pigeon perched on cement

There are many birds in New York state, and some of them are beautiful, bright songbirds that everyone enjoys. On the other hand, some birds can be a real pest problem if they get near your home. Pigeons are by far the most common pest bird, and while they are often associated with New York City and other large cities, pigeons are common in other suburban and rural areas, too. If you are dealing with pigeons in your Hudson Valley yard, you know that these birds can be tricky to remove. Find out the key to keeping these pest birds away in this guide.

How Do I Know If I Have A Pigeon Problem On My Property?

The first step in identifying a Hudson Valley pigeon infestation is knowing what pigeons look like, but you likely have a good idea already. They are primarily gray, and they have black bands on their wings and iridescent feathers around their necks.

The other way to identify a pigeon problem is by looking for other signs, such as hearing constant pigeon noises, finding feathers and nesting material around your property, and noticing the build-up of pigeon droppings. Keep in mind that most of these signs don’t necessarily mean pigeons are inside of your home, but even having pigeons around your yard can pose problems.

Is It Safe To Feed The Pigeons In Hudson Valley?

Pigeons are rather adaptable birds which is why they can thrive near humans. Many people also enjoy the presence of these birds, and even those who don’t like pigeons might throw them a scrap from time to time. However, it’s not a good idea to feed pigeons.

Feeding pigeons will attract more of them, and they can spread diseases. While a pigeon-related illness is rare, you can get sick from the build-up of their droppings. Their feces can release spores that lead to conditions such as histoplasmosis.

The other risk of a pigeon infestation is that these birds can damage your roof, siding, outbuildings, and more with their nesting and bathroom habits.

Do Bird Nets Really Keep Birds Away?

Bird netting is a product used to keep bird species away from specific areas. These products can keep pigeons from roosting, but there are some downsides to this bird control approach. First of all, it can be a real hassle to put bird netting all over your area, so you might not be able to deter pigeons and other pests completely. Secondly, these netting products can be dangerous for other wildlife species in the area that are more desirable or at risk.

So, it’s much more effective and healthier for the environment to obtain professional pigeon control services from the pros at Pestmaster® Services.

How To Deter Pigeons

Our experts at Pestmaster®Services provide pest bird removal and exclusion services, and we also suggest that you take a few steps on your own to keep pigeons away, such as:

Never feed pigeons and remove access to bird feeders.
Keep your yard clear of trash, including rotting fruits and vegetables.
Get lids for all trash cans.
Make it more challenging for pigeons to find a way inside by repairing broken screens.

For more help with pigeon prevention, reach out to our team today to learn more about our Hudson Valley pest control plans.