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General Pigeon Questions
Q. When are pigeons a problem?
Q. Why do pigeons roost on my roof or in my gutters?
Q. Why should I get rid of pigeons?
Q. When is the best time to get rid of pigeons?
Q. Where do pigeons normally live?
Q. How do I know if the birds I see are pigeons?
Q. Where can I get help to solve my pigeon problem?
Health & Safety
Q. What are the most common pigeon complaints you receive?
Q. What are the health risks of having pigeons on my residential or commercial building?
Q. What are the legal risks of having a pigeon infestation at my business or industrial complex?
Q. Will the pigeons attack me?
Q. Who is responsible for this pigeon problem?
Pigeon Control Products and Methods
Q. Which poisons do you recommend to kill pigeons?
Q. Which pigeon repellents are the best?
Q. Which methods do you use to exterminate pigeons?
Q. Which methods does Allstate Animal Control use to get rid of pigeons?
Q. Who should I call for help?
Q. Why should I hire a professional to get rid of pigeons?
Property Damage
Q. What damage can pigeons cause?
Q. What can a pigeon infestation do to damage my property value?
Q. How can a wildlife removal technician help me get rid of the pigeons?
Costs
Q. What does it cost for an initial on-site pigeon inspection?
Q. What does it cost for an initial over-the-phone pigeon control consultation?
Q. Who pays to solve my pigeon problem?
Q. What free bird control services does your company offer to the public?
Q. How much will it cost to get rid of the pigeons?
General Pigeon Questions
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Q. When are pigeons a problem?
A. Pigeons are one of the most common wildlife pests. Even to call pigeons "wildlife" isn't entirely accurate. They are feral-domesticated animals not kept as pets that have grown up wild. Pigeons are persistent birds and will take over areas, covering them with their waste, destroying whole areas of landscaping, defecating on buildings, automobiles, sidewalks, benches, etc. When pigeons move in, nearly everything else moves out.
Q. Why do pigeons roost on my roof or in my gutters?
A. Pigeons like comfortable sunny places that are safe from predators and the elements with plenty of food and water available. The nests are built of twigs but quickly become so covered in droppings that they look like a big pile of waste. When the babies are born, they are the color of poop, too, and are perfectly camouflaged in the nest when they are still.
Gutters are dish-shaped and provide great nesting sites that securely hold the nests. Of course, those nests block the gutters and flood when it rains, but the pigeons don't seem to mind.
Pigeons nest and roost on and in houses because it gives them a good view of nearby feeding areas or because they have gained access to the interior of the building and made your attic their home. They usually access buildings through broken windows, missing or loose vents or soffit or any other small gap or opening.
Pigeons also like high places because they are able to keep a close watch on things and spot predators. Pigeons are social birds and each flock works as a team. Someone always has an eye out for danger.
Q. Why should I get rid of pigeons?
A. Aside from every available surface being covered in pigeon poop, there are significant health risks, both physical and mental. Pigeons carry or are capable of transmitting an amazing variety of diseases from Histoplasmosis to West Nile Virus. Pigeons multiply rapidly. A single pair can raise four or five batches of eggs to young annually, with new eggs laid before the first batch of babies has even left the nest. Pigeons are very social and welcome new birds. The more the merrier as far as they are concerned. Very quickly the noise and constant clean-up associated with pigeons is more than enough reason to have them excluded from your property.
Q. When is the best time to get rid of pigeons?
A. As soon as they arrive. Pigeons are creatures of habit and the longer they are in a territory, the more determined and possessive they become. As mentioned above, they also multiply very quickly and your problem will grow. Call us as soon as you start seeing pigeons on your property and it will be much easier to get rid of them.
Q. Where do pigeons normally live?
A. Pigeons live in every part of the world but the North and South Poles. They started out as pets, but through accidental or intentional release have developed into perhaps the most common feral bird. Originally they liked places with lots of grain, like farms, especially when they are near areas with good nesting sites in high and inaccessible places, like cliffs or buildings. Once known as "rock doves," pigeons live anywhere there is adequate food and shelter and are common in most urban and suburban areas. Stadiums and fast-food restaurants, parks and bridges, airports and schools-all are common pigeon environments. While feeding the pigeons in the park seems harmless, it definitely contributes to the overall problem of urban pests. There are very few predators of pigeons (cats, hawks and falcons) and the birds flourish, overwhelming some areas.
Q. How do I know if the birds I see are pigeons?
A. Pigeons are non-migratory, medium size birds. They have a variety of colorings, but are frequently white or grey, usually with salmon colored legs and feet. They have a smooth appearance with a round body, narrow neck and relatively small head. Their call is a long "cooo." They feed on the ground, usually in groups or flocks, but occasionally as individuals. They roost anywhere that is comfortable-ledges of buildings, attics, statues.
Q. Where can I get help with my pigeon problem?
A. Call Allstate Animal Control: 888-488-7720. We provide professional pigeon solutions and have trained technicians who can help you get rid of the pigeons in responsible, safe and humane ways.
Health & Safety
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Q. What are the most common pigeon complaints you receive?
A. Pigeons generally are one of our most common complaints. This is because they are so numerous and so filthy. Pigeons often roost and nest on mechanical systems like air conditioning units on roofs. Their droppings deface and even damage buildings, sidewalks and statues. Even painted or metal surfaces are not safe and car paint can be stained and etched. Flocks of pigeons can interfere with air traffic. If they end up inside an attic, the house becomes worse than a chicken-coop. The smell, filth, bugs and parasites that come with pigeons also give people reason to call.
Q. What are the health risks of having pigeons on my residential or commercial building?
A. Pigeons are large birds that tend to gather in large numbers. Very quickly, their droppings build up and cause many types of problems. By the time we are called on a job we often remove over fifty pounds of droppings from in and around the home.
Pigeons are associated with over sixty diseases: bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal. Humans can contract everything from Histoplasmosis to Salmonella from pigeons. You don't want pigeons or their poop anywhere near you or your family.
Q. What are the legal risks of having a pigeon infestation at my business or industrial complex?
A. In 2007 three workers at an industrial plant in the Western United States died because of untreated pigeon contamination. Pigeons create more respiratory conditions than most people realize. You might think it is just a cold, but it could be the onset of Histoplasmosis or a similar illness. There is no reason to unnecessarily expose yourself and your workers to contamination. When working conditions are unhealthy, people have the right to sue.
Q. Will the pigeons attack me?
A. No. They will not attack unprovoked. Pigeons are more-or-less flying couch potatoes. However, pigeons have little fear of humans and can become quite aggressive when they are used to being fed. When food is denied or not given in the quantity or speed expected, they can gang up or mob people, especially small children or anyone else they judge might be vulnerable.
Q. Who is responsible for this pigeon problem?
A. You, the property owner, are responsible, but that doesn't mean you have to take care of it yourself. Call a professional, like Allstate Animal Control, for support. Pigeons do not go away by themselves; they multiply. Take responsibility for the problem and call us. We can help.
Pigeon Control Products and Methods
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Q. Which poisons do you recommend to kill pigeons?
A. There are some poisons available. Be very careful about secondary poisoning and about ending up with a building full of dead birds.
Q. Which pigeon repellents are the best?
A. We have excellent pigeon repellents. Our products approach the problem from both a mechanical and a tactile perspective (spikes, netting, and texture) and have proven very effective. Please contact us for more information.
Q. Which methods do you use to exterminate pigeons?
A. Pigeons are considered pest animals and are not protected by federal law, but there are often state or local regulations regarding extermination of any animal. Shooting and trapping are both effective and we use them depending on site conditions and local regulation. We use humane methods of kill-trapping and euthanasia, including CO chambers. Unfortunately, relocation is not an option with pigeons as they commonly return from distances as far as 1000 miles. The carcasses are cremated to prevent the spread of disease.
Q. Which methods does Allstate Animal Control use to get rid of pigeons?
A. We do not attempt to relocate pigeons and recommend that you not try it. Birds removed even hundreds of miles from a place they consider home will beat you back to it. We deter them through repellents, disturb their nest sites and exclude them from roosting areas. When necessary we employ lethal methods to get rid of these "flying rats" and end their destructive habits, which cause millions of dollars of damage nationwide every year.
Q. Who should I call for help?
A. Call Allstate Pigeon Control . We have the most effective types of control available on the market. We know how to solve your pigeon problem.
Q. Why should I hire a professional to get rid of pigeons?
A. Professional bird trappers, like Allstate Bird Control, know how to remove pigeons from the hard-to-reach places they love. When you want to get rid of pigeons you have to be prepared to scale roofs, access steeples, shimmy into attics and generally go where only birds would want to go. You also need to consider city, county, state and federal laws regarding pigeon removal.
We know how to trap the birds to end your infestation and can advise you on how to modify your building to keep it attractive to you and make it very unattractive to pigeons. Pigeons are touchy and temperamental and require subtlety to overcome their careful habits. It often takes 4 to 6 weeks to trap and otherwise remove pigeons from a building. This time frame applies for populations of 10 to several hundred individuals.
After the live birds are gone, we can clean up the mess. Pigeons are so dirty that special equipment is strongly advised. We use masks, specialized cleaners and protective clothing when removing hazardous pigeon waste and carcasses. We can get rid of the smell of droppings and decomposing birds.
Property Damage
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Q. What damage can pigeons cause?
A. Pigeons make your building look bad. Pigeon droppings are unattractive, and contain high levels of uric acid that actually etches surfaces such as brick, concrete, metals, paints and marble. Droppings quickly accumulate and block downspouts and vents-causing a variety of damage, including floods.
Q. What can a pigeon infestation do to damage my property value?
A. Pigeons are considered urban enemies in many cities and cause millions of dollars in damage annually. Left uncontrolled, damage costs run into thousands of dollars per building in cleanup and repairs. Pigeon waste damages stone and metal surfaces, including automobiles. If your building is infested, your neighbors will be affected and will not be happy about pigeon poop in their swimming pool. Whole neighborhoods often band together to get rid of pigeons. When people buy a building they want a home or office, not a pigeon coop.
Q. How can a wildlife removal technician help me get rid of the pigeons?
A. We know how to get rid of pigeons and keep them from coming back, but depending on how long the pigeons have been there and how many there are, it may take a while. Pigeons are not gone like magic after a single visit. They are very determined, and long-term solutions are often necessary. However, we are very confident in our ability to fix your pigeon problem by using our deterrents and repellents and, if necessary, effective extermination techniques.
Maybe the problem pigeons don't exactly live on your property, but you are still tired of the mess. Maybe your neighbors are animal activists and love the pigeons. Well, I can still solve the problem. As long as you are within a city block or so of the roosting or nesting site, we can solve the problem from your property. For example, there was a Chinese restaurant that fed pigeons and quickly accumulated a large population of birds that came for leftovers. We were called by a nearly business owner who was tired of the mess. Very quietly and unobtrusively, we established a trapping site. In a few weeks, the pigeons disappeared!
One of our most important services is proper disposal of carcasses and waste products. We incinerate carcasses to prevent spread of disease and dispose of droppings according to bio-hazard protocol.
Costs
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Q. What does it cost for an initial on-site pigeon inspection?
A. $150-250. For specific information, see our Pricing Page.
Q. What does it cost for an initial over-the-phone pigeon control consultation?
A. FREE! Send me 5-10 pictures via e-mail and I will review them and call you to recommend a solution and give you an estimate. Pictures should include possible pigeon roosting or nesting sites and all four sides of the building. Photograph all currently involved areas and potential roosting and nesting sites. The more information I have the more I can help.
Q. Who pays to solve my pigeon problem?
A. Pigeon control is the responsibility of the property owner. You can attempt to get rid of them and clean up yourself, but I recommend that you contact us, your pigeon removal specialists. Typically pigeon removal starts with an inspection and evaluation which costs $150-250, depending on your location. You may want to contact your property insurance carrier; your policy may include coverage for removal and clean up of pest birds.
Q. What FREE bird control services does your company offer to the public?
A. If you find a bird or animal problem on your property, take 5-10 digital pictures and e-mail them to us (use the Contact Us page). We will call you on the phone to discuss your situation for a few minutes and suggest a plan of action, as time allows. Act today. There is no obligation and the sooner you get started the sooner you will be pigeon-free.
Q. How much will it cost to get rid of the pigeons?
A. Prices vary depending on your location, number of birds and amount of clean-up necessary. E-mail digital pictures and I will give you a FREE consultation and estimate over the phone. For additional information, see our Pigeon Pricing Page
