How To Get Rid Of Pigeons
The way to get rid of pigeons is to combine exclusion (netting/patching), physical deterrents (spikes, tension wire, slopes), and habitat modification (remove food/water/roost sites). Here is a step-by-step approach to get rid of pigeons:
Assessment
Begin with a thorough inspection. Document entry/roost/nest locations, number of birds, attractants (food sources, dumpsters, open compost, easy roof access, ledges), structural features (eaves, signs, HVAC units, vents) and safety concerns (electrical, traffic, access).
Exclusion
Pigeons persist where they can roost and nest. Permanently seal access points and prevent roosting. Some examples of exclusion include: install UV-stable polyethylene bird netting across voids, under eaves and over courtyards; permanently screen/mesh vents, ducts, rooftop openings (mesh openings sized to stop adults/juveniles); install custom-cut panels over gaps. Netting and screening are usually the most reliable long-term fix when installed tight and secured to solid anchors.
Use Physical Deterrents Where Exclusion Isn’t Practical
Use physical products to make landing and roosting uncomfortable: stainless steel or durable polymer bird spikes on narrow ledges and signs; tensioned stainless steel wire or “bird wire” on broad ledges so birds can’t balance; sloped covers or angled retrofit kits that create a >45° landing surface; heavy-duty bird track/electric track systems in high-value historic or sensitive sites (these will generally be installed by professinoals). Choose corrosion-resistant materials wherever possible.
Nest Removal & Egg Management
Remove existing nests and nesting material (wear PPE). Where legal and appropriate, remove nests and clean nesting debris to remove olfactory cues that attract other pigeons. While pigeons are not protected as part of the Federal Migratory Bird Treat Act, in Washington DC and Maryland, it is still illegal to harm pigeons or their eggs. In Northern Virginia, feral pigeons are considered pests and are legally able to be controlled directly. Follow up and nest removal you do with exclusion and deterrents so birds can’t re-nest.
Habitat Modification & Attractant Reduction
Secure trash containers and lids, use bird-proof dumpster enclosures, eliminate open food sources (feeding policies), fix leaking pipes and standing water, modify landscaping (prune dense trees near ledges), secure rooftop food service areas. Without addressing attractants, other control measures fail.
Behavioral & Non-Contact Deterrents
Visual deterrents (reflective tape, hawk silhouettes) and auditory devices (ultrasonic, distress calls) can work short term but pigeons quickly habituate; these should only be used as part of a broader program. Gel repellents and taste aversive coatings can be effective on beams/ledges when used properly, but are best applied by trained technicians familiar with the product’s limitations and slip/maintenance hazards.
Lethal Control
Lethal methods are subject to strict legal and ethical constraints, and are often not allowed or desirable in urban settings. Always check federal, state and local wildlife regulations before considering lethal control; for most commercial/residential work, humane exclusion and deterrence are the standard. Lethal control is illegal in Washington DC and Maryland.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Pigeons
Hiring our professional pest control services is the most effective and reliable way to get rid of pigeons because it combines expertise, safety, and long-term results in ways DIY methods usually cannot match. Here’s why our professional services are superior:
- Comprehensive Site Assessment: Our professionals start with a detailed inspection of the property to identify roosting and nesting sites, food sources, and access points. We can pinpoint structural vulnerabilities and areas you may overlook, which is critical because pigeons are persistent and often exploit even small openings.
- Legal and Humane Compliance: Our trained technicians are aware of local, state, and federal regulations regarding pigeons, migratory birds, and nesting eggs. We know which actions are legal, humane, and effective, avoiding potential fines or unintentional harm to protected species.
- Expert Installation of Exclusion Devices: Our professionals install high-quality exclusion systems like bird netting, stainless steel spikes, tensioned wires, and vent covers. Proper installation requires precision: netting must be tensioned and anchored correctly, ledge covers angled appropriately, and all potential entry points fully sealed. Improper installation often leads to failure and re-infestation, something DIY methods frequently suffer from.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach: We use the principles of IPM, combining multiple methods—exclusion, deterrents, nest removal, and habitat modification—to attack the problem from all angles. We also advise on reducing attractants, such as open trash, standing water, and food left outdoors, which dramatically improves long-term effectiveness.
- Safe Nest and Droppings Removal: Pigeon droppings can harbor pathogens, and nests can be hazardous to remove. Our professionals use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe cleaning protocols to remove nesting material and droppings while minimizing health risks.
- Maintenance and Monitoring: Even after exclusion measures are installed, pigeons may attempt to return. We provide ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and adjustments to ensure the problem is permanently solved. This follow-up is often the critical difference between temporary relief and lasting control, as pigeons attempt to adapt to and overcome control efforts.
- Liability and Property Protection: Our professionals reduce property damage (from corrosive droppings, blocked gutters, and chewed materials) and slip hazards. We also minimize legal liability from birds nesting in unsafe areas or causing health risks.
While DIY solutions like scare devices, spikes, or netting may offer temporary relief, our trained pest control professionals can provide a permanent, safe, and fully compliant solution. Our expertise ensures exclusion is done correctly, health risks are mitigated, and pigeons are prevented from returning—saving time, money, and frustration for property owners.