Pigeons—often referred to as “rats with wings”—can be a nuisance when they make your balcony their home. These birds love to roost in urban areas, and your balcony might just be the perfect spot for them to perch, build nests, and leave behind unsightly droppings. While pigeons are harmless creatures, they can cause a host of problems, from messes and potential health hazards to damage to your property.
If you’re struggling with pigeons invading your balcony, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll walk you through various methods to safely and effectively deter pigeons from making themselves at home on your balcony.
Why Pigeons Are Attracted to Balconies
Before we dive into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why pigeons are so attracted to balconies in the first place:
- Shelter: Balconies offer pigeons a safe place to roost and nest. They often prefer quiet, elevated spaces away from predators.
- Food: If you live in an area where food is abundant, pigeons are attracted to areas where they can scavenge for scraps. Balconies are often near restaurants, cafes, or food waste areas.
- Comfort: Balconies provide a warm, sheltered environment for pigeons to relax and breed, especially in urban areas with limited green space.
Now that we know why pigeons love your balcony, let’s look at effective ways to evict them.
Remove Attractants
The first step in getting rid of pigeons is to remove any factors that are attracting them in the first place.
Clean the Balcony
Pigeons are drawn to places where they find food or debris. Start by thoroughly cleaning your balcony. Remove any food scraps, seeds, or garbage. Make sure to sweep away any pigeon droppings (wear gloves if handling them) because the smell may continue to attract more pigeons.
Secure Trash and Food
If you have outdoor plants, be sure to secure trash bins and clean up any fallen fruit, seeds, or food scraps. Pigeons often forage for food, so keeping the area clean will make your balcony less inviting.
Physical Barriers to Prevent Nesting
Once the attractants are removed, you’ll need to put up physical barriers that prevent pigeons from coming back.
Install Pigeon Netting
Pigeon netting is an effective way to physically block pigeons from accessing your balcony. The netting is typically made of durable mesh and can be installed around railings, ledges, and other areas where pigeons might roost or nest.
- Pro Tip: Be sure to use netting that is both strong and weather-resistant, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
2.2 Use Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are an affordable and humane way to deter pigeons from landing. These long, pointed spikes make it uncomfortable for pigeons to perch, and they can be installed on railings, window ledges, or other flat surfaces.
- Pro Tip: Bird spikes should be installed where pigeons are most likely to land, such as the tops of railings or horizontal surfaces.
Install a Pigeon Wire System
A pigeon wire system involves placing thin, stainless steel wires across areas where pigeons like to perch. The wires make it difficult for the birds to settle, as they cannot land comfortably on the wires. This is an effective long-term solution.
- Pro Tip: This system works best on balconies with ledges or parapets.
Deterrents to Keep Pigeons Away
In addition to physical barriers, you can use various deterrents to make your balcony less appealing to pigeons.
Use Reflective Objects
Pigeons are easily scared off by reflective surfaces. Hanging objects that shine and move in the wind, such as mylar strips, shiny CDs, or aluminum foil can create an environment that pigeons find unsettling.
- Pro Tip: Create a “shiny scarecrow” by hanging reflective items from different points on your balcony to confuse the pigeons.
Use Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but extremely irritating to pigeons. These devices can be effective at keeping pigeons away from your balcony, as they disrupt the birds’ communication and navigation systems.
- Pro Tip: Ensure that the ultrasonic device is designed for birds, as it may need to be positioned in a way that directs sound toward the birds’ usual landing spots.
Try a Motion-Activated Sprinkler
Motion-activated sprinklers are an effective and non-harmful method of deterring pigeons. When the sprinkler detects movement, it sprays water, startling the pigeons and forcing them to fly away. This system can be particularly effective during the warmer months when pigeons are most active.
- Pro Tip: Be cautious when using sprinklers, as they can get your balcony wet. Make sure your outdoor furniture and other possessions are protected from water damage.
Use Predatory Bird Decoys
Another option is to use decoys of predators, such as owls or hawks. Pigeons are naturally afraid of birds of prey, and having these decoys visible on your balcony may convince the pigeons to seek out safer spots.
- Pro Tip: Move the decoys around periodically, as pigeons may become accustomed to them if they remain in one spot too long.
Block Off Entry Points
If pigeons have been nesting on your balcony, they likely have a favorite spot to access it. Block off all entry points to prevent pigeons from returning.
Seal Gaps and Holes
Pigeons can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Check for any holes or cracks in your balcony railings, walls, or under the balcony floor. Seal them up with caulk or foam insulation. This is especially important if your balcony is on the higher floors of a building, as pigeons will find any small opening to create a new nest.
Clean Up and Maintain
Once you’ve put measures in place to deter pigeons, it’s essential to maintain them. Regular cleaning and checking for new nests will prevent pigeons from returning.
5.1 Inspect Regularly
Even after you think the pigeons are gone, it’s a good idea to inspect your balcony regularly for signs of nesting or droppings. If pigeons return, you may need to reapply your deterrent methods.
Remove Nests Immediately
If you find a pigeon nest on your balcony, remove it as soon as possible. Pigeons are persistent and may return to the same spot to build a new nest. If you see eggs in the nest, it’s important to remove them, as allowing the eggs to hatch will encourage the pigeons to stay.
Conclusion: Pigeon-Proofing Your Balcony
Getting rid of pigeons on your balcony requires a combination of prevention, deterrents, and maintenance. By understanding what attracts pigeons, removing food sources, installing physical barriers, and using natural deterrents, you can reclaim your balcony from these persistent birds.
Always be humane when trying to get rid of pigeons, as these birds are protected in many regions. Instead of resorting to harmful methods, focus on effective deterrents that won’t cause harm to the pigeons, but will encourage them to seek shelter elsewhere.