How to Keep Pigeons From Making a Nest Under a Roof's Eaves

The best way to repel pigeons is to employ a combination of control methods.

Pigeons frequently become a nuisance when they begin roosting and building nests in the eaves of houses, barns and other buildings. The presence of pigeons often leads to an accumulation of droppings which can not only affect the appearance of the building in which the birds are nesting but it can also accelerate the rate at which the building deteriorates. Due to these reasons, and many others, preventing pigeons from nesting under roof eaves is a common concern that is actually fairly easy to correct.

Things You'll Need

• Pigeon spikes
• Bird netting
• Holographic visual bird deterrent device
• High-powered hose
• Non-toxic chemical bird repellant

Instructions

1. Remove any existing nests from the eaves of the building and remove any nearby sources of open water to make the habitat surrounding the building less appealing to pigeons. It is also important to remove food sources such as grain bins and bird feeders to discourage pigeons from nesting in the area.

2. Install pigeon spikes along eaves, ledges and the edges of the roof itself to prevent pigeons from landing. If pigeons have nowhere to land they will be unable to build nests and will move on in search of a more favorable habitat.

3. Screen in the area under the roof using bird netting to prevent pigeons from accessing the area to roost. Attach the top of the netting to the edge of the roof and secure the bottom of the netting to the side of the building about a foot below or, if one exists, to the ledge below the eaves.

4. Install a holographic visual bird deterrent device near the area in which pigeons most often build nests. Unlike stationary predatory silhouettes, holographic devices move with the wind and catch the light to appear life-like which is the key to scaring pigeons away from the nesting area.

5. Spray pigeons that land on or near the roof with water from a high-powered hose. This method may not be effective on its own but it is a good way to chase pigeons away quickly and, when combined with other pigeon control methods, it can be effective in encouraging pigeons to roost elsewhere.

6. Apply a non-toxic chemical bird repellent to the affected area under the roof's eaves. These substances are available in paste or spray form and they create a sticky substance that discourages pigeons from perching in the treated area. Apply the repellant in 2-inch-wide strips spaced 2 to 3 inches apart all the way around the house below the eaves.

Tips & Warnings

• Noise deterrents and fake predators have little effect in scaring pigeons away.

References

• University of Missouri; Controlling Nuisance Pigeons; Robert A. Pierce; July 2011
• Chicago State University; Pigeons (Rock Doves); David E. Williams and Robert M. Corrigan; 1994