How to Help Get Rid of Pigeons
Pigeons may seem harmless, but these birds can quickly become a costly problem for business owners. Wondering how to get rid of pigeons or what kind of damage they can cause your property? Here’s what you need to ask yourself.
Why Are Pigeons Attracted to Businesses?
Pigeons can easily find food, shelter and water around commercial properties. If they keep showing up around your business, it’s not by accident. They’re drawn to a few things that make your property more appealing than others.
Pigeons stick around when they find what they need:
-
Food sources: Leftover lunch, exposed trash or loading areas attract birds fast.
-
Shelter: Ledging, signage, rooftop spaces and shaded areas provide pigeons with safe, comfortable nesting spots — especially in hotter regions where shade is critical for survival.
-
Water: Puddles, leaking pipes or standing water provide an easy water source.
Understanding these attractants can help your business identify and remove the conditions that make your property a target.
What Are Signs of Pigeons at My Business?
Early signs of pigeons include concentrated droppings in common spots, twigs and feathers collecting on ledges, persistent cooing or flapping noises, and flocks gathering near entry points or dumpsters.
What Problems Can Pigeons Cause to My Business?
Seeing a few pigeons outside may not seem like a big deal at first, but the trouble builds quickly. These birds can create issues that affect your property, your people and even your business reputation.
-
Property Damage: Droppings are acidic and can erode building materials, paint and roof surfaces.
-
Health Hazards: Pigeons can carry diseases and parasites, putting staff and customers at risk.
-
Clogged Drains & Fire Hazards: Their nests block gutters and vents, leading to maintenance issues.
-
Negative Image: A business overrun by pigeons and their mess can send a bad message to visitors and clients.
A business visibly affected by pigeons and their mess risks losing customers and damaging its reputation. Taking control of pigeon issues is essential to help protect your investment, maintain a safe environment and preserve the trust and confidence of your guests.
How Do I Get Rid of Pigeons at My Business?
Dealing with pigeons takes more than scaring them off once or twice. A real solution means being proactive.
-
Step 1: Remove Attractants
-
Begin by sealing trash bins tightly to prevent pigeons from accessing food sources.
-
Clean up food and debris promptly to avoid leaving anything appealing for them.
-
Eliminate leaks and standing water, as these provide essential water sources that attract pigeons.
-
-
Step 2: Block Access
-
Install bird deterrents on ledges, signs and flat surfaces to make landing and nesting difficult.
-
Enhance these physical barriers by using visual deterrents such as reflective materials or coatings, which help pigeons recognize the site as unsafe.
-
-
Step 3: Partner with a Professional
-
Ensure compliance by working with trained and licensed experts for bird control.
-
Connect with an Orkin Pro™ for customized solutions with physical barriers, routine inspections and expert monitoring to help keep birds away from your property.
-
Can My Business Do Its Own Bird Control?
DIY bird control isn’t effective and may lead to compliance issues since many bird methods are regulated.
While pigeons are generally unprotected, many bird management methods for other species are regulated at local, state and federal levels. Attempting bird control on your own can still lead to compliance issues, fines and poor results.
How Can Orkin Help with Pigeons?
You need a partner with expertise and experience. When you partner with Orkin Commercial Services, you get both, as well as:
-
Comprehensive property inspections
-
Installation of physical and visual deterrents
-
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance plans
-
Actionable recommendations tailored to your location
Don’t let pigeons take over your business. Connect with an Orkin Pro™ and keep your property protected. Schedule your commercial inspection today.
Pigeon Control FAQs
Does WD-40 get rid of pigeons?
There is little to no credible evidence that spraying WD-40 deters pigeons long term. Birds tend to habituate quickly to smells that are not harmful or threatening.
Will spraying vinegar keep birds away?
Vinegar may temporarily irritate birds or act as a mild deterrent due to its strong smell, but it is not proven to be effective for sustained control. It’s more of a home remedy and not reliable by itself for business settings.
Does aluminum foil deter pigeons?
Aluminum foil or reflective surfaces (mirrors, shiny tape) can act as a visual deterrent due to reflections and movement. But like many deterrents, pigeons tend to get used to them unless moved or mixed with other methods.
Do wind chimes deter birds?
Wind chimes may help annoy or startle pigeons temporarily due to sound and motion, but alone they generally don’t stop them long term. They’re best used along with other deterrents.
Do fake owls keep pigeons away?
Fake owls can work temporarily. They can scare pigeons at first, but effectiveness usually diminishes as birds realize there’s no real threat. Realism, movement, placement and combining the owl with other deterrents increase the odds of success.
Is pigeon poop toxic?
Pigeon droppings can harbor pathogens and parasites. While it’s generally not acutely toxic for healthy people, exposure over time (especially indoors or in large amounts) can pose health risks.
Will pigeons come back after removal?
Yes — if attractants (food, water and shelter) aren’t addressed, pigeon populations will often return. Long-term solutions usually involve both removal, prevention and exclusion methods.