How to Identify & Get Rid of Doves
Author:
Mosh Latifi
Co-Owner of Ecocare
Published:
Nov 13, 2025
Doves are graceful birds, but when they begin to nest on your roof, balcony, or chimney, they quickly turn from peaceful visitors into persistent problems. Their cooing, droppings, and aggressive nesting behaviour can cause damage to your property and create health risks for residents. Knowing how to get rid of doves humanely and effectively is the first step towards long-term control. This guide by EcoCare PestControl Management, London’s leading eco-conscious pest specialists, explains how to identify a dove infestation, prevent nesting, deter future visits, and maintain a bird-free environment. With professional dove control methods and environmentally safe deterrents, you can restore peace to your property while preventing structural and fire hazards linked to droppings and chimney nests.
Table of Content
Dove Facts & Information
Size: Medium-sized, roughly 30 cm in length
Colour: Greyish or light brown feathers with a slender body
Head & Tail: Small head with a pointed tail
Legs: Short and pink
Common Species: Mourning dove (most widespread across London)
Call: Soft, distinctive cooing sound
Diet: Primarily seeds, grains, and fruits
Feeding Behaviour: Ground foragers, often seen near feeders
Mating: Monogamous; pairs often return to the same nesting sites
Preferred Nesting Areas: Roof ledges, eaves, chimneys, and other sheltered locations
Droppings: Acidic; can corrode paint, stone, and building surfaces
Nesting Debris: Tends to clog gutters and cause moisture issues
Population Growth: Rapid when uncontrolled, leading to infestation
Impact: Causes noise, mess, and structural damage to properties
How to Identify Doves
Several dove species inhabit urban and suburban areas, including the mourning dove and collared dove. They typically breed two to three times a year, producing small clutches of eggs that hatch within two weeks. Nests are loosely constructed from twigs and easily found in roof spaces, balconies, or open eaves. Once a dove has nested, it often returns to the same area, which is why early intervention is vital. Infestations occur when doves identify sheltered locations with access to food and water, often near waste bins, feeders, or unsealed roofs. Left unchecked, their population increases rapidly, and accumulated nests become a fire hazard, especially in chimneys. Understanding their life cycle helps in developing an effective dove control plan - reducing reproduction, blocking nesting points, and ensuring long-term deterrence through proper property maintenance.
Identifying the Infestation: Signs to Look For
Common signs of a dove infestation include constant cooing, visible droppings on roofs, windowsills, or patios, and nesting debris in gutters or vents. You may notice doves gathering on ledges, feeding on scattered grains, or perching in groups around the property. Damaged insulation, twigs in chimneys, and accumulated droppings beneath favourite landing spots also indicate active nesting. Frequent bird activity near balconies or eaves suggests that nests are already established.
Preventative Strategies: Stop Doves Before They Start
To prevent doves from nesting, eliminate food sources and secure sheltered spots. Keep key areas clean, seal gaps in roofing, and install bird spikes or stainless-steel wire along ledges. Use reflective objects such as tinfoil balls or hanging CDs to visually deter doves. Regularly maintain gutters to prevent debris build-up, and remove nests immediately if found. For persistent problems, EcoCare PestControl Management offers tailored, humane barriers and eco-friendly deterrents to provide long-lasting protection for your property.
Natural Deterrents: Safe, Non-Chemical Repellents
When dealing with a dove infestation, natural deterrents are an effective and environmentally sound starting point. Many homeowners in London and Surrey use aromatic herbs such as rosemary, peppermint, or cedar to deter doves from nesting areas. These natural scents make the environment less appealing without harming the birds. A diluted vinegar spray can also discourage repeat visits, as doves dislike the sharp, acidic smell. Hanging reflective objects – such as tinfoil balls or old CDs – helps scatter light and creates visual deterrents that confuse approaching birds. Combining these measures with thorough cleaning around nesting sites helps prevent droppings damage and reduces the risk of contamination. EcoCare PestControl Management recommends these eco-friendly techniques as part of a broader, humane dove control strategy before progressing to physical exclusion methods.
How to Get Rid of Doves
Once nests are established, active removal is necessary to get rid of doves safely and efficiently. Begin by locating all nests on the roof, balconies, and chimneys, paying particular attention to chimney nests and ledges. Remove all nesting materials using gloves and dispose of them in sealed bags to prevent disease transmission. Clean the area thoroughly to eliminate acidic residue from dove droppings. For ongoing problems, physical barriers such as bird spikes, stainless-steel wire, or shock track systems stop birds from landing or rebuilding nests. Optical gel and motion-activated sonic repellents also deter doves through discomfort without harm. EcoCare’s BPCA-certified team applies these techniques with specialised equipment to manage bird problems swiftly while maintaining safety standards for all property types.
Integrated Pest Management: Combining Techniques
An integrated approach is the most reliable way to achieve lasting dove control. EcoCare combines natural deterrents, physical barriers, and population control methods for comprehensive protection. Their technicians conduct detailed inspections to identify nesting areas and apply stainless-steel wire, anti-roosting spikes, or optical gel to prevent future activity. When necessary, humane relocation and professional pest control treatments are carried out to reduce reproduction and avoid fire hazards from nesting debris. This method blends prevention, monitoring, and eco-friendly actions, ensuring doves do not return while maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem.
Unique Tips & Homeowner Insights
Maintaining a bird-free property requires consistency. Regularly inspect gutters, roofs, and open eaves to remove nesting materials before they accumulate. Use sound machines or ultrasonic devices to discourage birds on roofs, and clean all potential feeding areas, especially where birdseed or crumbs gather. Position reflective panels around vulnerable spots and reseal damaged tiles to block future nest entries. Homeowners who stay alert to changes in bird behaviour can prevent re-infestations more quickly and avoid long-term droppings damage. Taking proactive steps brings peace of mind and restores the comfort of your property.
Quick Takeaways
Use reflective objects and herbs to naturally deter doves.
Clean droppings and debris promptly to avoid damage and health risks.
Install bird spikes, optical gel, or stainless-steel wire to block nests.
Combine physical exclusion and sonic repellents for lasting results.
Contact professional pest control for severe dove infestations.
Long-Term Dove Control & Prevention
EcoCare PestControl Management provides a proven, eco-conscious system for long-term dove control across London and Surrey. Through expert assessment, modern tools, and humane removal methods, the company’s team eliminates nesting areas, prevents fire hazards from chimney nests, and safeguards your property from future bird activity. Their approach integrates physical barriers, visual deterrents, and population control measures – offering both immediate results and sustainable protection. With 24/7 emergency availability, DBS-checked technicians, and BPCA certification, EcoCare ensures every client receives professional service and total peace of mind. Consistency, inspection, and prevention remain the foundation of successful dove management, helping property owners across the UK maintain cleaner, safer, and more comfortable living environments free from unwanted feathered guests.
