Pestgon FactSheet
“ If they fly they die…if they crawl they fall”

PIGEONS (Columba livia)

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.