What Problems Do Pigeons Cause?

Pigeons are common in many towns, cities, industrial areas and can also cause problems in rural areas. Here’s a rundown of the problems pigeons cause from health hazards to damaging buildings and what you can do to control and deter pigeons. 

Health Issues & Diseases Caused by Pigeons

The health risk associated with pigeons is a serious problem. Pigeons carry a variety of diseases such as Ornithosis, Listeria and E-coli that can be transmitted to humans not only from pigeon droppings but also the birds themselves.

Three human diseases, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and psittacosis are linked to pigeon droppings also. When dry, pigeon droppings become airborne in small particles, this can lead to respiratory complaints such as psittacosis. These diseases can be dangerous or life-threatening to people with certain conditions, like asthma or weakened immune systems.

Pigeon control is not just important for their droppings, but all sorts of pests may migrate from their nests into buildings, including parasites such as mites, ticks, fleas and beetles.

Health & Safety Slipping Hazards

When pigeons nest in buildings and excrete a great amount of faeces, this is messy, unsightly and dangerous. The slip and fall risk caused by pigeon droppings is very real. This can make pavements, fire exits, car parks and other areas dangerous for foot traffic and the public liability risk that goes with this, particularly for businesses and commercial properties.

Measures such as pigeon droppings removal is essential to prevent slip risks caused by pigeons to protect staff, contractors, customers and the general public.

Pigeon Damage to Buildings

If you’re asking yourself, can pigeons damage buildings? The answer is a big ‘yes’, pigeons cause extensive and expensive damage to properties and buildings in a relatively short time.

Feral pigeon droppings will foul buildings, creating unwanted corrosive damage. Pigeon faeces is highly acidic and can cause serious damage to buildings to corrode and erode metals, stonework, and brickwork.

Another serious problem that pigeons cause properties is blocking gutters and drainage. When pigeons nest in gutters or downpipes this causes water backup, flooding, leaks and other water damage.

You can effectively and quickly deter pigeons from buildings using bird wire, bird spikes and Bird Netting as physical barriers to protect property.

Fire Risks from Pigeon Nests

Pigeons make their nests out of anything, the debris they collect can cause problems when pigeons build nests that block chimneys or flues. This can lead to a serious build-up of poisonous gases and an increased fire risk. 

Business Disruption and Reputation

Firstly, buildings and pavements covered in pigeon droppings look awful and can smell unpleasant. This can lead to a poor image of a business or area, with the potential to ruin an organisation's reputation.

Pigeon Problem Solutions

The costs of repairing damage caused by pigeons can be thousands, and if the pigeon problem is not resolved, this damage will just reoccur. Pigeons can be a real, long-term nuisance to any business, causing disruption and health issues.

Our knowledgeable specialists are available to quickly deal with any pigeon problems you have. We carry out a comprehensive survey to identify the type of pigeon, and where they are roosting and nesting, followed by our recommended method of pigeon control to  remove pest pigeons and their nests, discretely and humanely.

You can speak to our friendly expert team on 0333 567 2020 about pigeon deterrents, pigeon advice and solutions or contact us online today.

Author: NBC Environment/Orkin