There are many products on the market today to manage pigeons.
There can be divided into two main categories:
There are many products on the market today to manage pigeons.
Although sold as bird control products, these products do not affect pigeon numbers but seek to make buildings and other environments unattractive for feeding, nesting and roosting.
They consist of physical devices which are attached to buildings in order to deflect landing birds or make it impossible for them to land, perch, roost or nest build.
However, if not well maintained birds can quickly exploit any weaknesses.
This aspect is particularly critical in relation to bird welfare.
When using such products, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 applies. This deals with all issues relating to cruelty and unnecessary suffering.
It is the building owners responsibility should birds be trapped by any physical device.
True control approaches that affect pigeon population numbers, include:
Shooting
Trapping
Egg removal and replacement
Lethal control can only be used if the target species presents a demonstrable risk to public health and safety and responsibility rests with the property owner. Lethal control cannot be used to resolve a soiling problem or to protect a building.
The most popular population reduction approach is the culling of birds through trapping and shooting, can be effective at reducing pigeon numbers in the short term but require strict adherence to the appropriate laws, regarding the use of firearms and to animal welfare.
However, unless the programme is implemented regularly, pigeon populations have a strong ability to recover quickly, often to a higher level than before.