Dealing With Pigeon Pests

They don’t call pigeons “rats with wings” for nothing. In a single year, a flock of 100 of these pests can produce as much as two and a half tons of guano. That guano contains uric acid that’s highly corrosive and can damage buildings and statues. Pigeon droppings also contain airborne spores that can lead to diseases like cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and psittacosis. Pigeon extermination in Las Vegas can help you get rid of any pigeons that are infesting your property.

Where Do Pigeons Come From?

The pigeons that today inhabit cities in practically every part of the world are descendants of the wild rock doves that used to nest in rocky cliffs throughout Europe, western Asia and north Africa. They were introduced into North America at the beginning of the 17th century. Since building ledges are very much like the cliffs that rock doves live on, it was very easy for the birds to adapt to them. Today, it’s estimated that there are more than 400 million pigeons, and that population is growing rapidly.

How Do Pigeons Live?

Pigeons eat approximately an ounce of food a day, which amounts to approximately 10 percent of their body weight. These pests rely upon humans as a food source, subsisting largely on scraps and garbage in cities though if they are found in rural areas, they will eat grains and fruits. They have a rapid breeding cycle: Within 8 to 12 days of breeding, the female pigeon will lay eggs that usually hatch within 18 to 21 days.

Pigeons and Pest Prevention

Since pigeons are an introduced species, they are not protected by any legislation that protects native birds. Don’t ever feed pigeons. The most effective way to get rid of pigeons is by making sure that they have no place to nest. This can be accomplished by using deterrents like spikes and netting that will keep pigeons away from areas where they normally nest. Other pigeon control methods include pigeon traps and pigeon repellents.