How to Identify and Get Rid of Pigeons
Author:
Mosh Latifi
Co-Owner of Ecocare
Published:
Nov 13, 2025
Pigeons are among the most common urban pests across London, nesting on buildings, rooftops, and balconies, and leaving droppings, feathers, and noise that disrupt daily life. Effective pigeon control begins with understanding their habits, nesting behaviour, and the best deterrence and removal methods. More than just a nuisance, pigeons pose a public health risk, carrying disease through droppings and contaminating surfaces.
This guide explains how to identify, prevent, and remove pigeons through humane deterrence measures - from bird spikes and netting to eco-friendly pigeon removal services by EcoCare PestControl Management. With a focus on long-term control and environmental responsibility, we cover everything from early signs of infestation to sustainable proofing and maintenance.
Table of Content
Pigeon Facts & Information
Size: 30–35 cm long; wingspan up to 70 cm
Colour: Grey body, black bars on wings, iridescent neck sheen
Diet: Grains, seeds, and human food waste
Behaviour: Highly social, form flocks, and return to familiar nesting spots
Habitat: Urban rooftops, balconies, and building ledges
Breeding: Lay two eggs per clutch, nesting all year
Lifespan: Up to 6 years in the wild, longer in urban environments
Other Traits: Strong homing instinct, excellent memory, often feed where people provide food
How to Identify Pigeons
There are several types of pigeons in the UK, but feral pigeons dominate urban spaces. Descended from domesticated birds, they adapted to city life, making rooftops, bridges, and ledges their nesting grounds. A typical life cycle includes nesting, laying eggs, and raising chicks in sheltered spots. Pigeons breed throughout the year, meaning infestations grow rapidly if left unchecked. Their attraction to leftover food, open bins, and deliberate feeding pigeons behaviour by humans encourages overpopulation.
Once pigeons establish a nest, they tend to return repeatedly, creating long-term problems for property owners. The droppings are acidic and can damage paint, brick, and metal structures. Moreover, pigeons attract parasites like mites and fleas, increasing public health risk. Recognising the pigeon behaviour that leads to infestations helps property owners take preventive action early.
EcoCare’s pigeon control services target these issues using proven methods such as bird netting, anti-roosting spikes, pigeon repellents, and decoy raptors. Every solution is tailored, humane, and environmentally conscious, designed to rid your property while preventing recurrence.
Identifying the Infestation: Signs to Look For
Spotting a pigeon problem early saves time and damage. Look for nests made of twigs or debris in roof spaces, balconies, or air vents. Frequent droppings around ledges, windows, and entrances are a strong indicator. You may also notice cooing sounds, feathers, or birds circling specific areas. Pigeons are creatures of habit; if they find a safe nesting area, they return repeatedly. Large flocks roosting on rooftops or ledges typically mean a nearby nest. The presence of pigeon spikes or bird gels disturbed or covered in droppings often signals ongoing activity.
Preventative Strategies: Stop Pigeons Before They Start
Preventing pigeons starts with blocking their access and removing attractants. Keep gardens and roofs clean, secure food sources, and avoid feeding pigeons. Install bird netting, pigeon spikes, or pigeon repellent gel on buildings and balconies to deter landing. Use reflective objects, shiny CDs, or motion-activated sprinklers to scare away pigeons naturally. Regular cleaning removes nesting materials and discourages return visits. EcoCare offers pigeon proofing assessments to ensure every roof, garden, and property area remains protected. Through consistent maintenance and eco-friendly methods, homeowners can rid themselves of recurring pigeon problems safely and permanently.
Natural Deterrents: Safe, Non-Chemical Repellents
Natural deterrents are ideal for those who wish to get rid of pigeons without resorting to harsh chemicals or causing harm. Eco-conscious methods such as these discourage pigeons from nesting on buildings and roofs, while ensuring your garden remains safe for other birds. Strong-smelling substances such as vinegar, cinnamon, or pepper disrupt pigeon behaviour, while repellent gels and herbal sprays make perching surfaces uncomfortable. Hanging reflective objects - like CDs or shiny materials - scares pigeons away by interfering with their flight paths. EcoCare also recommends humane deterrence measures including decoy raptors or kites, which mimic natural predators and deter persistent birds. For effective DIY pigeon-proofing, installing bird netting or anti-roosting spikes creates a lasting barrier, blocking access to popular nesting sites and reducing the problem naturally and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons
If pigeons have already settled on your property, quick action is essential to prevent further nesting. EcoCare’s BPCA-certified team employs proven methods to remove pigeons safely and efficiently. Physical techniques, such as nest removal, debris clearing, and pressure washing, eliminate all traces of infestation. Installing anti-bird spikes, bird gels, and pigeon repellents then prevents them from returning. For persistent cases, ultrasound devices or motion-activated sprinklers can be used to deter pigeons from gardens, roofs, and balconies. EcoCare’s professional removal services ensure humane treatment by using pigeon-proofing installations that block re-entry. Bird netting and anti-roosting spikes are strategically placed to protect every area from further activity. Alongside surface cleaning and sanitisation, these methods effectively remove health hazards and prevent repeat problems.
Integrated Pest Management: Combining Techniques
EcoCare utilises a balanced, integrated approach by combining natural deterrents with professional bird removal services for lasting results. Their Integrated Pest Management system emphasises prevention, cleanliness, and ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term pigeon control. Expert technicians inspect roofs, gardens, and balconies to detect any early signs of nesting or feeding. Once the area is assessed, a tailored mix of anti-bird spikes, proofing barriers, and reflective objects is implemented as part of a comprehensive, sustainable solution. For serious infestations, EcoCare’s 24-hour response ensures rapid removal and control. Choosing EcoCare means partnering with a leading London pest control company recognised for humane and environmentally friendly deterrence measures - ensuring other wildlife is never harmed in the process.
Unique Tips & Homeowner Insights
To keep your home or garden pigeon-free, consistency is crucial. Regularly check rooftops, ledges, and gutters for early signs of nesting and quickly remove any debris. Avoid feeding pigeons or leaving food accessible, as this encourages feral pigeons to linger nearby. Keep surfaces dry and smooth, since pigeons prefer flat, sheltered spaces for nesting. Adding decoy raptors or shiny objects on balconies helps deter persistent flocks. Homeowners should consider scheduling annual pigeon control inspections with EcoCare to maintain long-term protection. These simple, consistent actions prevent infestations and provide peace of mind, knowing your property is safe from damage and disease.
Quick Takeaways
Remove nests and debris promptly to prevent long-term infestation.
Use bird netting, anti-roosting spikes, or reflective objects to deter landing.
Avoid feeding pigeons and secure bins to limit attractants.
Employ ultrasound devices and motion-activated sprinklers for continuous deterrence.
Contact EcoCare for humane, guaranteed pigeon removal and proofing services.
Long-Term Pigeon Control & Prevention
Successful pigeon control relies on consistent prevention, humane deterrents, and expert intervention. EcoCare PestControl Management provides the most reliable way to eliminate pigeons and stop nesting on buildings for good. Their BPCA-certified technicians combine natural repellents, anti-roosting spikes, and advanced proofing methods to secure every roof, garden, and balcony. Unlike temporary fixes, EcoCare’s integrated strategies address root causes - from pigeon behaviour to poor waste management - delivering lasting, eco-friendly solutions. With round-the-clock support, professional removal, and customised treatment plans, property owners can trust EcoCare to uphold hygiene, safety, and peace of mind. This approach not only resolves current problems but prevents recurrence, keeping properties clean, protected, and free from unwanted birds all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
