Understanding the problem of pigeons in urban spaces

Pigeons may be part of the everyday cityscape but that doesn’t mean they’re welcome. A common sight on buildings in urban areas, they’re more than just a nuisance. Pigeons can cause real damage to buildings and other structures, that’s why people have developed different methods to get rid of pigeons.

Controlling pigeons on your roof is notoriously difficult to achieve in the long run, even with specialist advice from a member of the British Pest Control Association (BCPA). That said, there are effective bird prevention techniques that you can implement as part of your property maintenance schedule that should make a substantial difference.

What exactly are feral pigeons?

The pigeons we all know and don’t love are originally descended from wild rock doves. These Mediterranean cliff face dwellers are now well adapted to live in urban environments, searching out habitats that are similar to their natural surroundings: apartment blocks and commercial high rise buildings, empty loft spaces, railway arches – in fact most tall urban spaces that offer a bit of shelter.

Being feral birds, they’re perfectly capable of finding food, having adapted their natural diet to include anything that can be scavenged, including household scraps and discarded takeaway foods.

Why are they a problem?

While some would regard urban pigeons as being harmless animals, the reality is that these birds have the potential to harm human health as well as the built environment. There are 4 main problems associated with having pigeons:

  1. Danger to public health

Feral pigeons carry diseases, primarily through their faeces, that can lead to meningitis, salmonella, encephalitis and e.coli in humans, to mention just a few. They can also cause fleas, mites and other parasites to be spread into inhabited buildings.

  1. Risk of accidents

Bird droppings on pavements and walkways can make the surface slippery for pedestrians, while bird deposits on ledges on high rise buildings create hazardous working conditions for building maintenance staff.

  1. Damage to buildings

Water ingress may be the result of displaced roof coverings as the birds force entry into the building. Feathers, faeces and other detritus can obstruct gutters, drainage and air vents, while nesting in gutters and hoppers can lead to a complete blockage. In unoccupied buildings, the damage may not be detected straightaway, leading to potentially serious damp and decay problems as well as structural damage. What’s more, the accumulation of bird droppings can damage both brickwork and render.

  1. The nuisance factor

In an urban built-up environment, pigeons are a pest plain and simple. Their faeces and other detritus are visually unattractive, defacing public spaces and private buildings which necessitates regular clean-ups. The birds’ noise, nesting activity and ‘begging’ for food is highly irritating.

What can you do to control pigeon activity?

Methods for pigeon control range from bird deterrents to population reduction techniques. It should be stressed that feral pigeons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it’s illegal in the UK to harm pigeons or interfere with their eggs or nests. Consult with an authorised pest control company for appropriate measures that can be taken.

To deter pigeons from perching or nesting on a building owned or managed by you, consider the following options:

  • Food reduction

Reducing food availability is the most successful long-term method to achieve a decrease in the number of pigeons. Reduce the quantity of food – by keeping the area scrupulously clean, securely covering dustbins and discouraging the feeding of pigeons – and the birds will, put simply, go away.

Easier said than done, of course. However, when faced with the consequences of allowing the feeding of birds while also embracing the concept of culling, which only serves to rejuvenate the pigeon population, some local councils are seeing feral pigeon flocks growing to unsustainable levels, causing deeply entrenched problems for property owners as a result.

  • Proofing of buildings

As a building owner or manager, there are several commercially available methods you can use to deter pigeons from perching or nesting on buildings. These practical measures include

  • Visual, audio or mechanical bird scarers
  • Bird nets fixed to an area of the building to prevent access
  • Sprung wires placed along narrow ledges to prevent landing and take-off
  • Plastic or stainless steel spikes fixed to buildings to obstruct bird access
  • Gel repellent applied to the surface to discourage perching

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – March 2025

London rental market gains momentum as new rental listings surge, Foxtons data shows   March saw a 14% increase in new rental listings across London compared to February Applicant registrations rose by 11% month-on-month in March. Year on year, demand was stable, tracking just 2% below March 2024 levels The average rent in March stood…
Read More
Breaking News

UK’s mid-market firms show improved business growth in March but economic uncertainty continues

Key findings: NatWest’s Mid-market Growth Tracker shows improved business growth in March, led by a strong service sector performance SMEs register a softer decline in output levels during March Market conditions remain challenging and we could see continued challenges in the coming months   Mid-market businesses continued to outperform the wider UK economy in March,…
Read More
Breaking News

ONS Private rent and house prices UK – April 2025

The Price Index of Private Rents (PIPR) measures private rent inflation for new and existing tenancies. The UK House Price Index measures house price inflation. Main Headlines Average UK monthly private rents increased by 7.7%, to £1,332, in the 12 months to March 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 8.1% in…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill – what you need to know

The Renters’ Rights Bill is an extremely important piece of legislation for anyone who rents their home. For those in England (with some elements also covering Wales and Scotland), it represents one of the biggest changes in well over thirty years, and it’s important to be aware of what it might mean to you if…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Calculating Rental Yields and Cash Flow: Essential Tips for First-Time UK Investors

Investing in rental property can be a lucrative venture, but understanding how to calculate rental yields and cash flow is crucial for first-time investors. These metrics help determine the profitability of your investment and ensure you make informed decisions when entering the property market. If you’re considering property investment in Lincoln, working with experienced professionals…
Read More
Home and Living

The Role of Smart Home Technology in Sustainable Real Estate

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern real estate, with homeowners and investors increasingly seeking eco-friendly solutions. Smart home technology plays a vital role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and making properties more appealing to buyers and tenants. How Smart Home Technology Supports Sustainable Real Estate 1. Energy Efficiency & Reduced Consumption One…
Read More