Pigeon Identification

What are pigeons?

While most birds are pretty and a sight that people enjoy, some birds are anything but enjoyable. Pest birds move onto our properties without an invitation and are typically dangerous and destructive. One of the most common unwanted birds property owners in Granite Hills deal with is the pigeon.

Pigeons are a problem in rural and urban areas and have the following physical characteristics:

• A light gray body and a darker gray head, shoulders, and breast

• Two dark bars running across the wings and tail

• Iridescence feathers on the neck

• A grayish-pink straight, thin beak

Are pigeons dangerous?

While pigeons may not look extremely threatening, they are actually dangerous and destructive birds when living on our properties in large numbers. 

Wherever there are pigeons, there will be pigeon feces. Having piles of pigeon excrement all over your home and yard isn’t just unsightly but harmful. Their waste is acidic and will corrode building materials, including metal, wood, and concrete.

Pigeons carry and spread many harmful diseases like E. coli and salmonella. There is a fungus that lives in their feces that, when airborne, causes histoplasmosis when inhaled. 

Many different disease-spreading parasites like ticks are introduced onto properties by pigeons. These parasites are also capable of spreading many dangerous diseases to people.

When pigeons are roosting or nesting on our homes or other structures, their nests, feces, and feathers will clog and damage gutters, vents, and electrical systems.

Why do I have a pigeon?

Pigeons live together in large flocks and tend to invade properties in large numbers. 

Pigeons are mostly attracted to properties that offer them plentiful food sources, which is why these pests do so well in urban areas where there are plenty of food scraps left behind for them to consume.

These birds are considered scavengers and forage for food in bird feeders, gardens, crop fields, compost bins, trash cans, parking lots, and outdoor eating areas.

Where will I find pigeons?

Pigeons nest high above the ground; this is why they are such a common sight on the roofs of our homes and commercial buildings. Some of the most common places we find pigeons roosting or creating their unsightly and problematic nests are listed below.

• Roof eaves

• Window ledges

• Chimneys

• Vents

• On large pieces of electrical equipment 

• Under bridges

• Inside barns, sheds, and garages

How do I get rid of pigeons?

Pigeons are difficult and frustrating pests to keep off our properties without the help of an experienced professional. With decades of experience, you can trust Green Flash Pest Control to rid your California property of unwanted, dangerous, and destructive pigeons. We are a locally-owned, family-based company that takes protecting our community from unwanted pests seriously. Through our wide variety of pigeon control services in San Diego and Riverside County, CA, outstanding customer care, and guaranteed solutions, you can trust the dedicated professionals at Green Flash Pest Control to solve your pigeon problems in a flash!

Give us a call today and speak with one of our helpful professionals and learn about our effective pigeon-proofing, clean-up, and sanitizing options.

How can I prevent pigeons in the future?

Taking the following prevention steps can make your property less attractive to pigeons and help you avoid problems with these dangerous and destructive pests. 

• Eliminate sources of standing water by fixing leaky outdoor fixtures, hoses, and clogged gutters. 

• Eliminate birdbaths from your property. 

• Remove bird feeders from your property to avoid attracting pigeons to your property.

• Keep locking lids on trash cans and compost bins to stop pigeons from foraging for food in them.

• Keep outdoor eating areas free of leftover food and food debris.

• Install chimney caps and covers over vents to prevent them from getting into your structure.

• Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter pigeons from living or resting on your property.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management options.