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Pestgon FactSheet
“ If they fly they die…if they crawl they fall”
PIGEONS (Columba livia)
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Description:
The rock dove is more commonly called a pigeon. This common bird is about
13 inches high, of stocky build, with short legs and a small head and varies
in color from white to black. Most pigeons are characterized by a dark gray
head with an iridescent sheen, a light gray back and wings with two dark
bands. They are often seen in large flocks, on the ground or on buildings
or flying around.
Biology & Habits:
Pigeons in the wild occur naturally on steep cliffs. They are common throughout
the US and they have adapted to a variety of habitats in the cities and urban
areas, including tall buildings. Pestgon, Inc. has observed pigeons nesting
in any number of protected locations, such as building ledges, rafters, garages
and neon signs. They have become the most serious bird pest affecting all
sorts of buildings, air conditioners, air ducts, signs, etc. They produce
two to five broods a year or as many as ten young per year. Here in southern
California pigeons, breed and nest during all seasons. Food court areas attract
large flocks of nuisance pigeons. They also feed on handouts and garbage
dumpsters and leave large amounts of unsightly dropping everywhere. Left
unchecked, pigeon odors can become a serious public relations problem.
Economic Impact:
Pestgon’s experience is that pigeon droppings are more than just a
nuisance and unsightly because of defacing buildings. The acid content of
the droppings is very destructive to paint, concrete, plaster, marble, limestone,
wood, metal and roofing. Nests often become solid with accumulated droppings.
The cost to building owners runs in to the billions of dollars annually.
Another very serious liability to owners and property mangers is the disease
factor. Pigeon droppings are a contamination hazard that, transmit a variety
of diseases. Pigeons are carriers of bacteria, fungi and nematodes and serve
as reservoirs for numerous viral encephalitic diseases. Many of the parasitic
mites associated with pigeons also bite humans. So pigeons are not just an
economic concern, because they cause staggering losses to buildings, machinery
and roofs, but they are a serious health risk and liability to commercial
property owners. So, Pestgon, Inc., strongly encourages property managers
and owners not allow pigeons to become established on any commercial project.
Management Methods:
After a complete survey and assessment of food sources, water, nesting and
roosting sites, Pestgon, Inc. employs a number of effective techniques to
humanely manage and eliminate pigeons. Encouraging good sanitation practices
is one primary factor to control of pigeons. Also, any number of exclusion
barriers can be effective as are legally registered repellency baits. Only
a licensed pest management technician can apply pest bird repellent baits.
Properly resolving pigeons problems requires the expertise and experience
of professionals.