Pigeon Droppings Archives - Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services

METRO’S PIGEON CLEANUP BRINGS ANOTHER FINE MESS

Pigeon Patrol — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 02:36:55 +0000

Metro’s pigeon problems just keep piling up.

First, there were complaints from people who had to walk and drive

under two Red Line overpasses where thick swarms of the birds had

decided to roost.

Now, Metro’s efforts to get rid of the pigeons have created a flap

between two animal welfare organizations, which disagree over whether

the methods used — including the use of pellet guns — are humane.

“I think they’re doing an excellent job,” said Brenda Parvis of the

Washington Humane Society, which has been monitoring the cleanup work

under the bridges over Van Buren and Aspen streets NW, near the Takoma

station.

“They are doing it the wrong way,” said Jackie Freitag, president of

the Wildlife Rescue League, a regional group based in Falls Church.

“Let’s do it in a humane way.”

Both groups agreed with Metro that something had to be done about the

pigeons, which apparently were attracted to the steel girders under the

bridges by bird lovers who leave food nearby.

Before the cleanup, a person “couldn’t walk or drive underneath

without being bombarded with pigeon feces,” Parvis said. “People were

walking through inches of pigeon excrement.”

“I understand the problem,” Freitag said.

Metro spokeswoman Beverly Silverberg said the pigeons, which carry

disease-bearing lice, also create a health hazard.

Metro hired a pest control firm, J.C. Ehrlich Co. Inc., of Reading,

Pa., which has been clearing out the underpasses during the past two

weeks. The firm attached a large net just below the girders where the

pigeons roost. Then it drove most of the birds out the sides with water

and air hoses before beginning to steam clean and disinfect the area,

Silverberg said.

But many birds did not leave. Friday, dead pigeons’ bodies were lying

in the netting, while live pigeons flapped around inside.

The Humane Society has been allowed to use the contractor’s equipment

to leave food and water so that the remaining birds inside don’t starve,

Parvis said.

But Freitag said the birds had no food for three days, and said there

are baby birds trapped inside that have been abandoned and cannot feed

themselves.

Parvis said an exterminator took all the fledglings out and turned

them over to the care of league members.

The biggest disagreement has been over the decision to shoot the

remaining pigeons with pellet guns.

The Humane Society views this as the most humane alternative, Parvis

said. Allowing them to starve or leaving poison would cause slow,

painful death, while continuing to feed them would cause them to

reproduce, she said.

But league members said the pellet guns do not kill the birds

instantly, and cause the birds to suffer.

“We had offered numerous alternative solutions, all of which were

pooh-pooh’d,” said Linda Lieberman, a league member.

Pigeon Patrol

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Greenpeace renews call to close Sellafield after report on radioactive pigeons

Pigeon Patrol — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:10:05 +0000

It is nothing less than annoying if pigeon droppings land in the garden. It is all the more serious when the droppings are contaminated with radioactivity.

The environment campaigners Greenpeace are calling for an end to all nuclear reprocessing at the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria following the publication of an official report yesterday. It discovered that wild pigeons roosting at the site and contaminated with radioactivity had carried it to a garden two miles away in Seascale.

The pigeons, described by Greenpeace as “flying nuclear waste”, were contaminated after roosting in old buildings at Sellafield. They began feeding in the garden over a two-year period and the soil was contaminated to such an extent that the garden was dug up by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) and sent to a nuclear dump along with a number of garden gnomes. The pigeons were destroyed last year. The report, published by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (Comare) and the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee (RWMAC), acknowledged that the contamination of the garden was not significant.

The radioactive dose received by the residents was about half the annual limit for members of the public while the doses received by neighbours in adjacent properties were “not of any radiological concern”, according to the report.

But the report recommends that further research into possible contamination at nuclear sites, including the risk posed to other wildlife such as insects and other birds should be carried out. It also reported that authorised discharges of radioactive gases from Sellafield’s chimneys might have caused some of the radiation contamination.

Prof Bryn Bridges, chairman of Comare, said it was possible the doses could have been higher. He described the contamination as a “worrying discovery”.

BNFL apologised for the contamination and said it was pleased the report acknowledged the steps it had taken to remedy the situation. It also accepted the report’s criticism that mismanagement was at the heart of the problem.

In a statement yesterday, BNFL said it had committed considerable resources to resolve the issue: “This involved culling the birds, controlling the birds’ feeding, restricting access to these older buildings and completing a site habitat control programme. A programme of remediation was also carried out in Seascale, after discussion with the property owners and the regulator.”

Greenpeace described decisionmaking at Sellafield as “hopelessly inadequate” and said the problem did not die when BNFL culled the birds. Dr Helen Wallace of Greenpeace said: “Nuclear waste could still be spreading through wildlife into people’s homes and gardens. Today’s reports warn that other wildlife, such as insects and doves, may also be involved in the spread of nuclear waste from nuclear sites into people’s homes and gardens.”

BNFL should be made to properly contain and monitor all existing waste, she added.

Pigeon Patrol

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post Greenpeace renews call to close Sellafield after report on radioactive pigeons appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

Bird Droppings

Pigeon Patrol — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:53:18 +0000

Eighteen frozen pigeons were recently shipped north to the suburban Albany labs of New York State wildlife pathologist Ward Stone. The birds, poisoned by pesticide-spiked rice, were a familiar sight to the medical examiner. He had already autopsied several victims, and this latest batch of corpses, found scattered around a supermarket parking lot in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, put the murder tally in the hundreds – and confirmed Stone’s suspicion that he is on the Carbofuran-laced-birdseed trail of an avian serial killer.

The pigeons were added to a pile of more than 400 New York City birds Stone has examined over the past two years. He’s been cataloguing causes of death in our 126-species bird habitat, and his pigeon report joined a folder filled with more exotic necropsies: a Jamaica Bay loon with its waterproofing washed away by detergent; a swan found in Central Park Lake with a lead sinker stuck in its gizzard; two red-tailed hawks from Mary Tyler Moore’s building; and a black-crowned night heron from Prospect Park loaded with four pesticides.

Besides the vigilante avicides and high-profile mortalities, Stone has examined dozens of birds killed by the commercial agent Avitrol, used legally by exterminators all over the city. “You can get caught up in the ‘Carbofuran Killer,’ but Avitrol is what’s killing most of the birds in New York City,” argues anti-Avitrol activist Mary Kelly, whose outrage at the sight of dead pigeons plopping to the pavement from lofty aeries on York and 86th Street in 1997 prompted Stone’s larger inquiry. After autopsying Kelly’s birds, Stone recommended a statewide ban on Avitrol (his employers at the state Department of Environmental Conservation issue licenses to exterminators). He has also found the toxic substance in at least one peregrine falcon – evidence, he says, that the agent is passed to other birds up the food chain, since peregrines love pigeon pie.

Thanks to Stone and Kelly, avian awareness has roosted in Albany: An Avitrol-ban bill flew through the State Assembly last year but crashed in the Senate under pesticide-lobby pressure. This year’s version would have given individual localities the right to ban the pesticide, but Governor Pataki clipped the bill’s wings when he vetoed it at the end of July.

Stone’s activism also prompted wildlife rehabilitators, bird-loving bureaucrats, and other nature freaks to begin scooping and sending the dead crows, starlings, and grackles in their neighborhoods and parks, and Stone plans to release his first-ever comprehensive city bird-necropsy report shortly. He says he was surprised at the “incredible array” of local birds he encountered, “much more than a country boy like me could have expected,” and cites improved water quality – hell, there are cormorants cruising in the Gowanus Canal – as a critical factor in maintaining the city’s “splendiferous” habitat.

The pathologist has lost track of the number of times he’s been compared to seventies television hero Quincy, M.E., but he has his own unsolved mysteries to take care of: Those Brooklyn birds, it turns out, were done in by a copycat using a different pesticide (Methomyl) and bait than the Carbofuran Killer. Still, says the scientist, a bit optimistically, “only two purposeful poisoners in a city of millions – that’s not bad.”

Pigeon Patrol

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post Bird Droppings appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

Pooping pigeon invasion: ‘Our town is being taken over!’

Pigeon Patrol — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:40:24 +0000

It’s a rather fowl situation.

A town south of London is facing a bombardment of bird poop brought on by a “growing” influx of winged interlopers that officials just don’t have an answer for.

“You walk around and they are cooing above you. All the babies are squawking, and then they could poo on you,” Ashford business owner Vince Monticelli told South West News Service.

“Our town has been taken over by seagulls and pigeons.”

The Ashford Borough Council has been gliding around the issue after walking back April’s plans to get a hawk that would ward off the unwanted new residents in the Kent nabe.

“We have researched carefully, and following consultation with relevant stakeholders and local businesses, we believe at this time there is an insufficient need for a hawk service to be introduced to the town center,” a government spokesperson said.

The situation is “under review” and could include a four-month trial with the predatory bird, though the idea has reportedly been dropped for now.

Initially, the locale also felt that a hawk being walked around by a professional caretaker also would make for an especially appealing “attraction.”

Monticelli, also, stood firm: “I think they are an issue and the council probably should’ve got the hawk.”

Other locals, like Russell Green, doubled down on the problems pigeons are causing, too.

Troves of pigeons and seagulls are pooping all over an English town.KM / SWNS

“I don’t see why they couldn’t get [a hawk] in for a couple of days a month,” he said. “Once pigeons and seagulls know there is a hawk here, they won’t bother coming back.”

Another man who works in the town, Connor Moon, suggested the winged visitors “don’t do us any harm” and blamed the poop-apalooza on bird brains who feed the avians, inadvertently inviting them to come back — with friends.

Pigeon Patrol

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post Pooping pigeon invasion: ‘Our town is being taken over!’ appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

Bird Poop!

Pigeon Patrol — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:43:00 +0000

I think that’s the first time I’ve ever used the word “poop” in a blog title, but I digress…

The infamous “Bird Poop Building” on Yonge Street has been vacant for 25 years, and surprise, surprise – it’s going to be turned into a condo…

If you know me, you know that I have a serious man-love for old, historic, Toronto buildings.

I’m fascinated by our city’s history, and while we simply can’t compete with the thousand-year-old structures in Europe, we do have our own little slice of history here in Toronto.

One of the most fun blog features I ever worked on was The Buildings of The St. Lawrence Market, back in 2009. I did a three-part series on all the historic buildings in the area; a must-read for many of you who missed it! You can read Part One HERE.

I’ve always admired the Bank of Commerce on Yonge Street, in between Queen & Shuter, but it’s a little…..ummmm……dirty, shall we say?

Over the years, this building has been used and abused by some of the most carefree and unpoliced members of our society: pigeons.

For some reason, pigeons love to empty their bowels (if birds have bowels…..any bird enthusiasts among my readers who can shed some light??) on this building and the neighbouring building immediately north. Over time, these two buildings have simply become known as “the bird poop buildings.”

And seeing the photos I took below, can you argue?

Wow. I don’t know what to say…

I’ve walked by these buildings many, many times over the years, and I’ve always thought, “I really wish somebody would do something with those buildings!” It’s such a shame that a great piece of Toronto’s history is just sitting there getting crapped on by these guys:

Damn pigeons!

Well, time hasn’t been kind to the Bank of Commerce at 197-199 Yonge Street, but the future is bright!

I suppose it’s a bit of a double-edged sword, however. I had always hoped that this beautiful building would be restored and turned into a library, museum, or event hall, but in actual fact, it’s going to be turned into yet another condo. I suppose it’s the lesser of two evils; that is, it would be worse to see the building torn down or have it fall into even worse disrepair, although I’m not sure that’s possible…

Built in 1905, the Bank of Commerce has actually been abandoned since 1987! It’s had many different uses over the years, and you can actually still see the words “DENTIST” on the second floor of the building where somebody probably practiced in the 60’s or 70’s:

Little-known developer, MOD Developments will be turning the historical building into a 60-storey condominium called “Massey Towers,” which already has a large advertisement up at the current site. MOD Development’s only other project to date is FIVE Condos at St. Joseph’s & Yonge Street, but Massey Towers will be designed by renowned firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, whose projects are too many to name, but include One City Hall, Minto775, ART, Shangri-La, and my current residence, Vu Condos.

Like I said – it’s cliche that this site will become “yet, another condo,” but it’s better than letting it sit there and rot.

The article in this past week’s Globe & Mail, quoted the owner of MOD Developments, Gary Switzer, as saying, “What does it say about our city to have a building like this empty right on the main street?”

I couldn’t possibly agree more.

Yonge Street is famous! It’s the best-known street in Toronto, and one of the most well-known streets in our entire country!

How could we let this happen?

Yet we have a poo-covered building sitting there, rotting away.

It reminds me of this:

Those of you that read my blog during its infancy in 2007 will recall the photos and blog posts from my trip to Serbia.

These buildings are on the Belgrade’s equivalent of Yonge Street, and the city doesn’t have the money to fix them, so they don’t. These buildings have been sitting here in this condition for almost twenty years, and they’ll likely remain as such indefinitely.

Toronto is not Serbia, but yet the Bank of Commerce and its sister building at 205 Yonge Street, the Bank of Toronto, draw some eerie similarities to the photo above:

Two buildings, both beautiful and historic, and both ruined by time. And poo…

The crazy thing is – the Bank of Toronto is an even more impressive structure! I wonder what will become of that building? Perhaps, phase two of the condominium development at Massey Towers?

Dare to dream…

Pigeon Patrol

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post Bird Poop! appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

“Historic Landmark Defaced by Persistent Pigeon Problem”

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:50:08 +0000

The Brighton Clock Tower, a proud piece of the city’s 19th-century heritage, is under siege. Not by vandals or weather—but by pigeons. The acidic nature of their droppings is slowly eroding the sandstone structure, prompting alarm from conservationists and city officials alike.

“The pigeons have turned this into their personal toilet,” said heritage consultant Roger Fairbanks, shaking his head. “And the worst part is the damage is cumulative. What’s already been lost can’t be restored.”

Pigeons!!!

According to the Brighton Historical Society, the tower has not undergone a full cleaning in over five years. Recent inspections revealed black crusted layers of guano on upper ledges and a corrosion ring forming around the base.

Local residents are upset by what they see as neglect. “It’s embarrassing,” said Anna Pritchard, who brings tourists to the area. “They ask me about the clock, and I’m afraid to tell them what’s actually on it.”

City engineers are now weighing the cost of installing anti-roosting spikes and motion-activated deterrents. Meanwhile, experts warn that if the situation isn’t addressed soon, the damage could become irreversible.

Pigeon Patrol

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post “Historic Landmark Defaced by Persistent Pigeon Problem” appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

“Train Delays Blamed on Pigeons—And Their Droppings”

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:47:25 +0000

Commuters at the Jackson CTA Station experienced unusual delays this morning—not because of technical malfunctions, but because of an unexpected menace: pigeon droppings.

Two riders slipped and fell on the southbound platform around 8 a.m., prompting a temporary halt in service while janitorial crews responded. No major injuries were reported, but the incident has raised questions about safety and sanitation in public transit spaces.

“The smell hits you first,” said Mark Ellis, a daily commuter. “Then you see the mess—droppings everywhere. Benches, railings, even the signs. It’s gotten out of hand.”

An elderly man enjoys a cold winter morning in the city.

Transit authorities said the problem has been building for months. Pigeons roost in the station’s rafters, undeterred by current pest control measures. According to CTA spokesperson Nia Harrell, “We’re working on a long-term plan that includes physical deterrents, more frequent cleanings, and consultation with pest control specialists.”

Harrell added that the CTA is exploring ethical deterrent methods like reflective strips, ultrasonic devices, and even using trained birds of prey in partnership with local falconers.

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post “Train Delays Blamed on Pigeons—And Their Droppings” appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

“School Grounds Turned Biohazard by Pigeon Infestation”

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:44:19 +0000

Roosevelt Middle School is facing a crisis that has nothing to do with test scores or staffing—it’s pigeons. Dozens of the birds have taken up residence on the school roof, leaving droppings throughout outdoor hallways, handrails, and the student quad.

“I’m scared my daughter will catch something,” said Delia Morales, mother of a 6th grader. “They eat lunch out there! There’s poop on the tables every day.”

The school’s janitorial staff reports spending hours daily trying to hose down surfaces before students arrive. Despite this, children have reportedly stepped in droppings, and some even reported seeing pigeons nesting inside a broken roof vent near the gymnasium.

Principal Tom Ferris acknowledged the growing concerns at a PTA meeting last Thursday. “We’re requesting emergency funds to install bird netting and roof barriers,” he said. “We’re also consulting with environmental safety inspectors to make sure there’s no health risk.”

lots of pigeons gathering for food

Parents are organizing a volunteer cleanup day while pushing the district to take faster action. “This isn’t just a nuisance anymore—it’s a hazard,” said PTA President Carla Hsu.

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post “School Grounds Turned Biohazard by Pigeon Infestation” appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

“Pigeon Poop Plagues Outdoor Dining Scene”

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:40:12 +0000

Portland’s outdoor dining renaissance is facing a surprising adversary: pigeons. In the trendy Pearl District, restaurant owners are reporting a surge in droppings on tables, chairs, and patios—forcing some to close outdoor sections during peak hours.

“It’s costing us money,” said Daniel Nguyen, owner of Nest Café. “We had to throw out six tablecloths in one day. And when guests get hit mid-meal, they don’t exactly come back.”

Birds roost on streetlights and awnings overhead, raining down waste during lunch and dinner hours. The problem has become so visible that several restaurant owners are banding together to form a “Pigeon Patrol” task force to lobby the city for help.

Pigeon Ohhh NO!!

A pilot project involving trained falcons is already underway in a nearby neighborhood, and Pearl District restaurateurs are hoping to be next. “It sounds dramatic, but it works,” said Susan Albrecht, who owns a bakery down the block. “The moment those falcons show up, the pigeons scatter.”

For now, staff are keeping hoses, disinfectants, and umbrellas close at hand. But many agree: a long-term fix is urgently needed before the poop problem affects tourism—and reputations.

Best Types of Pigeon Repellent

Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post “Pigeon Poop Plagues Outdoor Dining Scene” appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

Fence Spikes – The Best Solution for Bird and Pest Control

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:30:49 +0000

Have you noticed pigeons perching on your fence or small animals like raccoons and squirrels climbing over? Fence spikes are an easy, humane, and effective solution to deter unwanted birds and pests.

Fence spikes prevent birds from roosting and make it difficult for animals or intruders to climb fences. They are a non-harmful way to protect your property from nuisance wildlife while adding an extra layer of security.

What Are Fence Spikes?

Fence spikes are thin, pointed strips that can be attached to fences, walls, and ledges to prevent birds and animals from landing or climbing.

They are typically made of:

Plastic – Lightweight, affordable, and easy to install.
Metal (Stainless Steel or Aluminum) – More durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for high-security areas.

How Do Fence Spikes Work?

Fence spikes do not injure or harm animals—they simply create an uncomfortable surface that prevents perching, climbing, or trespassing.

Pigeons, for example, prefer flat, stable surfaces to land on. When spikes are in place, they look for another location that is easier to access. Similarly, raccoons and cats will struggle to grip and climb over a fence with spikes.

Shop Fence Spikes Now

Why You Need Fence Spikes?

1. Prevent Pigeons and Other Birds from Perching

Birds love to perch on fences, leaving unsightly droppings and making noise. Fence spikes provide a simple and long-term solution to keep them away.

2. Stop Animals from Climbing Over Fences

Fence spikes can deter small animals like:
✅ Raccoons
✅ Squirrels
✅ Cats
✅ Possums

These animals often use fences as pathways to access food sources or nesting areas. With spikes in place, they will move on to another location.

3. Improve Property Security

Fence spikes act as an extra deterrent against intruders by making it difficult to climb over walls or fences. They are often used in:

Residential homes – Prevent break-ins.
Commercial properties – Deter trespassers and vandals.
Industrial sites – Protect equipment and supplies.

4. Weatherproof and Long-Lasting

Most fence spikes are made from durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality plastic. They can withstand:
☀️ Sun exposure
🌧️ Rain and snow
💨 Strong winds

Once installed, they require little to no maintenance.

Best Places to Install Fence Spikes

1. Residential Fences

Keep birds and small animals off wooden, vinyl, and metal fences around your home. This is especially useful if you have:
🏡 A garden – Protect plants from birds and animals.
🐾 Pets – Prevent raccoons from entering your yard.

2. Commercial Property Fences

Fence spikes are often installed on business properties to prevent:
🏢 Vandalism and trespassing
🚛 Theft from storage yards

3. Walls and Ledges

Pigeons love to perch on high walls and ledges. Installing spikes in these areas will keep them away for good.

4. Garage Roofs and Sheds

Garage roofs are common resting spots for pigeons. Prevent them from nesting by adding fence spikes to the edges.

How to Install Fence Spikes

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Spikes

Plastic spikes are best for residential fences and areas with low security concerns.
Metal spikes are ideal for high-security zones, commercial properties, and industrial sites.

Step 2: Clean the Installation Surface

Remove any dirt, bird droppings, or debris before installation. This ensures a strong bond with the surface.

Step 3: Measure and Cut Spikes to Fit

Use scissors or wire cutters to trim spikes to the required length.

Step 4: Attach the Spikes Securely

You can secure fence spikes using:
🔹 Adhesive – Best for plastic spikes and temporary installations.
🔹 Screws or nails – Provides a more permanent and weather-resistant installation.

Step 5: Inspect for Gaps

Ensure there are no spaces where birds or animals can still land or climb through.

Maintenance Tips for Fence Spikes

🛠️ Check spikes regularly for wear and tear.
🧽 Remove debris and dust that may collect over time.
🌦️ Inspect after storms to ensure they are still securely in place.

Once installed, fence spikes require little upkeep and remain effective for years.

FAQs

Do fence spikes hurt birds or animals?

No! Fence spikes are designed to make surfaces uncomfortable, not to injure. Birds and animals will simply choose another location.

Can fence spikes be installed on all types of fences?

Yes! Fence spikes work on wood, vinyl, metal, concrete, and brick fences.

Are metal spikes better than plastic ones?

Metal spikes are more durable and weather-resistant, while plastic spikes are cheaper and easier to install.

How long do fence spikes last?

High-quality spikes can last 5-10 years or more with proper installation.

Where can I buy high-quality fence spikes?

Find durable and affordable fence spikes at Pigeon Patrol.

Fence spikes are a simple, effective, and humane way to prevent pigeons, small animals, and intruders from accessing your property. Whether you’re looking to protect your fence, deter climbing animals, or enhance security, fence spikes are a cost-effective solution.

Get Fence Spikes Today

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Pigeon Spikes – The Best Solution for Bird Control

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:12:41 +0000

Pigeons are notorious for perching, roosting, and making a mess on buildings, ledges, and signs. If you’re tired of constantly cleaning up pigeon droppings or dealing with unwanted birds, pigeon spikes are one of the best long-term solutions.

Pigeon spikes are a safe, humane, and highly effective method to prevent birds from landing in specific areas. Unlike harmful methods, spikes don’t injure birds; they simply make it uncomfortable for them to perch.

What Are Pigeon Spikes?

Pigeon spikes are narrow strips with upward-pointing rods that make it physically impossible for birds to land. They can be made of:

Stainless steel – Durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.
Plastic – A cost-effective alternative that still works well.

How Do Pigeon Spikes Work?

Bird spikes work by creating an uneven surface, preventing pigeons from finding a comfortable place to perch. With no space to land, they will eventually move on to another location.

Why You Need Pigeon Spikes

1. 100% Humane and Non-Harmful

Pigeon spikes do not harm birds. Instead, they create an environment where pigeons simply can’t land.

2. Protect Property from Bird Droppings

Pigeon droppings are not just unsightly; they also contain acidic properties that can damage paint, metal, and concrete. Installing bird spikes can save you money on cleaning and repairs.

3. Keep Business Signs and Storefronts Clean

If pigeons are constantly sitting on your business sign or awning, it can create a bad impression on customers. Bird spikes keep commercial properties clean and professional-looking.

4. Reduce Noise and Nesting Problems

Pigeons are noisy, and when they start nesting, the problem escalates quickly. By installing bird spikes early, you can prevent large infestations.

Where Should You Install Pigeon Spikes?

Bird spikes work best in areas where pigeons frequently perch and roost. Consider installing them in the following locations:

Roofs and Parapets

These areas provide pigeons with shelter and elevation.

Commercial Signs and Storefronts

Protect your business signage from becoming a bird rest stop.

Ledges and Windowsills

Pigeons love flat surfaces where they can rest and observe their surroundings.

Fences and Railings

Keep pigeons from gathering and creating a mess.

How to Install Pigeon Spikes

Installing bird spikes is easy and doesn’t require professional help. Follow these steps:

Clean the Surface – Remove dirt, droppings, and debris for a strong adhesive bond.
Measure and Cut – Trim the spikes to fit the specific area.
Apply Adhesive or Screws – Use a strong bird spike adhesive or screws to secure the strips in place.
Check for Gaps – Ensure pigeons can’t find small openings to land in.

FAQs

Do pigeon spikes work for all bird species?

Pigeon spikes primarily target larger birds like pigeons, crows, and seagulls. Smaller birds may still find ways to land in between them.

Can I remove pigeon spikes if needed?

Yes, pigeon spikes can be removed without damaging surfaces, especially if installed using adhesive.

Are pigeon spikes weatherproof?

Yes! Stainless steel spikes are resistant to rain, wind, and UV exposure, making them highly durable.

Will pigeons eventually stop coming back?

Yes, if you remove food sources, block access points, and use deterrents consistently, pigeons will find another place to roost.

Where can I buy high-quality pigeon deterrents?

You can get bird spikes, netting, and repellers at Pigeon Patrol, a trusted name in pigeon control solutions.

Pigeon spikes are an effective, humane, and affordable way to stop pigeons from perching and making a mess on your property. By installing high-quality stainless steel or plastic spikes, you can protect your home, business, and buildings from damage caused by pest birds.

For top-rated bird spikes, check out Pigeon Patrol’s selection here.

Call Toll Free 1 (877) 466-2473

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IN PRAISE OF PIGEONS

Pigeon Patrol — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:33:54 +0000

More than 20 years ago, after a boozy bachelor party, three of us were walking across the small park at the intersection of State and Rush Streets. This, like many other parks large and small, is a place where pigeons congregate. Without a word of warning or “Hey, watch this,” the bachelor took a couple of quick steps and kicked an unsuspecting pigeon into the air. I saw the pigeon land with a thud 20 feet away but before I could say to the bachelor, “Why’d you kill that pigeon?” I watched in amazement as the pigeon shook its little head, got up on its skinny legs and went about its business. And I thought, “What a tough little bird.”

I didn’t give pigeons more thought until a few weeks ago when artist Tony Fitzpatrick–whose previous subjects in the Magazine have included fighting dogs, boxers, snakes and flowers–showed me his pigeon pictures. Here they are on this page and in my head’s a question: What do pigeons deserve? To be pitied, praised or punted?

There is no doubt that pigeons are the most urban of birds, the avian equivalent of squirrels or traffic jams; facts of city living to be either tolerated or complained about.

But listening to Megan Ross, curator of birds at Lincoln Park Zoo, talk about pigeons is to gain a new appreciation of them. “The species does get a bad rap,” she says. “But it is a fascinating species, if one takes the time to look.”

She points out that there are some 300 species of pigeons and doves. “What we commonly refer to in Chicago as a pigeon is actually a rock dove,” she says. Look closely and you will see that a pigeon is not just a dull gray mass, but a bird of 10,000 feathers, some of them bronze, pink, white and green. (Seriously, just take a look.) Watch them fly and you will also see what Ross describes as “fun flight patterns.” And, she adds, “They also have a nice courtship display.”

As well they should, since pigeons, it may surprise you to know, mate for life. Not only that, but male pigeons have the ability to lactate, producing milk for the babies just as females do.

Admittedly, when pigeons gather in groups, as they mostly seem to, they can exude the quiet menace of a gang. One almost expects to see some of them smoking cigarettes or spitting on the sidewalk.

“Rock doves are very docile birds,” says Ross. “They gather in groups not to intimidate people but as a protection against predators, such as falcons or raccoons. There is a certain safety in numbers.”

But their most common and persistent enemy is us. Besides various eradication efforts designed to limit their numbers, pigeons face determined campaigns by businesses to chase them away. Some even install fake owls on building ledges or set up loudspeakers that periodically emit terrible screeching, hawklike sounds in outdoor parking lots in an attempt to keep the CEO’s Jaguar clean.

“Many people are turned off by the fact that the birds poop,” says Ross.

This was not always the case. That people are turned off, I mean. In the 18th Century, King George I of England decreed all pigeon droppings to be property of the Crown. He even put guards at sites where the birds perched to enforce his edict. He was no birdbrain. There was a practical reason for his order: Pigeon manure was used in making gunpowder.

But if the birds have thus unknowingly contributed to the taking of lives, they have also done their bit to save them. With the ability to beat their wings up to 10 times a second, maintain a heart rate of 600 beats per minute for up to 16 hours without rest and fly as fast as 60 m.p.h., pigeons are the extreme athletes of the air.

In World War I, a homing pigeon named “Cher Ami” finished his distinguished career by delivering, while wounded, a vital message: the location of the famous “Lost Battalion,” thereby saving some 200 human lives. In WWII, a homing pigeon named “GI Joe” saved more than 1,000 allied soldiers’ lives in a single mission.

Who knows if Chicago pigeons would be up to such valorous deeds? But they are tough characters.

They do not migrate, as do more sensible species, and take the full brunt of Chicago winters. Unlike the rest of us, they do not whine about the wind chill. They seem capable of eating almost anything, from popcorn in the parks to abandoned pizza slices, old hamburger buns to cotton candy. “They have, shall we say, a hearty digestive system,” says Ross.

They don’t seem to be at all insecure about their looks, though people vastly prefer spunky sparrows.

They appear to be fearless, not only when confronted by the attacks from businesses but from individuals. Many little kids like to chase them. Older kids try to hit them with rocks or kick them. Some adults hunt and kill them for food. Though we were unable to catch any of these folks in the act of hunting, cooking or eating, the Internet is filled with recipes for pigeon.

All this, and pigeons can still live to be more than 30 years old.

It’s so easy to take everyday things for granted. When was the last time you watched a river or stream flow, looked up at a building’s decorative elements, scooped up a handful of sand or dirt or asked the name of your local Streetwise vendor?

So, why not give pigeons another look? Start with the ones fashioned by Fitzpatrick and then move on to the real things, to the resilient birds with which you share the sidewalks and park benches.

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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Pigeon, mouse and loo roll among causes of London fires

Pigeon Patrol — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:49:47 +0000

Fires were caused by a mouse chewing wires, a toilet roll being microwaved and a pigeon with a cigarette

A pigeon dropping a discarded cigarette down a chimney was among the most unusual causes of London fires in 2013, the city’s fire brigade has revealed.

Researchers studied 2,000 incidents in the capital in a bid to highlight the importance of fire safety.

Another case saw a fire caused by a dog hitting a toaster’s controls as it leapt on a worktop to reach food

Close-up of a Pigeon at a Vancouver Island park.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) investigator Charlie Pugsley said he had seen some “weird and wonderful” things this year.

He added that even the strangest fire could have been prevented by taking simple fire safety precautions.

Other cases which highlighted the more unusual causes of fire included a teenage boy lighting a can of deodorant he had just used on himself ahead of his first date.

The LFB also attended fires started by someone putting a toilet roll which dropped down the loo into a microwave to dry it out and by a mouse eating through the wiring in the back of a fridge freezer.

Mr Pugsley said people should not use microwaves to dry out clothes or other items.

He added that candles should not be left unattended and mirrors and glass, which reflect the sun’s rays, needed to be kept away from flammable objects.

Pigeon Patrol

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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What to do about pigeons

Pigeon Patrol — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:48:28 +0000

From a pigeon’s perspective, city living can’t be beat. Food and water are readily available. Predators are rare. Plus, there’s plenty of free housing. Pigeons find our window ledges, rooftops, bridges, and warehouses to be ideal substitutes for the natural ledges in cliff sides that they have always used as roosting, nesting, and sheltering sites.

When flocks grow too large and become a nuisance, killing the birds is often the first plan of action. But killing pigeons doesn’t work, and there are better, non-lethal ways to fix a pigeon problem.

Three steps to humanely solve a pigeon problem

Pigeons mating and flirting with each other.

You may just need one or a combination of all three techniques, depending on the size of the pigeon population you’re dealing with.

Stop feeding the pigeons (intentionally or not)

Most conflicts with pigeons can be tied at one point or another to feeding, intentionally or otherwise.

Pigeons get fed plenty of handouts and garbage, but there are also well-intentioned pigeon lovers who regularly feed the birds. This does the pigeons more harm than good as the pigeons begin to gather in large numbers, often leading to inhumane and ineffective attempts to reduce their numbers.

When such troubles arise, the best thing for the birds is to reduce feeding gradually over several weeks. The flock will gradually disperse until the remaining number of birds matches what the area can naturally support.

Unintentional food sources

Even when not feeding on purpose, we humans are messy, leaving leftovers and dropped crumbs everywhere. Pigeons hang around town squares, public parks, and other trafficked areas to help themselves to what we leave behind, especially when convenient roosting and nesting sites are nearby. To discourage pigeons from gathering, food attractants need to be cleaned up regularly.

In suburban neighborhoods, too, homeowners may mistakenly feed pigeons or they may be providing food for pigeons inadvertently when feeding their backyard birds by tossing seed on the ground, rather than putting it in birdfeeders. To discourage pigeons visiting your yard, change the type, amount, and timing of feeding. If most of the pigeons fail to move elsewhere, you’ll need to stop feeding all birds for a couple weeks. (Don’t worry; the birds won’t starve.) When you resume feeding, only put out seed in birdfeeders and keep the ground below them cleaned up.

Prevent roosting and nesting

Pigeons look for flat surfaces for roosting and nesting. Encourage them to do these things elsewhere by making flat surfaces unavailable to them. With the correct application of the right product, roosting structures can be rendered virtually pigeon-free.

There are a variety of devices that can be used to change flat nesting spots into inaccessible spaces and prevent pigeons from roosting in areas where they’re not wanted. Attach wood or metal sheathing (Birdslides) at a 45- to 60-degree angle over window ledges and other flat surfaces to keep pigeons from landing.

Install “bird wires” to keep pigeons off ledges, railings, awnings, and rooftops.

Use netting to keep pigeons out of large areas.

NEVER use polybutylene gel. Sticky gel repellents made from polybutene can harm all birds and any animal that comes in contact with it. The HSUS strongly recommends that these dangerous repellents be avoided at all costs. The feathers of any bird who comes into contact with the dense, sticky gel will become damaged, interfering with their ability to fly and to stay water-proofed.

These gel repellents are not selective. Other birds are likely to land on the gel, get stuck, and die a slow death. The polybutene gels are particularly harmful to smaller species.

Limit flock size with pigeon birth control

As year-round nesters, a pair of pigeons can raise a dozen or more young each year. If pigeons have plenty of food and space, their numbers can quickly increase. Fortunately, a bird contraceptive is available that limits growth of pigeon flocks.

Ovocontrol bird food is “birth control” for pigeons. Innolytics, LLC

Known as OvoControl, pigeon contraception comes in the form of a kibble-type food, which causes birds who eat it regularly to lay eggs that fail to develop. In March 2010, OvoControl received landmark general-use approval by the Environmental Protection Agency. Visit ovocontrol.com to learn more about the product and how you can implement an OvoControl program.

Combined with exclusion and other humane measures to discourage roosting and nesting, OvoControl effectively reduces hatching rates in pigeons, thereby limiting flock sizes and diminishing problems associated with large numbers of pigeons.

Business owners who pledge to use OvoControl instead of lethal methods can download our free signage and educational materials. In Hawai’i, where pigeons can be a major problem, businesses that have started OvoControl programs have seen a noticeable decrease in pigeon numbers.

M=====

Pigeon droppings and public health

Disease risk from pigeon droppings is often used to justify killing pigeons, but fresh bird droppings have not been shown to present a health risk.

People may fear that pigeons roosting or nesting nearby, or more specifically the droppings that accompany such sites, are a health threat. These fears usually focus on histoplasmosis, a fungus that grows in dropping-enriched soil, and on diseases caused by Cryptococcus and Salmonella. However, there is little evidence linking pigeons directly to human infections.

Histoplasmosis fungus is common in the eastern and central U.S. As many as 80 % of people tested in these areas prove to have already been exposed to the fungus without knowing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, fresh bird droppings on surfaces such as sidewalks and windowsills have not been shown to present a health risk. People should avoid contact with any animal droppings, of course, and ordinary good hygiene, such as washing hands and leaving shoes at the door, are adequate prevention if you accidentally come into contact with animal droppings.

Pigeon Patrol

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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Company has the poop for keeping birds away

Pigeon Patrol — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:47:34 +0000

From sidewalks messed with droppings to gutters filled with feathers, birds aren’t always welcome in some public places. As beautiful as they can be individually, a large group of birds gathering atop a building or nesting in air vents can create a danger for themselves and the public.

BirdFlite wires keep large birds from gathering on a building’s ledge. Photos courtesy of Bird Barrier.

Bird Barrier Inc. of Carson, Calif., has developed several ways to keep birds off building ledges and awnings without harming them and with little to no visual impact.

Four gulls observe from a sightseeing cruiser on Toyako, a caldera lake. Spring afternoon in Abuta District.

“You probably won’t even notice them,” says Monique Thorsell, marketing director for Bird Barrier, of the company’s various, and often strange-looking, bird deterrents.

Some of their products — such scarecrow-like screech owl decoys — have been used for years. Others — like the Daddi Long Legs with its many thin, wavy wires — look more like alien technology.

Though Bird Barriers has been around for eight years, Thorsell says some of its experts have been working in bird control for 20 years. “It has grown to be a very hot market in the last seven to eight years,” she said. As more development moves into the suburban areas, birds are finding their old nesting grounds are now covered in pavement. “We’re decreasing their natural habitat,” she says. “There are more conflicts being created.”

In recent years, increasing populations of Canadian Geese have left their mark — and droppings — on public parks and golf courses. Some are concerned the birds will destroy the landscaping and vegetation — others worry about diseases spreading through bird droppings.

In the city, birds create problems when they gather on rooftops where their feathers and droppings get into air vents, either circulating bacteria or causing mechanical problems. “You really want to keep birds off the air intake valves and air conditioning units,” Thorsell says. A lot of times they will clog up gutters, creating standing water that can wear down a roof.

The issue isn’t really with one or two birds hanging out on a ledge outside of the building, she says. “But if you have them in an area around the air conditioning unit or if you have a couple hundred birds on the building, you need to take a look at solving the issue.”

Contractors and homeowners can purchase products on Bird Barriers’ Web site. The company will provide teaching tools on which method will work best for the situation and how to install the product. “We don’t actually do the installs,” she said, but the company has trained more than 15,000 installers across the country.

Different products are recommended for different situations. The StealthNet is made of polyethylene twine and steel installation hardware, so it is difficult for the public to see from even a few feet away. Designed for all bird species and heavy use, the netting is attached to a pre-installed cable system. Though great for keeping birds off rooftops and air conditioning units, the installation of the StealthNet is rather involved.

Another product, Bird-Flite Spikes, comes in one-foot lengths and three different width configurations. The product is designed to keep birds the size of pigeons or larger off ledges, while leaving room for small songbirds. Made of stainless steel and polycarbonate, the base can be easily glued or screwed onto the surface.

Daddi Long Legs

The many wires of the Daddi Long Legs work to deter seagulls from landing on a boat.

The spider-like Daddi Long Legs is made of stainless steel and Delrin plastic. This product is often used on boats, atop streetlights and outdoor shade umbrellas to deter bigger birds from landing. “Not starlings or sparrows,” Thorsell says. “They can actually hang on the wires.”

The cost of installing a bird-deterrent system can vary depending on the product used and the extent of the project. “The homeowner that has a problem on their window ledge could spend $20 to $30,” she said, whereas keeping birds out of airport hangers could cost more than $100,000. “In general, the solution to the problem is anywhere from $500 to $2,500.”

At Seattle’s Key Arena, Bird Barrier products such as the Bird Flight and Bird Shock are used to keep birds away from and out of the building. While Bird Shock does generate an electric shock, Thorsell says it won’t actually harm the birds. “It sends a little conditioning shock, similar to a static-electricity shock,” she says.

In fact, the Humane Society and the Fund for Animals have endorsed Bird Barrier because the company provides non-harmful methods to deter birds. “We have the only completely humane product line in the business,” Thorsell says.

Here’s why some pigeons do backflips

At least five genes are involved in making parlor roller pigeons do backward somersaults

A brownish-red roller pigeon does backward somersaults from left to right across a white background.

Parlor roller pigeons like this one have a movement disorder that prevents them from flying. At least five genes are involved in making the birds do backward somersaults, new research suggests.

These roller pigeons come in two varieties: Flying rollers such as Birmingham rollers, which fly but do long tumbling runs toward the ground before resuming flight, and parlor rollers, which can’t fly but instead backflip along the ground. Many Persian poems say the pigeons perform the acrobatics because the birds are happy, but Samani says the truth is darker. “This is definitely a movement disorder, and it does not have any good aspects to it,” she says. The disorder is progressive, appearing soon after hatching and gradually getting worse until the birds can’t fly.

A smiling young woman, Atoosa Samani, with shoulder-length dark hair holds a small green bird with a yellow belly in her right hand. She is wearing a maroon coat and dark mauve stocking cap.

In addition to studying pigeon genetics, Atoosa Samani, pictured here holding a Wilson’s warbler, also volunteers with a bird banding group and enjoys bird watching. “I love birds,” she says. But she confesses that pigeons are her favorites.

Courtesy of A. Samani

Her colleagues confirmed backflipping is a recessive trait by breeding racing homer pigeons with parlor rollers; none of the hybrid offspring rolled. When hybrid birds were bred together, about 4 out of 10 of the offspring did somersaults when forced to fly, Samani said at the conference.

Samani used two different statistical methods to locate genes that make the pigeons tip tailfeather over teakettle. She found five large stretches of DNA containing hundreds of genes. But none of the genes in those areas had mutations that could account for the tumbling.

So she looked at gene activity in the birds’ brains and found nearly 2,000 genes that become either more or less active in the brains of parlor rollers than in two breeds of nonrolling pigeons.

Pigeon Patrol

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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Tips for bird dispersal with lasers

Pigeon Patrol — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:46:10 +0000

There are at least two potential consumer uses for lasers outdoors, pointing out stars in the sky and dispersing birds. This page discusses tips for deterring and dispersing birds.

Summary

LaserPointerSafety.com does not recommend that ordinary consumers use lasers to scare away unwanted birds. The right type of laser with a wide, low-powered beam is not readily available so there are too many potential safety problems for the birds, for the laser user, and for bystanders.

Also, there is a chance of accidentally having the beam be on or near an aircraft; this is illegal in many countries and jurisdictions. Finally, some species of birds may be only temporarily repelled by lasers; after a few minutes or within a day, studies indicate they will return.

Bird deterrence and dispersal

Domestic Pigeon looking at camera

Some consumers have asked about using lasers for bird dispersal.

A September 2003 U.S. Department of Agriculture publication, “Use of Lasers in Avian Dispersal” (available here or here) says that lasers are “safe and effective species-specific alternatives to pyrotechnics, shotguns, and other traditional avian dispersal tools.” A key phrase is “species-specific”. For example, a 2002 USDA study of crows (listed below) concluded that lasers do not work for more than a few minutes of dispersal, and are therefore not recommended for crows.

LaserPointerSafety.com believes there is a difference between serious, professional use, and consumers ordering possibly over-powered lasers off the Internet and simply waving them into trees and the sky. This is especially true in today’s environment where authorities are very sensitive to lasers being aimed into the air by ordinary citizens.

Our recommendation is that consumers should not use lasers against birds, especially Class 3B and Class 4 lasers (output power of 5 milliwatts or above). If a person feels they must try this, it should be done very carefully, with continuous monitoring of the sky so that aircraft are not accidentally targeted.

Pigeon Patrol

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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‘Super rare’ 100-year-old carrier pigeon message found in France

Pigeon Patrol — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:32:52 +0000

A couple out for a walk in eastern France have discovered a tiny capsule containing a message despatched by a Prussian soldier over a century ago using a carrier pigeon.

The message from an infantry soldier based at Ingersheim, written in German in a barely legible hand, detailed military manoeuvres apparently during the first world war and was addressed to a superior officer, said Dominique Jardy, curator of the Linge Museum at Orbey in eastern France.

The date is marked 16 July but the year is not perfectly clear, appearing to be written as either 1916 or 1910. The first world war took place from 1914 to 1918.

The message reads: “Platoon Potthof receives fire as they reach the western border of the parade ground, platoon Potthof takes up fire and retreats after a while.

“In Fechtwald half a platoon was disabled. Platoon Potthof retreats with heavy losses.”

At the time, Ingersheim – now in France’s Grand Est department – was part of Germany.

A couple found the tiny capsule with its well-preserved contents in September this year in a field in Ingersheim, said Jardy, who raved about the “super rare” discovery.

They brought it to the nearest museum, the one at Orbey dedicated to one of the bloodiest battles of the first world war.

Jardy had enlisted the help of a German friend to decrypt the message, he said.

The tiny piece of paper and capsule will become part of the museum’s permanent display.

Source

Pigeon Patrol

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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City to ban toxins that poison Saskatoon pigeons

Pigeon Patrol — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:10:52 +0000

Wildlife rehabilitation calls for city to ban toxins that poison Saskatoon pigeons “Basically if you can imagine a bird having seizures,” said Jan Shadick, Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation executive director, describing a pigeon’s painful death after eating poisoned corn. “It’s an unfortunate way to die and it’s an unfortunate use of pigeon control methods within the city.”

The most common poison used is Avitrol. Shadick said she wants to see the city ban its use, or at least require the area it’s scattered around to be labelled, like when spraying pesticides. She said her wildlife rehabilitation sees hundreds of poisoned pigeons — and some other birds — a year, but they’re also seeing it punch up the food chain. “Dogs and cats have been demonstrated to have eaten these poison pigeons and died from it,” she said. “A crow would eat it, a raven would eat it, numerous birds would eat it and it was open to anybody who wanted a free lunch. A squirrel could get a hold of it,” explained owner Jason Hiltz. Instead, he said the company uses deterrents like nets and pigeon spikes.

Two years ago, the City of Saskatoon banned the use of poisoned corn according to Shadick, but only on city property. Shadick said it hasn’t made a difference. She said while most poisons to kill birds can only be bought by licensed professionals, some companies sell almost identical products to anyone online. “The money that people are currently spending on putting out poisoned corn could be spent putting out birth control corn,” she said, explaining using birth control is a more humane version of pigeon population control.

Pigeon Patrol

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.

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post City to ban toxins that poison Saskatoon pigeons appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

Canadian police cleared a suspected Chinese spy pigeon

Pigeon Patrol — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 23:58:03 +0000

Canadian police cleared a suspected Chinese spy pigeon after eight months’ detention and released it into the wild Tuesday, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The pigeon’s ordeal began in May when it was captured near a port in Mumbai with two rings tied to its legs, carrying words that looked like Chinese.

Police suspected it was involved in espionage and took it in, later sending it to Mumbai’s Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals.

Eventually, it turned out the pigeon was an open-water racing bird from Taiwan that had escaped and made its way to India. With police permission, the bird was transferred to the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whose doctors set it free.

It’s not the first time a bird has come under police suspicion in India.

In 2020, police in Indian-controlled Kashmir released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after a probe found that the bird, which had flown across the heavily militarized border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy.

In 2016, another pigeon was taken into custody after it was found with a note that threatened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pigeon Patrol

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.

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

The post Canadian police cleared a suspected Chinese spy pigeon appeared first on Pigeon Patrol Canada - Bird Control Products & Services.

Bird prevention; How to get rid of birds nesting in your eaves

Pigeon Patrol — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:41:47 +0000

If you have been driven crazy by incessant scrabbling or are fed up of the mess being left behind by birds nestling in your eaves the question at the fore-front of your mind, is going to be how the hell can I get rid of them?!

The answer in short is that you pretty much can’t, not unless they are causing a health risk and you’re authorised to remove them!

So once a bird has decided to nest, you can’t touch it!

Sorry, I know that’s not exactly what you wanted to read! …..

However, let’s not linger on the negative, what you can do is prevent them nesting in the future. This article shares some of our top tips for making sure you get the right tools in place so that you can sleep soundly during the next nesting season!

Why we cannot remove nests from your properties eaves.

Birds need to nest in order to have their young, and with the loss of their natural homes over the years they have been forced to share our homes and use our roofs to nest. It’s important that whilst we protect your home, we also protect theirs too.

All birds, eggs and their nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. It is an offense to damage or destroy an active nest or prevent parent birds from returning to the nest. Also, there are certain birds such as Owls, Bearded Tits & Golden Eagles who are specified in Schedule 1 of the legal act, outlining that it is an offense to cause disturbance to the birds when they are in or near their nest.

Authorised personnel can remove nests but only when there’s risk to public health, for example if it’s to stop the spread of disease or if there’s a potential risk to the air space. They can also be removed if it’s proven that they are causing ‘serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit..’according to the RSPB explanation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

In order to protect yourself and to ensure you don’t harm the wildlife, you should avoid touching the nest or interfering with the birds at this time.

We know this doesn’t solve your problem, so keep reading to see 4 key steps to prevent birds nesting on your home in future.

The UK is known to have around 600 different bird types, but actually very few will be attracted to your roof space. The most common are :

House Sparrows
Starlings
Swifts
Swallows
Blue tits/Great Tits
Jackdaws

Bird Prevention 4 key steps to stop birds using your property as a nesting ground.

1.Clear debris.

To stop birds being attracted to your home in the first place, ensure all your rubbish is cleared away. Birds see rubbish as materials that they can use to build their nest, so in order to make sure your home doesn’t catch their attention in the first place make sure your bins and lids are secured.

Open rubbish can not only attract birds to your home, but many other pests too!

2.Seal up holes in your roof

It’s important to check your building in the winter, before the birds start nesting for gaps or spaces the birds could use to nest. If you find spaces then make sure to clean them out and seal them up, make sure to do this in the morning to minimise the risk of a bird roosting in them.

For your home it’s recommended using a wire mesh over any holes in your roof to deter them from getting in and nesting. If you have a sealant you may wish to seal up your roof but first make sure that there are no birds left nesting.

3. Prevent birds perching on your guttering and roof

Once you’ve checked your roof is sound and there’s no current nests in your roof, there are precautions you can take to stop birds landing on your roof, the most common being spikes. You often see these spikes on industrial buildings, shops or hospitality establishments roofs.

Now, having spikes on the exterior of your home can sound scary, but they aren’t as obvious as you might first think! The thin metal and clever placement of the spikes means they hard to see – so don’t worry your home won’t end up looking like a warzone!

If you still aren’t keen on having spikes, you could opt for ‘NestDiverters’ which is a discreet, clear, acrylic shield that stops the birds being able to get close to the buildings eaves. They function well and the additional key advantage to this bird proofing technique is that are almost invisible to the eye. Resulting in a quiet nights sleep without altering the look of your home. As listed installers of these products for Scotland, we are able to install them safely for your home.

4. Position a decoy in place.

You could try placing a decoy bird such as a plastic hawk on the roof which will discourage birds from nesting on your property. These model birds act just like a scarecrow, discouraging birds from coming near your property as they will see the hawk as a predator and a potential threat.

A decoy bird is a non-invasive way to discourage birds, the problem is that birds are smart so this will only last for a short period of time- in some cases a matter of days.

5. Repellent gels

Please don’t use these, they are available in the UK, but there is a high risk to the birds and although not poisonous the risk is that bird eyelids can get stuck together. Although their bird song can be annoying at 5am, that is no reason to make a bird suffer. In addition they aren’t proven to work so use your pennies elsewhere!

6. Encourage the birds to change nesting space next year

At the end of your tether? Tried all the suggested precautions and still finding the feathered friends nesting in your roof? You might be panicking thinking there’s nothing you can do, but there is still hope for next year by encouraging the birds to move elsewhere!

A top-tip suggested by the RSPB is to make an ‘artificial nest’. To do this you can simply use an ice cream tub and cut a hole within it. Make sure to roughen the surface and make some drain holes before hanging the tub up.

You can buy bird boxes along with bird feeders, if you place these out early enough near your home, there is a chance that the birds will choose to nest there instead.

In summary

Birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and so its is unlawful to remove a bird nest once it is occupied. Some nests are only used once, while others are returned to every year.

While it can be frustrating, the best thing you can do as the occupier of the property is to put prevention measures in place for next year. Don’t find yourself in the same situation next year, put a reminder in your calendar at the end of the summer and get your deterrents in place.

Source

Pigeon Patrol

Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.

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