How to Get Rid of Pigeons in a Barn
Pigeons, birds now common in cities and even the most rural town, can often make pests of themselves. They tend to be nuisance birds, making messes, spreading fleas, ticks and mites, eating food intended for other animals and boasting quick reproductive capabilities. In rural areas, barns make especially attractive roosting areas for pigeons. Cross beams and loft ceilings provide pigeons the comfort and space they enjoy. Ridding a barn of pigeons is a simple task, with the right equipment.
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Things You'll Need
- Long poles
- Anti-roost strips
- Avitrol or Bird X
- Chicken wire
- Bird netting
- Traps
Instructions
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Natural Methods
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1
Remove standing water. Pigeons are attracted to standing water as a source of sustenance. If possible, remove standing water that they may use as drinking water.
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2
Remove food substances. Often, pigeons will flock to an area if they find a food source. This includes food scraps, bird seed and animal feed. Store all forms of animal feed or crop seeds in bird proof containers. Clean up any food scraps or remnants from the area.
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3
Disturb nests. This step is easiest and most humane if done while the pigeons are still constructing the nests. Using a long pole, simply knock down the nesting material down, and repeat when you see a nest being rebuilt. If you wait to do this, you risk knocking down a nest with eggs or chicks in it.
Other Methods
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4
Install anti-roost spikes. These spikes discourage pigeons from roosting or nesting in beams. They also tend to be costly, but very effective. Spikes may be unwieldy in some cross beams.
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5
Install bird netting. This small gauge netting blocks off the roosts from the pigeons. Also an expensive measure, it is very effective in deterring the birds from roosting or nesting.
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6
Set traps. Pigeons are easily trapped as they are notorious gluttons for food. Bird traps can be found at home improvement stores, feed stores and even at your local humane society. Bait the trap, and check it daily for pigeons. Once you have caught one, contact your local animal control to determine how and where to release the pigeon.
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References
- Photo Credit carrier pigeon, feral pigeon image by Lars Lachmann from Fotolia.com
