gel
- Bird spikes
- Wind chime
- Ultrasonic bird repeller
Keep Your Balcony Free of Food Scraps
Being natural scavengers, they are attracted to areas with available food sources and will keep coming back if they find it. Keep food scraps off your balcony to avoid pigeons and their droppings on your balcony.
How to Scare Pigeons with Sound
You can prevent pigeons from nesting on your balcony or any other parts of your home with sound. There are a few ways to go about warding pigeons off using sound. These are:
Wind Chimes
Wind chimes are the easiest way to keep pigeons off your balcony with sound. Pigeons have very good hearing, and the sounds coming from wind chimes are unpleasant for them. However, wind chimes may lose their effectiveness as the birds become habituated.
Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices effectively clear pigeons from balconies, decks, patios, etc. These bird deterrents use electronic devices that produce a high-pitch emission that pigeons, with their incredible hearing, can catch and steer clear.
Other Sound Deterrents
In addition to wind chimes and ultrasonic devices, you can use sound to scare pigeons off in myriad ways. For instance, you can capitalize on their instinctive fear of predators. Devices that mimic the sounds of birds that prey on pigeons — falcons, owls, hawks, etc. — are quite effective.
How to Keep Pigeons Away from Window
Noise from pigeons is a huge concern, especially during the mating season. You don’t want them anywhere near your windows for this reason. Here are a few ways to keep pigeons from perching on your window ledge.
- Install reflective surfaces
- Use bird-repellant gel
- Mount window nets
- Place fake owl decoys
- Install bird spikes
Why Do Pigeons Keep Coming to My Balcony?
As mentioned earlier in the article, pigeons usually roost on the sides of tall cliffs or caves in their natural habitat. So, naturally, pigeons want to roost on the balconies and ledges of tall, concrete structures in large cities.
Say Goodbye to Pigeons on Your Balcony!
Getting rid of pigeons can be a headache. The key to keeping these pest birds off your balcony is to make it uncomfortable for them. Feel free to use deterrents in our guide to prevent pigeons from perching on the railing of your balcony in the first place.