There are numerous means of repelling pigeons on the market. The wide range of choices masks the fact that the magic bullet against pigeons has yet to be invented. After all, well thought-out methods promise short, medium and long-term success. Don't ask yourself any longer: Which method works against pigeons on balconies, windowsills and roofs? This guide explains effective means with advantages and disadvantages.

Pigeons have a bad reputation, but we have ourselves to blame for the plague

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Pigeon control methods overview
  3. Pigeon defense spikes
  4. Pigeon defense spiral
  5. Pigeon repellent ultrasound
  6. Pigeon defense net/rope system
  7. Taubenschreck effective pigeon deterrent?
  8. Acoustic pigeon deterrent
  9. Natural pigeon deterrent
  10. Buy pigeon repellent
  11. Plea for pigeon respect
  12. frequently asked Questions

    13. the essentials in brief

    • Spikes, spirals, nets and tension wire are effective pigeon deterrents for balconies, windowsills and roofs.
    • Ultrasound, pigeon deterrent, acoustic and natural pigeon deterrent only have a temporary effect.
    • Inexpensive shopping sources for pigeon deterrents are hardware stores, Amazon and specialist dealer shops.

    Pigeon defense balcony and roof - methods at a glance

    Pigeons are not welcome on the balcony

    A wide range of methods for controlling pigeons makes the search for a tailor-made, effective means a time-consuming endeavour. The following table aims to prevent unnecessary loss of time with a clear presentation of common methods. How to drive away pigeons from the balcony, window sill and roof without poison:

    Pigeon control method functionality areas of application benefits disadvantage
    spikes Stainless steel/plastic skewers balcony, windowsill, roof long-term effective, inexpensive unaesthetic, risk of injury
    spiral Coils made of stainless steel Balcony, window sill, roof ridge effective, gentle, without risk of injury unsightly
    Ultrasonic high frequency sound waves balcony, windowsill immediate effect habituation effect
    net/rope system Installation of net, wire, rope balcony, roof durable, effective laborious, expensive
    dove fright Dummy Raven, Crow & Co. balcony, windowsill, roof escape reflex habituation effect
    acoustically Screaming and banging devices balcony, windowsill immediate effect nuisance to neighbors
    Naturally moving objects, smell balcony, windowsill, roof gentle expulsion effective for a short time

    Have some methods piqued your interest? Then read on, because each procedure is explained in more detail in a separate section.

    digression

    Pigeon droppings turn pigeons into pests

    Pigeons owe their bad reputation to their legacies, which accumulate in significant quantities at the roost. Freshly dropped pigeon droppings still have a harmless pH value of around 6.5. Within a few hours, the pH value drops to a corrosively acidic 4.5 to 4.0, which can cause massive damage to historic buildings and building fabric made of natural stone. Furthermore, pigeons are considered disease carriers. People with a weakened immune system who inhale infected, dried pigeon droppings are primarily affected. As a result, the strict German Animal Welfare Act is forced to define pigeons as vermin, provided that the conditions laid down in the law are met.

    Pigeon defense spikes

    Pigeon spikes are controversial among animal rights activists

    Pigeon deterrent spikes are designed to prevent the birds from perching on the roof or balcony. Where there is no possibility to sit there, contamination by pigeon droppings is not to be feared. Spikes are pointed skewers made of stainless steel or plastic. A spike consists of 1.3 to 2 mm thick spring wire. In rows of 4 or 6, the skewers are either spot-welded on a narrow stainless steel plate or glued to a plastic plate. This construction allows for months without drilling using cable ties, wire or a special glue. Pigeon repellent spikes are suitable for these locations:

    • balcony
    • canopy
    • window sill and shutter
    • roller shutter box
    • dormer
    • bar
    • Tube
    • roof and ridge tiles

    With a length of up to 12 centimeters and beyond, spikes are not to be overlooked as a pigeon blockade. Although an effective method, it gives the home and balcony a prison-like charm. To make matters worse, pigeons often dare to approach and suffer serious injuries.

    Spiral against pigeons

    With a pigeon deterrent spiral, you make it absolutely clear to approaching birds that they are not wanted. Unlike spikes, rejection does not result in injury or death. The animal-friendly effect is based on a continuous spiral made of stainless steel, which is flexibly attached to a bar. When a pigeon or other bird loads, individual coils first bend to the side and then straighten up again.

    Potential locations for spirals are consistent with pigeon deterrent spikes, such as a roof, balcony, or gutter. Spirals are highly recommended if you want to install an effective pigeon deterrent within reach of children. The method has proven itself just as well in family households, kindergartens or schools as it has in retirement homes or social institutions.

    Pigeon repellent ultrasound

    City pigeons in particular cannot be kept away from ultrasound in the long term

    A few years ago, the news rang out in the pigeon defense portfolio like a rock falling through the window: Ultrasound drives pigeons off the balcony, never to be seen again. As has already been observed with martens, moles and mice, birds also flee from the intense sound waves. These are inaudible to humans, but cause an unbearable noise in the ears of animals.

    The downside is that furry and feathered ultrasonic victims get used to the noise in a short amount of time. City pigeons in particular are forced to take up the noisy seat on the balcony, roof or window sill as a result of the acute housing shortage. Pigeon chicks hatched under sonication are immune to ultrasonic waves even from the day of birth. After all, a short-term effect can be achieved with ultrasound as a pigeon deterrent. Unfortunately, years of experience show that it is ultimately a fruitless and costly bad investment.

    Pigeon defense with net and rope system

    Bird protection nets, tension wire and cable systems are well known to hobby gardeners to protect fresh seeds and young seedlings in the bed from pecking beaks. The use of nets to deter pigeons on the balcony is largely unknown. The following overview summarizes the function and assembly in a nutshell:

    • system: net made of polyethylene, knotted, mesh sizes 10×10 to 50×50 mm, border line with eyelets
    • attachment: vertical or horizontal with screwed ring clamps or glued plastic net holders
    • areas of application: balcony, roof, facade, window and window sill, atrium, canopy

    A pigeon deterrent net is oversized to protect roof beams, pipes or ridge tiles. A system of tension wires or ropes can be considered, which makes the location too uncomfortable for pigeons to perch on. The wires or ropes are stretched on special brackets for the roof ridge. The brackets can either be screwed or glued on. The system is well suited as a pigeon deterrent for the windowsill thanks to special pins on a plate to stretch wire or ropes.

    Pigeon fright - effective pigeon deterrent or not?

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    Pigeon deterrents are products that visually frighten a pigeon. Since pigeons are among the wimps in the bird kingdom, they flee at the sight of a pigeon scarecrow. The basic idea of the expulsion concept is to use dummies to suggest the presence of predators or other dangers. We have compiled proven and popular variations below:

    • Mock-ups of a raven, owl, great spotted woodpecker or falcon
    • Rotating mirrors or CDs
    • Yellow, white and black bird deterrent balloons with fluttering ribbons
    • Reflective wind spirals or pinwheels
    • Pigeon deterrent strips made of aluminum with a diamond pattern and in bright colors
    • Neudorff bird scare spray with the scent of Rabe & Co. for balconies and windowsills

    The test shows that you can get rid of the winged rabble with a dove fright for a short time. You should use this time to install an effective method, such as pigeon deterrent spirals. The intelligent birds have a good power of observation. At a safe distance, clever pigeons quickly find out that the deterrent does not pose any serious danger. Ultimately, the birds sit unperturbed on the dummies and cover the pseudo-enemy with faeces.

    tips

    "Water gun" is the surprising answer when you ask pigeon control experts: Which method works? In fact, pigeons are skittish creatures with weak nerves. Practical experience has shown that a well-aimed shot from a water pistol is an effective way of repelling pigeons, at least in the case of a slight infestation by individual specimens.

    Acoustic pigeon deterrent

    Metal wind chimes only keep pigeons away temporarily

    Experts refer to those methods that are also perceptible to the human ear as acoustic pigeon deterrents. With a combination of loud noises and movement, the unwanted visitors in plumage should be scared away. The method proves its effectiveness above all when individual pigeons appear on the balcony or window sill. Now quick action is required before the first protagonists in the local pigeon society announce the newly discovered location. The acoustic pigeon defense was supposed to make life hell for the winged scouts so that they discouraged fellow birds from approaching. Let yourself be inspired by the following procedures for a practical method on your own balcony:

    • Beat 2 wooden boards together
    • Beat the inverted cauldron with a wooden or cooking spoon
    • Install motion detectors with barking dogs
    • Set up metal wind chimes

    Pigeon victims have to dig deep into their pockets for a powered multi-sound device. Various alarm calls sound via loudspeakers to scare away pigeons and other birds. The acoustic pigeon deterrent costs from 250 euros at Amazon. Premium products cost up to 500 euros. The front runner is 'Robop', a deceptively real dummy falcon with an integrated microprocessor that controls the head, wings and body and regularly emits falcon calls. So much luxury pigeon defense comes at a price of 5,712 euros.

    In the experience reports of verified buyers, it can be read that short-term success has been achieved. In the long run, pigeons, ravens, starlings and sparrows get used to the alarm calls, despite changing intervals. You can find out about test experiences with 'Robop' in the TONI shop, the bird control specialist.

    Natural pigeon deterrent

    Pigeons do not like strong smells

    When balcony gardeners practice natural plant care, they remain true to their ecological philosophy when it comes to pigeon protection. As an answer to the question of the most effective method, only natural means without toxic chemicals are accepted. With this in mind, the following overview lists environmentally friendly procedures to keep pigeons away from balconies, windowsills, beams and pipes:

    Essential Oils

    In the natural protection against pigeons, essential oils are attested to be very effective. Lavender, clove, eucalyptus, camphor, lemon and tea tree are very popular as oil preparations. The more frequently you change the scent, the longer the deterrent effect lasts. First clean the surface thoroughly with hot water. Fill the essential oil of your choice in an atomizer and spray the surface completely. Please choose a time for the application when precipitation is expected after 2 hours at the earliest.

    dog and cat hair

    Dogs and cats are natural enemies of pigeons. The birds react accordingly sensitively to the animal smell. By regularly distributing dog and cat hair on the balcony and other endangered perches, annoying pigeons shine here by their absence.

    Bird Free Gel

    Bird-Free-Gel consists of a flat, 10 mm high glass bowl filled with yellowish gel that exudes the scent of essential oils. The finesse is based on the fact that the gel form is perceived by the eyes of pigeons as a blazing fire. The natural remedy thus irritates the visual organs and sense of smell, which triggers an immediate instinct to flee. Because the scented gel is based on oil, it is largely rainproof, so it can be used on the balcony. The manufacturer promises a shelf life of up to two years, even under bad weather conditions.

    The primary goal of natural remedies is the fine sense of smell of pigeons. The birds are indeed good noses, although the nostrils on the beak are barely visible. Unfamiliar scents are perceived as a danger and trigger the instinct to flee. The bird-free gel also contributes an optical deterrent effect. It is important to note that natural protection against pigeons loses its effectiveness after just a few days. As with most methods, the habituation effect prevents natural means from driving away the annoying pigeons forever.

    background

    Poisoning pigeons - reprehensible taboo and crime

    A flock of pigeons can blatantly soil balconies, roof ridges and windowsills with mountains of faeces within a few days. Understandably, there is great disgust and anger at the winged evildoers. Nevertheless, the residents of the house concerned do not allow themselves to be carried away into condemning pigeons to death for the misdeed. Repelling pigeons with poison is considered an outmoded and reprehensible taboo, not only for die-hard animal lovers. Furthermore, the killing of pigeons is punished as a crime. Only certified, professional pest controllers are allowed to liquidate pigeons in exceptional cases and subject to a special permit from the authorities.

    Buy pigeon repellent - sources of purchase and prices

    It pays to compare prices online

    Effective protection against pigeons for balconies, windowsills and roofs should be affordable. Since an effective strategy is ideally based on a clever combination of different products, the cost factor always plays a role. We looked around for you on the supplier market and put together an overview with average prices for pigeon deterrents in hardware stores and on Amazon. The following table does not claim to be representative, but is intended to serve as a guide:

    Pigeon control hardware store bauhaus obi Hornbach toom Amazon
    Spikes/spirals stainless steel EUR 6.50/50 cm 6.49 EUR/50 cm not on offer from EUR 2.99 6.65 EUR/100 cm
    Spikes plastic 11.95 EUR/100 cm 11.99 EUR/100 cm 13.99 EUR/100 cm from EUR 5.49 6.93 EUR/100 cm
    Spiked/spiral gutter from EUR 3.99 from EUR 4.99 not on offer from EUR 4.49 9.95 EUR/200 cm
    ultrasound device from EUR 39.95 from EUR 34.99 from EUR 19.99 from EUR 19.99 from EUR 15.99
    Net/grid gutter from EUR 4.65/500 cm x 8 cm not on offer from EUR 4.60/500 cm x 10 cm not on offer from EUR 3.16/500 cm x 10 cm
    Pigeon scare raven 9.99 EUR 11.99 EUR 9.99 EUR €5.99 11.95 EUR/3 pieces
    Scream, bang, flash device not on offer not on offer not on offer not on offer from EUR 59.95
    deterrent spray, gel not on offer EUR 12.99/l EUR 12.99/1 liter not on offer EUR 12.99/1 liter

    No hardware store currently has a large-area net to keep pigeons out on the balcony. The offers are limited to protective nets for the gutter. Prospective buyers will find what they are looking for at Amazon, where a 100 square meter special network can be purchased for EUR 52.90, the user testifying to good experiences. The Ziwi shop as a specialist supplier is an excellent source of purchases for tension wire systems, stainless steel pigeon deterrent nets, spikes and pigeon deterrents. There are currently no pigeon defense products to be found in the Hagebau DIY store.

    Plea for a little more respect

    Since the situation of the pigeons is our fault, a little attention is in order

    It is crumbling on the front to the pigeon defense. The increasing awareness of the environment and nature gradually includes the badly defamed, hunted and tortured pigeons. With the #RespektTaube campaign, the German Animal Welfare Association wants to draw attention to the suffering of city pigeons. In fact, we humans are fundamentally responsible for the pigeon lifestyle that is so hated in the modern age.

    Pigeons were bred as important suppliers of meat and eggs.They should breed non-stop instead of once or twice a year. Their ingenious sense of direction and a rapid flight speed of up to 100 kilometers per hour made pigeons indispensable messengers. When their services were no longer useful, the winged pets were summarily evacuated and left to fend for themselves. Feral pigeons that populate our inner cities today cannot help it that they are so keen to reproduce and loyal to the area. Man made them that way and benefited from them for centuries.

    Above all, pigeons are chalked up for a blessed digestion, for which we humans are also partly to blame. There is a dramatic housing shortage among city pigeons, so that balconies, roof ridges and window sills act as alternative quarters. The grain eaters eat chips, bread crumbs and doner kebabs, so pigeons constantly suffer from diarrhea. A little more care, instead of careless installation of spikes and wire, could solve the problem of pigeon control in the long run.

    frequently asked Questions

    Are spikes banned for pigeon control?

    Needle-sharp skewers for repelling pigeons rightly bring animal lovers on the barricades. Regardless of the immense risk of injury for all birds, spikes have not yet been banned. If you don't want to harm pigeons and other birds with pigeon deterrent spikes, you can use stainless steel spirals. The flexible coils drive pigeons off balconies, window sills and ridge tiles without injuries.

    How does an effective pigeon deterrent work on photovoltaic systems?

    Pigeons should not breed under photovoltaic systems

    Private and commercial operators of photovoltaic systems have to contend with pigeon dirt on the surface and nests under the roof modules. To ensure that uninvited guests flee as quickly as possible and do not build nests in the first place, there is a special pigeon deterrent for photovoltaics. These are adjustable spikes that act as a mechanical obstacle to prevent pigeons and other birds from gaining access between the roof and the solar module. The spikes are attached to the side edge of each module with special weatherproof adhesive. If the spikes protrude beyond the edge, pigeons will not be able to settle on them.

    We are considering an electrical system for pigeon control on our balcony and roof ridge. How effective is the concept? What to look out for

    Pigeon defense with electricity is mainly practiced on large and historic buildings. It is a power rail system consisting of two stainless steel rails mounted on weatherproof and UV-resistant plastic holders. Power is supplied either via an existing power grid or by means of solar cells. Comparable to the electric fence principle, light electric shocks drive away any pigeon that wants to sit down without injuring the animal. Installation and maintenance are associated with comparatively high costs, so that the investment in a balcony or the roof of a family home is rarely worthwhile.

    Can you just kill pigeons?

    No. Killing pigeons is, in principle, forbidden under the Animal Welfare Act. From a population of ten pigeons per 100 m², however, the birds are considered pests, which allows killing under strict guidelines, provided that it is carried out by a certified specialist. Furthermore, a special permit is required because the competent authority wants to critically examine each individual case. Anyone who kills pigeons without special training and a special permit is liable to prosecution under Section 17 of the Animal Welfare Act. There is a risk of heavy fines and even imprisonment if the offense is repeated.

    What costs can be expected if I hire an exterminator to keep pigeons out on the balcony?

    Calculate a rough hourly wage of 100 to 150 euros if you use an exterminator. A rough estimate of 20 to 50 euros per meter of length of balcony that is to be freed from pigeons is more meaningful for cost planning. If you decide to cover a large area of the balcony and facade with nets, an average price of 80 euros per square meter is to be estimated.

    How to permanently evict pigeons from the balcony and roof?

    The timing of starting countermeasures is just as important as the approach. Become active when you first see pigeons on the balcony, window sill and roof. Once the birds have settled in, expulsion is very difficult. We therefore recommend a two-step strategy. With the help of immediate measures, such as deterrent deterrents, ethereal smells or ultrasound, you can gain the necessary time for longer-term remedies. Before the pigeons get used to the smell, enemy plagiarism, noise or sound waves and return, the balcony and roof should be secured with pigeon deterrent spirals, nets or spikes.

    tips

    Pigeon dung is useful as an autumn fertilizer in the vegetable patch. In fact, pigeon droppings are rich in potassium, phosphorus and trace elements. Pigeon feathers contained in the legacies decompose into nitrogen-rich horn fertilizer. If plant cells store potassium before winter, the freezing point in the cell water drops, which significantly strengthens frost hardness. For reasons of hygiene, natural gardeners use pigeon manure as an intermediate layer in the compost heap and do not make manure from the faeces.

Category:

Animals in the garden