HOW TO DRIVE AWAY PIGEONS FROM THE BALCONY? HOW TO GET RID OF PIGEONS AND OTHER UNWANTED BIRDS.
If you want to keep your balcony free of pigeons and don't want bird droppings on the windowsill, then you are not alone. There are now many products that promise effective pigeon deterrents and they vary in terms of application and price. A wide range covers different needs, so it is important to find the right deterrent method for your situation. Which bird deterrent is the most effective when it comes to protecting your balcony? We will tell you how to best go about buying one.
PIGEONS ON THE BALCONY - WHY SHOULD YOU DRIVE THEM AWAY?
Opinions are divided on the subject of pigeons. Some people find them disgusting, others want to feed them and think that the birds are harmless. Easy access to food in cities often contributes to the pigeon population increasing rapidly. So what are the arguments in favor of driving pigeons away?
1. Pigeons transmit diseases
At least 60 infectious diseases are associated with pigeons and their excretions, such as ornithosis, salmonellosis, worms (roundworms, tapeworms), bird flu, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, listeriosis and others. Pigeons also have ectoparasites (external parasites), i.e. bird worms, scabies, lice and ticks, which are easily transmitted to humans.
The most dangerous tick for humans is the pigeon tick. A pigeon tick is a parasite that prefers pigeons as hosts and attacks them when they are sleeping. It does not burrow into the skin, but has a similar habit to a bed bug or mosquito. The parasites do not automatically disappear when the pigeons are chased away. The larvae of the Argas reflexus can survive for up to a year without food and remain hidden. If they do not find a host, they move towards the home and also bite people. A bite from a pigeon tick can even cause anaphylactic shock.
2. Pigeon droppings contaminate buildings and facades
Pigeon droppings damage building materials (even steel and concrete), compromising the structural integrity of the structure and destroying many monuments. The time and material required to remove pigeon droppings is high.
3. Pigeons in farms contaminate floors, walls and equipment
Pigeons cause contamination of food, medicines and chemicals. Local health departments and other government agencies can fine businesses if a "pigeon problem" is not eliminated.
HOW TO DEAL WITH PIGEONS ON THE BALCONY, WINDOWSILL OR TERRACE? HOW TO REPELLET PIGEONS
Good preparation is also essential when it comes to keeping pigeons away. We'll give you tips on how to drive pigeons away effectively and legally.
- Act quickly, following the principle "the sooner the better". If you see a pigeon on your balcony that is coming by more and more often, bringing sticks and cooing, then it is starting to build a nest. Don't wait any longer and act now. Your balcony has been chosen. Spring comes every year and the best thing to do is to install a bird deterrent system before the breeding season begins (see point 2). It is easier to prevent pigeons from settling than to drive them away.
- Act within the law. The Federal Nature Conservation Act protects birds, including city pigeons, and it is a criminal offence to disturb breeding birds.
- Keep the balcony clean. Remove all possible food remains (crumbs, chips, etc.) and water sources that could invite the pigeons. Do not leave anything on the balcony that can be used as building material for the nest.
- If you have already had pigeons nesting on your balcony, you will need to clean it thoroughly before you start to deter pigeons. Pigeons will return to their nesting sites. Remove any traces left by the birds. You can clean the balcony at the end with an all-purpose product to remove any possible bird smells.
ARE BIRD SPIKES A GOOD WAY TO DETERRENT PIGEONS?
Bird spikes are a modern and very effective method of pigeon control. They are most commonly used to scare away city pigeons. They are difficult to see from a distance, which is why this solution is often used on historic buildings.
Bird spikes are not all the same and differ in the density and arrangement of the wires. Pigeons are relatively large, so pigeon spikes do not have a high density of metal tips.
The pigeon spikes are an effective method of bird deterrent and can be easily attached to window sills and railings. Bird spikes are legal, animal-friendly and inexpensive. The only thing you have to remember is to attach the spikes correctly. The birds must be able to recognize them.
PIGEON NET FOR THE BALCONY - EFFECTIVE PROTECTION.
Bird protection nets are often the only 100% effective method of protecting a balcony or terrace from pigeons. A good quality pigeon net is a bird-friendly way to keep them away. The nets are available in different colors and are made of different materials. Pigeon nets made of polyethylene have a long lifespan, remain dimensionally stable and are weather-resistant (precipitation, temperature, UV).
Make sure that the net is tear-resistant and the mesh is tight.
Installation is simple and all you have to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
ARE ACOUSTIC PIGEON DETERRENTERS SUITABLE FOR BALCONIES?
Acoustic deterrents are an effective method that has been used successfully in airports, orchards, parks, municipal landfills and many other open spaces. They are not well suited for use on the balcony as you will not only drive away the pigeons but also annoy your neighbours. For acoustic deterrents to work, the device must be on all the time and that is not possible in the city. What about ultrasonic pigeon deterrents? These are not suitable for outdoor use and will not protect your balcony.
OPTICAL DETERRENCE
Optical bird deterrent systems include decoy birds of prey, plastic ravens, balloons, holographic tape, kites, wind turbines, etc. The optical deterrent makes sense if the pigeons have never bred on your balcony. You can attach a natural enemy in the form of a plastic bird of prey to the parapet. Pigeons are clever and will quickly recognize whether the decoy is a real threat or not. Make sure that you keep moving the artificial bird so that it doesn't get used to it.
We hope that our tips will help you to have a beautiful and bird-free balcony.
