Pigeons in North Carolina

While often a pleasant sight, birds can become pests when they invade our spaces, causing damage, health risks, and disruption. Understanding how to get rid of pigeons and manage their presence is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.

A-1 Pest Control, your trusted partner in effective and humane bird removal in Western North Carolina, is dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by pigeons that can cause significant problems for homeowners and businesses alike.

Understanding Pigeon Traits and Habits

Pigeons are medium-sized birds commonly found in North Carolina and many urban areas worldwide. This highly adaptable bird species can thrive in various environments.

Identifying Pigeons

Pigeons are generally medium-sized birds, measuring around 11-14 inches long, with a wingspan of 20-26 inches. They have stout bodies, short necks, and small heads. Their plumage can vary but is typically blue-gray with iridescent feathers on the neck and wing bars.

Pigeon Behavior

Pigeons can nest almost anywhere, from ledges and rooftops to gutters and attic spaces. These birds are opportunistic feeders, often foraging for food scraps, grains, and seeds in parks, streets, and other populated places. As social creatures, pigeons are usually seen in flocks, especially in urban areas with plentiful food sources.

Common Issues Caused by Pigeons

Despite their innocuous appearance, Pigeons can cause significant problems when invading residential and commercial properties. Understanding these issues is crucial for implementing effective control measures.

Health Risks

Pigeons can carry and transmit many diseases that pose health risks to people and pets. Their droppings often harbor harmful pathogens, leading to food poisoning, respiratory issues, and other illnesses. Additionally, pigeon droppings can support the growth of fungi like Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory condition that can be severe in humans.

Property Damage

Pigeons often nest in gutters, vents, and roof eaves, leading to clogs that can cause water damage to buildings. Their nesting materials can also pose a fire hazard, especially when nests are built near electrical equipment or ventilation systems. The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials, deface structures, and require costly cleanups and repairs.

Noise and Nuisance

Pigeons are social birds that often congregate in large flocks, creating significant noise that can be disturbing, especially in residential areas. Their constant cooing, particularly during early morning hours, can be a nuisance and disrupt daily activities. Large flocks lead to an increase in droppings, further exacerbating health and property damage.

How to Identify Pigeon Infestations

Early identification of a pigeon infestation is crucial for preventing the various issues these birds can cause. Key indicators of an infestation include visual, auditory, and behavioral signs:

Visual Signs of Pigeons: Regular sightings of medium-sized, blue-gray birds, especially in large numbers. There will also be nests made of twigs and debris in sheltered areas like ledges and roof eaves, as well as accumulations of bird droppings on window sills, ledges, and roofs. You may also notice feathers and nesting materials scattered around these areas.
Auditory Signs of Pigeons: Distinctive cooing sounds, often heard early in the morning and throughout the day, along with rustling or movement sounds in attics, walls, or roof spaces, indicating pigeons building nests or moving around.
Behavioral Signs of Pigeons: They frequently forage in streets, parks, or near food sources and exhibit aggressive behavior toward other bird species, such as chasing away other birds from feeders or nesting sites. Additionally, pigeons may be seen congregating on rooftops, power lines, and other high structures where they prefer to roost.

How to Get Rid of Pigeons

Getting rid of pigeons requires pest prevention techniques and humane removal strategies. Here are some effective methods on how to get rid of pigeons and manage pigeon infestations in North Carolina:

Habitat Modification: Reduce access to food sources by keeping bird feeders away from the house and cleaning up spilled seeds and grains. Trim trees and shrubs near buildings to limit nesting sites. Ensure that garbage bins are securely closed to prevent pigeons from scavenging.
Exclusion Techniques: Install bird netting over potential nesting areas such as vents, eaves, and roof spaces. Use bird spikes on ledges, window sills, and other flat surfaces to prevent pigeons from perching and nesting. Seal small openings or gaps in your building to block pigeon entry points.
Trapping and Deterrents: Use live traps to capture pigeons humanely. Install visual deterrents such as reflective tape, scare balloons, or predator decoys to frighten pigeons from your property. Auditory deterrents like ultrasonic devices or recorded predator calls should be considered to keep pigeons away.
Professional Pest Control Services: For severe infestations, contact A-1 Pest Control. Our pest control experts can provide tailored solutions and ongoing maintenance to prevent pigeons from returning. We utilize advanced techniques and humane methods to ensure effective and long-lasting results.

Our Humane Pigeon Prevention and Removal Services

At A-1 Pest Control, we offer comprehensive prevention and removal services designed to address and manage pigeon infestations effectively. Here’s why A-1 Pest Control stands out as your go-to bird control company in North Carolina:

Comprehensive Inspection: Our experienced technicians thoroughly inspect your property to identify nesting or roosting areas and potential entry points.
Customized Prevention Strategies: We create a personalized treatment plan, which may include bird netting, bird spikes, and exclusion services to prevent pigeons from returning.
Safe and Humane Pigeon Removal: We use humane trapping methods and deterrents, such as bird netting and spikes, to safely relocate pigeons and prevent them from landing on ledges and rooflines.
Effective Bird Deterrents: To keep pigeons away, we offer a range of visual and auditory deterrents, including reflective tape and ultrasonic devices.
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: Our services include regular follow-up visits to monitor the effectiveness of the implemented measures. We adjust our strategies to ensure long-term protection and promptly address new infestations.

Contact Our North Carolina Pigeon Removal Experts Today

Finding pigeons in your home or business can be overwhelming, especially given their potential to cause damage and health issues. If you need assistance with pigeon control or preventive measures in North Carolina, the experts at A-1 Pest Control are here to help.

Our offices are in Lenoir, Hendersonville, Hickory, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, and Mooresville, but we serve much of the surrounding area.
Contact us today at 828-481-9140 or fill out the contact form below to learn more about our bird control services in North Carolina. Our exterminators will help you learn how to get rid of pigeons in a humane way.