How to Get rid of Pigeons? Top 11 Best Pigeon Repellents
Pigeons have a small head, short legs, and are stout, seed and fruit-eating birds. They have a grey-white color plumage and make a cooing voice. Just like humans, they can see various colors; in addition, they can also see Ultraviolet light.
Top 11 Pigeon Repellents
The following are some of the best repellents to get rid of Pigeons:
- Ohuhu Solar Powered Owl Decoy
- Bird B Gone MMRTH1 Hawk Decoy
- DE Realistic Rubber Black Mamba Snake
- Bird Netting (Heavy Duty)
- Ohuhu Reflective Pinwheels with Stakes
- Bird B Gone RFLT-1 Reflect-a-bird Deterrent
- Premium Quality Bird Deterrent Reflective Scare Tape Ribbon
- Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Kit
- Bird Barrier Optical Gel
- Bird-X Balcony Guard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller
- CLEANRTH TSBR610 Advanced Sonic/Ultrasonic Bird Repeller with Triple Scan Technology
How to Get rid of Pigeons
You can get rid of Pigeons with the help of the following methods:
1. Fake Predators
Placing Fake Predators such as an artificial owl, hawk, or snake at a place from where they can be easily spotted by Pigeons, prohibits them from coming anywhere near that place.
They are less expensive but you must consider buying a fake model of the species that are observed in your town/city, which might include tiny species such as an owl or red-tailed hawk.
You also need to change its position regularly to showcase that it is real.
Fake snakes are most helpful as their shape and sleek scales are enough to deter Pigeons.
2. Nettings
Nettings are not completely safe as rodents might make an escape route for Pigeons by chewing the net.
However, they are quite useful in keeping lawns, gardens, and other places clean from debris and dirt left by Pigeons and similar pests.
3. Noise Makers or Visual Deterrents
Animals and insects are very sensitive to sounds, therefore, any sort of loud, strange noise happens to rattle them quickly.
Noise Makers create uncomfortable noises for insects which irritates or scares them away. Visual Deterrents work by reflecting light through their aluminum plates and disorient the Pigeons.
Along with this, there are various products that keep pests away by working in the following ways:
- They are painted or visualized in such a way that they look similar to predators and hence, scare the Pigeons away.
- They are painted with attractive visuals, and as Pigeons come near it, they get trapped.
4. Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices radiate a high-pitched sound that bewilders animals, insects and forces them away, making it unsuitable for pet owners.
Some of the products also prevent small animals such as kittens, puppies, and rabbits from entering your house. These devices are available at hardware stores, garden centers, and online.
5. Spikes and Landing Deterrents
Spikes and landing deterrents are much more economical as compared to other methods, especially when you already have a fence installed.
You can just attach them to the fences and they would be safe for other animals as well because they don’t contain any chemical.
Top 11 Best Pigeon Repellents : Review, Pros & Cons
1. Ohuhu Solar Powered Owl Decoy
This owl decoy is a humane way to get rid of pigeons as it works with the help of Solar energy and therefore, does not require any battery changes.
It provides three different levels of sound intensity: merely flashing, flashing, and intense flashing, to scare away Pigeons. Since it is made up of high-quality plastic and long-lasting paint, it can withstand rough weather conditions.
Pros:
- Environment-friendly as it uses solar energy
- Durable as it is made of plastic
- Can withstand rough weather conditions
- Humane way to get rid of pigeons
- Provides three different levels of sound intensity
Cons:
- The low sound intensity is detectable around three yards
- It might attract Pigeons instead of scaring them away
2. Bird B Gone MMRTH1 Hawk Decoy
The Hawk Decoy is effectively designed for outdoor use near rooftops, patio covers, boat, canvases, and other flat surfaces.
It is durable as it is made of strong plastic and gives a life-like effect with its menacing looks and painted features. It scares away pigeons, docks, and boats through its appealing, shiny, reflective surface, and mocking predator’s eyes.
Pros:
- Effective against scaring pigeons, starlings, docks, and boats
- Can be used outdoors on rooftops, patio covers, boat canvases, and other flat surfaces
- Ensures durability as it is made of strong plastic
- Has a life-like effect due to its menacing looks and painted features.
Cons:
- Color fades quickly, within four weeks
3. DE Realistic Rubber Black Mamba Snake
The black mamba snake decoy is made up of rubber material that gives it a realistic snake look. It can be used in gardens and other outdoor places with kids and other animals around as it makes use of non-toxic paint.
This decoy is an excellent deterrent for birds, especially pigeons, with learning disabilities.
Pros:
- Does not make use of any toxic substance
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Has realistic features
Cons:
- Color might fade away quickly
4. Bird Netting (Heavy Duty)
The bird netting does not make use of any toxic substance, can be folded, ensures maximum protection as it is 3/5 inches long, and does not cause any harm to pigeons or other small animals.
It is light in weight but extra thick to ensure durability as it is made up of polypropylene, and can withstand rough weather conditions.
It is a perfect humane barrier to protect your trees, plants, flowers, and garden fences from pigeons and other birds. However, the net can be easily chewed by squirrels.
Pros:
- Does not make use of any toxic chemical
- Made up of Polypropylene
- Highly durable
- Can withstand rough weather conditions
- Protects your fruits on trees, plants, and flowers
- Can be used with garden fencing
- Can be folded and unfolded as per the situation
Cons:
- The holes are small enough to keep birds and but the net can easily be chewed by squirrels
5. Ohuhu Reflective Pinwheels with Stakes
The reflective pinwheel can set up anywhere in home, garden, or barn as it is easy to install. It is perfect for outdoor use as it can withstand rough weather conditions and has a perfect size of 7 inches diameter and 19 inches in length.
It won’t cause any harm to pigeons as it just scares them away through its holographic spinning pinwheel.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Suitable size: 7 inches in diameter and 19 inches in length
- Weather-proof making it suitable for outdoor use
- Can be used anywhere
- Scares away the pigeons with its effective holographic mylar pinwheels spin
- Harmless for pigeons as it just scares them away with the visual signs
Cons:
- Pigeons may get accustomed to the visuals and not get scared
6. Bird B Gone RFLT-1 Reflect-a-bird Deterrent
The deterrent can be easily installed in multiple directions, up to 90 degrees, as just need to tie, screw, or glue it on to the flat surfaces.
Since it is made up of plastic and aluminum construction, it can withstand rough weather conditions, making it suitable for use on buildings and gardens. It is an economical way to get rid of pigeons as it makes use of sunlight, wind, and reflective flashes to scare them away.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Up to 90⁰ design angle
- Made of weather-proof plastic and aluminum
- Economic
- Does not create any noise
- Can be placed in buildings and gardens
Cons:
- Not as effective as it claims to be
7. Premium Quality Bird Deterrent Reflective Scare Tape Ribbon
It is an easy to use and extremely powerful bird diverting tape to get rid of pigeons as you just need to cut it in to stripes and paste it to your balcony, rooftop, or any other affected area.
It is environment friendly as does not make use of any toxic substance and is made up of strong material that ensures durability.
Pros:
- Does not make use of any toxic substance
- Easy-to-use
- Can be used anywhere
- Durable as it is made of strong material
Cons:
- Material is not strong enough and gets torn easily, damaging the yard.
8. Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Kit
The spikes are easy to install and a humane way to repel pigeons, as it acts as an irritating barrier for pigeons when they try to sit near your property.
You can bend the spikes in any direction for extra coverage as they are flexible to bridge over small lumps, bolts, or imperfections.
They can be cut in to small pieces to reach in narrow spaces and if you wish to use the whole piece, it won’t break because the outdoor glue or caulk melds it.
Pros:
- Made of stainless steel
- Easy to install
- Humane way to repel pigeons
- Spikes can be bent easily
- If broken, can be easily mended
Cons:
- Pigeons might make nests between the spikes, defeating the whole purpose.
9. Bird Barrier Optical Gel
This optical gel is environment-friendly as it is made up of all natural ingredients and is thin enough to be mounted upside down too.
The gel works by scaring pigeons away when they come near it and smell or touch it. Since it is resistant to fall, snow, and other rough weather conditions, it can be used on balcony and rooftops.
Pros:
• Easy installation
• Weather-proof
• Perfect size: 7 inches in diameter and 19 inches in length
• Humane way to get rid of pigeons
• Can be used anywhere: home, garden, or barns.
Cons:
- Might attract more pigeons as they peck on the visuals and then fly away.
10. Bird-X Balcony Guard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller
This Ultrasonic Bird Repeller is easy to install and use as it can be mounted anywhere due to its small size. It has an adaptable frequency range of 15 kHz to 25 kHz that is inaudible by humans and provides a coverage area of 900 sq. ft.
The repeller works discreetly and therefore, can cover the difficult to reach areas as well and effective in keeping away pest birds like pigeons. It is quite durable and requires less maintenance as you just need to switch it on and it will start working.
Pros:
- Can be mounted anywhere easily
- Discreet due to its small size
- Durable and requires low-maintenance
- Adaptable Frequency between 15 KHz to 25 KHz
- Covers an area of 900 sq. ft.
Cons:
- Not as effective as it claims to be
11. CLEANRTH TSBR610 Advanced Sonic/Ultrasonic Bird Repeller with Triple Scan Technology
This Ultrasonic Bird Repeller makes clicking sounds as soon as it detects pigeons around 80 ft. away from the device.
It makes use of three distinct viewing points for effective detection and provides sound coverage of up to 7,000 sq. ft. Since it is water-resistant, you can mount it on walls as well.
Pros:
- Provides 7,000 sq. ft. of sound coverage
- Detects pigeons up to 82ft away from the device
- Includes three distinct viewing points for effective detection
- Water-resistant
- Can be mounted on walls
Cons:
- Often, birds get accustomed to the flashing light and clicking noise.
How to remove Pigeon-related Debris
Since pigeon droppings are toxic and is known to carry various bacteria, it is advised to always wear a mask and gloves while you get rid of them. Moreover, someone with weak immune systems should not deal with pigeon droppings.
- To appropriately remove the droppings, use a metal or plastic scraper to detach the stuck-on excrement. Sweep up that and any encircling debris and instantly dispose of it. Then utilize a sponge brush and a grease-fighting agent like dish soap to clean the area.
- To eliminate any stains that may be left, sprinkle a sufficient portion of baking soda onto the stain, leave for about 30 minutes and then scrub clean. Make sure to wash out well with water after.
- Relying on the surface where the droppings are found, you may want to consider little different strategies and cleaners. Club soda and vinegar work nicely on wood surfaces, and laundry detergent works well on metal.
Another important thing that you should keep in mind is to Not Touch Pigeon’s Nest as their dropping are what keeps their nest together. So, if you plan to remove their nest, you need to take a similar amount of caution as you did while removing their droppings.
Buyer Guide for buying the best product to get rid of Pigeons
- If you are going to place it on the terrace, use:
- Ultrasonic products as they give maximum results outdoors.
- Fake Predators can also be used but they might not provide large coverage.
- If you are going to place it on your lawn to protect your trees, plants, or crops, use:
- Netting around the perimeters of your house
- Visual Deterrents as they won’t let Pigeons harm your lawn by flashing light through aluminum plates
- Fake Predator work best near swimming pools
- Spikes and Bird Gels work best in the balcony
- While buying Nettings, make sure that it is:
- Thick enough so that squirrels or any other rodent can’t cut through it
- Long enough to cover your entire lawn, garden, or any area.
- While buying Fake Predators, prefer fake electrical predators that create sound and light to scare Pigeons away.
- While buying Landing Deterrents, make sure that the product is meant for the particular purpose of trapping Pigeons and other pests.
- While buying Ultrasonic Device, make sure that the product is long-lasting.
- While buying Spikes, make sure that the spikes are not easily foldable by large birds such as pigeons.
- While buying Bird Gels, check if it contains Citronella, Peppermint Oil, or Silica, as the smell of these products repels Pigeons with ease.
Conclusion
You can trap Pigeons with the help of various nets and visual and noise deterrents. You can use Ultrasonic devices as well but it is not recommended as it might cause serious harm to the birds as well as other animals around. Use of Fake Predators and deterrents are some of the best ways to stop pigeons from damaging your plants and infrastructure.