Pigeon Patrol

Pigeons – Rock Dove

by Pigeon Patrol | Jan 4, 2022 | Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows, UltraSonic Bird Control

Commonly known as Pigeons, Rock Pigeons are often considered a nuisance by some city officials and some farm businesses.

In cities they congregate in large flocks and can create messes with their droppings.

On farms, eating grains and possible harm to livestock through bacteria and viruses are concerns about these birds.

Many pigeon deterents are available online to prevent nesting in areas they’re not wanted.

Introduced into North America from Europe in the 1600’s, these birds have been associated with humans for thousands of years.

Rock Doves are thought to have been the first domesticated bird, raised for meat as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Description

Pigeons have different colors due to breeding by humans. They are the descendants of the wild Rock Dove of Europe.

About 13 inches in length with a dark gray head, iridescent neck, with a light gray back and 2 dark wing bars.

Mating – Breeding Habits

Like Mourning Doves, pairs are monogamous, often breeding in consecutive seasons for as long as both birds of a pair live.

Most will attempt to raise several broods each year. Sometimes as many as four or five broods will be raised in a single year.

The breeding season of these birds can be all year provided climate conditions allow. There seems to be some slowing down during the winter months.

Nesting Habits

The nesting habits of Pigeons are a bit unique. The male chooses a site in view of the female, selecting one stick and bringing it back, lays it in front of his mate.

The female who stays at the nesting site accepts the sticks the male brings to her and places them underneath her.

The nest of these birds can be found along building ledges, rafters, beams, under bridges or inside barns.

The nest is saucer-like in shape and made of stems and leaves.

The female may sit on the nest a day or two before the first egg is laid. Generally 2 white eggs are laid.

Both the male and female will incubate but the female will spend the most time on the eggs since she will be on the nest from mid-afternoon to mid-morning.

Incubation last for about 18 days. When the eggs hatch the young are covered in yellow down.

Young pigeons in the nest are referred to as “squabs”

Initially, the squabs are fed what is referred to as crop milk. This is a regurgitated thick liquid food that comes from the parents crops.

At about 10 days the squabs are fed increasing amounts of the food types that adults eat and are no longer dependent on crop milk.

The young will double in size in a day and a half. Making them one of the fastest growing vertebrate in the world.

Within 2 weeks the flight feathers begin to emerge and by week 3 the squabs are covered in feathers.

The tail and full feathering is completed by the 28th day and their weight is that of an adult.

The young will now leave the nest and the male will teach them what they need to know to survive.

This is 10 – 15 days longer than most of our backyard birds.

The female will begin a new clutch and this cycle will repeat about every 30 days when weather cooperates.

Do Pigeons Reuse the Same Nest

It’s more accurate to say that the same nest site is used as the second and subsequent nest are built on top of the previous nest.

Nest that are several years old can measure out to be as much as 7 inches high and 19 inches wide.

Feeding Habits – What Pigeons Eat

Rock Pigeons feed on the ground. To prevent seed spoilage and to keep the birds healthy a ground feeder is recommended for all ground feeding birds.

The best types of food to offer these birds are properly mixed seeds specifically made for doves and pigeons.

Predators

The primary preadators of pigeons include: man, peregrin falcon, and cats. Nest predators include oppossums, raccoons, crows and owls. Hawks will capture perching birds.

Are Pigeons Smart Birds?

According to Professor Richard J. Herrnstein at the Harvard Psychological Laboratories they are. Pigeons were smart enough to learn all the letters of the english alphabet.

In another study, Pigeons were able to recognize themselves in a mirror. This makes them one of six species and the only non-mammal to be able to do so.

So yes, Pigeons are a pretty smart bird.

What is the Lifespan of Pigeons?

Pigeons may live 3 – 6 years in the wild with the average being 3 – 4 years. In captivity they have lived as long as 15 years depending on the care given to the bird.

Pigeons in History

During the world wars, Homing Pigeons were trained to return to a loft in the UK.

Troops then took the pigeons with them and used them to send messages when radio and written communication were being intercepted.

Pigeon Fun Facts

Pigeons have the ability to see about 26 miles.

When fully feather, adult pigeons have around 10,000 feathers.

There are approximately 400 million pigeons in the world.

Source

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

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Why you should get rid of Pigeons

by Pigeon Patrol | Dec 24, 2021 | Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News

Pigeons may seem harmless, but these pest birds cause millions of dollars in damage every year to buildings, ventilation systems, machinery, statues, roofs, and much more. Bird droppings and nesting materials left by pigeons pose physical problems and health hazards that can become very serious if not corrected quickly making prompt and effective professional bird control is often essential.

Potential Health Hazards:

There are many health risks associated with pigeons and their droppings. The bacteria, fungi, and ectoparasites that they and their droppings harbor are numerous. The four most common ways disease is passed by bird to human are: inhalation of fecal dust, food and water contaminated with bird feces, direct contact with feces, and parasitic transfer.

Pigeon droppings can expose humans to many diseases, including salmonella, Newcastle disease, candidiasis, encephalitis, orthosis, and toxoplasmosis. In addition, they can also carry cryptococcosis, and coccidiodomycosis, which cause meningitis. The droppings may also harbor growth of fungus, which causes histoplasmosis. Fleas, lice, mites, and other pests often live on these birds, hitching a ride to where ever they want to jump off. Pigeons may also attract other pests, such as rats, which feed on dead pigeons and food that well-intentioned bird lovers may scatter for them.

In addition to disease, bird droppings are known for triggering people to slip and fall, which makes it especially important to rid the birds from highly trafficked areas.

Damage Caused by Pigeons:

These are messy birds, leaving droppings everywhere they go, particularly near their roost sites. Pigeon droppings are not just gross, they are also full of uric acid which makes them extremely corrosive. The droppings are the direct cause of millions of dollars in damage to buildings and other structures. Particularly vulnerable are painted surfaces, awnings, signs, and other similar surfaces. A tragic example of the corrosiveness of pigeon droppings is the Minnesota bridge accident in 2007, which was found to be the direct result of bird droppings eating away at the metal bridge supports until they weakened.

In addition to the damage cause by their acidic droppings, pigeon nests can also cause damage. Pest birds will often build nests in gutters or on roof corners blocking essential drainage systems. Every year several warehouses experience roof damage, and even collapse, when drainage systems have been blocked and standing water rises just six inches. Bird nests can also block ventilation systems, which not only prevents exhaust of potentially harmful gases, but also has the potential to spread diseases. Fire is also a potential hazard. Nesting materials are usually flammable, consisting of twigs, straw, grasses and dried droppings. When pest birds build their nests inside electric signs or other machinery there is a great risk of fire.

Pigeons are creatures of habit and highly social. Once they have found a cozy spot the will return again and again, bringing along more of their pigeon pals. Prolific breeders, pigeons can hatch several broods a year, sometimes even laying a new clutch before the previous have even hatched. Often our buildings and structures have architectural features such as drain spouts and eaves that make perfect nesting spots for these birds. Pigeons are comfortable around humans and they’re hard to scare away or deter. Once a flock of stubborn unwanted pigeons have set up shop in/on your building, it can be stubbornly resistant to removal, often requiring the services of a pest control or animal control professional. As is true of many pests that invade our homes and businesses, the first step to controlling feral pigeons is to remove their food source.

Tips to deter pigeons:

Don’t feed the pigeons.
Screen drains and gutters to make your property less attractive to pigeons.
Encourage children to pick up spilled food – and teach them NOT to feed pigeons
Keep areas around trash bins and outdoor dining areas clean
Eliminate water sources such as bird baths, over-watered lawns, or kiddy pools.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

How to Clean Pigeon Poop Off a Balcony

by Pigeon Patrol | Dec 24, 2021 | Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows

While birds might be fun to watch, the damage that they can leave on your balcony and lawn furniture isn’t. Not only is pigeon poop unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. It’s important to make sure to clean it from your home’s outdoor areas.

Health Precautions

Bird feces carries with it hazards like slipping, but can also carry health risks as well. This is because it contains pathogens that can be harmful to humans if ingested. When you are cleaning pigeon droppings, you will want to make sure that you take the proper precautions by wearing gloves, a mask, closed-toe shoes, and long sleeve pants and top. Immune-compromised individuals shouldn’t clean up pigeon droppings.

a pigeon bird standing by guano manure

Multipurpose Method for Pigeon Poop

Whether you have a wood, cement or metal balcony, this method can help you remove stains and poop from your scenery.

Materials

Scraper (plastic)
Broom and dustpan
Dishwashing detergent like Dawn
Water
Bucket
Scrub brush
Baking soda

Instructions

For stuck-on droppings, take the scraper and remove it from the balcony. You are just trying to scrape off all the larger pieces. Be careful not to gouge wood.
Use the broom and dustpan to sweep this up and dispose of it properly.
Fill the bucket with warm water and add a tablespoon of detergent.
Use the scrub brush to remove any fecal matter. This will take a bit of elbow grease.
For stains, sprinkle the area with baking soda and allow it to sit for 30 minutes or so.
Use the scrub brush to scrub the area.
Rinse with water.
Allow to air dry.

Cleaning a Wood Balcony

Depending on your balcony, you might take a different approach with wood. This method can help remove stains and odor from wood.

Supplies

Scraper
Broom and dustpan
Club soda
Baking soda
White vinegar
Spray bottle

Method

Use the scraper to remove any dried-on poop.
Broom the area and use the dust pan to dispose of the fecal matter.
Mix vinegar and water in a 50/50 mixture in the spray bottle.
Spray the crusted areas and allow it to sit for 10-30 minutes.
Rinse with club soda.
Apply baking soda to stained areas and use the scrub brush. This will help to remove loosened up fecal matter and remove stains.
Allow the baking soda to sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse the area.
Allow to air dry.

Removing Pigeon Poop from Metal

Metal is tougher stuff, so you can add a little more power to the mix.

What You Need

Hose or power washer
Laundry detergent
Water
Scrub brush
Towel or rag
Spray bottle
Broom and dustpan
Polishing compound

How to Clean

Remove any loose poop with the broom and dustpan.
In the spray bottle, mix 1 tbsp. of laundry detergent with 2 cups of water.
Saturate the stuck on areas with the soapy water.
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Take the rag or towel and remove the softened areas.
Get the power washer or hose and spray the areas until all the poop is removed.
Since pigeon poop is acidic, check the metal for signs of wear.
Using a rag, apply the polishing compound.

Using Commercial Cleaners

If natural cleaners like detergent and baking soda aren’t covering it, commercial cleaners are available that can be substituted. These also work great for areas that need lots of cleaning or larger areas. These include:

Getting Rid of the Smell

If you are looking to get rid of the pigeon dropping smell rather than the actual fecal matter, try vinegar and water or baking soda.

To use baking soda for odor, just sprinkle it on the area and let it sit, then hose or broom it off.
Mix 50/50 vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the area. Allow the vinegar to air dry to remove the smell.

All the Birds

Whether pigeons are overtaking your balcony or you just need to clean up a few random areas, several methods are available for cleaning your balcony depending on the type of material it is made out of. Thankfully, most of these methods only require items in your standard house cleaning arsenal.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

How to safely clean up pigeon droppings

by Pigeon Patrol | Dec 24, 2021 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Animal Deterrent Products, Doves, history of pigeons, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes

In urbanized areas, pigeons are part of the daily life of city dwellers. We see them strolling on the sidewalks without fear of passers-by and cooing under bridges over passing cars. As such, the pigeon is not really a problematic bird species, but when perched, it can release an impressive amount of droppings on anything below. If you are facing this problem, whether inside or outside your home and want to deal with it, here’s how to clean up pigeon droppings.

Preliminary measures before cleaning pigeon droppings

Cleaning pigeon droppings involves removing the guano from the outside or inside of a building after the animal has been removed. Pigeon droppings are generally not harmful to health, except in extreme cases. On the other hand, they can strongly affect the appearance of a building, cause odours and attract insects. Except in certain unusual situations, you can remove the pigeon droppings yourself, unless the extent of the problem is beyond your control or you are experiencing breathing problems. At such times, it may be appropriate to hire the services of a residential exterminator.

Whether the pigeon droppings to be cleaned are on the front of your building or in your attic, the same process can be used. But before you rush to buy products or start cleaning the area, a health and safety risk assessment is essential, especially if the work will be done at height.

It is also recommended to take certain preliminary measures. A face mask, disposable coveralls and rubber gloves must be worn at all times, as well as safety glasses and a good pair of boots.

Products used to kill bacteria in pigeon droppings

There are many cleaning products developed especially for bird droppings. First, there are disinfectants, designed to kill bacteria and organisms, and simple cleaning agents, which, as their name suggests, are simply designed to clean. In most cases, a bucket of hot soapy water containing a little household detergent is a simple but ideal cleaning solution.

Cleaning pigeon droppings is no different from any other thorough cleaning work. With the right equipment, the work will be done quickly. To remove the guano on window sills and the like, a scraper is all you need to remove it. Moisten overly dry guano to soften it before removing it and reduce the amount of dust thrown into the air. Once all pigeon droppings have been scraped and removed from the surface, simply wash the area with a brush and the cleaning solution mentioned above.

What should be done with the excrement next? Small quantities of pigeon guano can be safely disposed of in a domestic or commercial waste bin.

When pigeon droppings become too overwhelming

Urban life means living with a host of animal species, including pigeons. Although this bird is not a threat to human health, the droppings it produces are never desirable, either outside or inside a building. Fortunately, with the right equipment, it is quite easy to remove pigeon droppings.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

Are Pigeons Dangerous?

by Pigeon Patrol | Dec 24, 2021 | history of pigeons, MBCA, pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services

In January 2019, a child died in a Scottish hospital after developing a fungal infection caused by exposure to pigeon droppings. An elderly patient also died in the same hospital of another condition that was exacerbated by exposure to pigeon droppings. It was determined that both patients were exposed to the contaminants via the ventilation system, which was found to contain pigeon droppings. These deaths brought to the forefront a question that many people who are living with pigeon infestations have: in addition to being disruptive, are pigeons actually dangerous? Here are the facts you need to know.

Pigeon droppings contain bacteria and fungi that can cause disease.

Exposure to pigeon droppings can lead to a number of different diseases. Some of the most common infections associated with pigeons are:

· E. coli: E. coli infections are usually the result of pigeon droppings being present in water or in food that is later consumed. This infection causes nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting.

· Histoplasmosis: This is a dangerous fungal infection that affects the lungs, or rarely, other parts of the body. It causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It can be fatal in severe cases.

· Cryptococcus: This is another fungal infection that affects the lungs and can spread to the brain. In its early stages, it can cause a cough, chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. When it spreads to the lungs, it causes headaches, neck pain, changes in behavior, confusion, and sensitivity to light. It can also be fatal.

· Psittacosis: Psittacosis is a bacterial infection that causes fever, headaches, a rash, and can lead to pneumonia, if left untreated.

· Candidiasis: This fungal infection can affect multiple parts of the body, including the mouth, lungs, urogenital tract, and skin. This infection may require prolonged periods of antifungal medications to treat.

· Salmonellosis: Pigeon droppings may contain the bacteria salmonella, which can cause this infection. Typically, people are exposed to these bacteria when pigeon droppings come into contact with food or food preparation surfaces. This infection causes nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

Pigeons also carry other potential health risks.

It is not just the droppings of pigeons that are dangerous. Pigeons themselves can carry mites and fleas, which can then attach to your pets or enter your home, causing skin irritation and itchiness. They can also spread infections through bites that are dangerous to both people and pets.

Pigeons can also carry West Nile virus. Although people are unlikely to contract West Nile virus directly from pigeons, it is still important to avoid removing any dead pigeons from your property without the help of a professional for this reason.

People with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

The infections that pigeons are likely to transmit do not affect everyone at the same rate. Many healthy adults are able to fight off infections caused by exposure to bacteria and fungi from pigeon droppings. If they do become ill, then they are likely to have very mild infections.

However, although it is always possible for someone who is healthy to become very ill from these conditions, other people are more at risk. Infants and children are more likely to experience severe symptoms when they are exposed to a disease via pigeon droppings. People who are immuno-compromised, such as people with HIV or who are undergoing chemotherapy, also have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications. Lastly, the elderly are prone to severe symptoms from pigeon-related diseases.

Even without exposure to a disease, some people may have allergy symptoms, including respiratory problems, rashes, and itchiness, as a result of a pigeon infestation near their home or business.

For safety reasons, only professionals should handle pigeon control.

If you have a pigeon infestation, it’s important to deal with the issue as soon as possible. However, trying to get rid of pigeons and clean up their droppings on your own is not safe. Pigeon control professionals are trained in safe management techniques and have the proper equipment required to clean up after a pigeon infestation safely.

One of the biggest risks of cleaning up pigeon droppings on your own is that you could release dust into the air that contains bacteria and fungi that cause infection. Not only would you be at risk from inhaling the bacteria and fungi yourself, but you could also inadvertently introduce the contaminants into the HVAC system in your home, allowing them to spread into your indoor air and putting your family at risk.

Source

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.

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Next Entries »

Pigeons – Rock Dove

Description

Mating – Breeding Habits

Nesting Habits

Do Pigeons Reuse the Same Nest

Feeding Habits – What Pigeons Eat

Predators

Are Pigeons Smart Birds?

What is the Lifespan of Pigeons?

Pigeons in History

Pigeon Fun Facts

Why you should get rid of Pigeons

How to Clean Pigeon Poop Off a Balcony

Health Precautions

Multipurpose Method for Pigeon Poop

Materials

Instructions

Cleaning a Wood Balcony

Supplies

Method

Removing Pigeon Poop from Metal

What You Need

How to Clean

Using Commercial Cleaners

Getting Rid of the Smell

All the Birds

How to safely clean up pigeon droppings

Preliminary measures before cleaning pigeon droppings

Products used to kill bacteria in pigeon droppings

When pigeon droppings become too overwhelming

Are Pigeons Dangerous?

Pigeon droppings contain bacteria and fungi that can cause disease.

Pigeons also carry other potential health risks.

People with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

For safety reasons, only professionals should handle pigeon control.

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