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| Pest Control in London Stratford East Ham Barking Hackney | info@cleanedritepestcontrol.co.uk |
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| Pest Control in London Stratford East Ham Barking Hackney | info@cleanedritepestcontrol.co.uk |
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Many people see feral pigeons as part of our natural wildlife and enjoy
seeing and feeding them. Part of their appeal is that they can become
very tame and will take food from your hand.
However, they can also be a serious nuisance. Many people complain to us
about them and the problems they cause.
Facts about feral pigeons
Feral pigeons are descended from Rock Doves and interbreed with racing
pigeons and pigeons from domestic pigeon lofts
Colours vary considerably from blue-grey, through blues, reds, mottled
patterns and charcoal to almost pure white
The birds roost and nest on horizontal surfaces on buildings and other
structures that provide a small amount of shelter. Balconies, flat
roofs, ledges, loft spaces and empty buildings are often used if the
birds have access
Nests are constructed of twigs but can also contain rubbish such as
pieces of plastic, they may even be built on or near the dead bodies of
other pigeons
Their natural food is grain and green vegetable matter but they will
scavenge food and eat almost any foodstuff available such as dropped
takeaway foods
Peak breeding season is between March and July but feral pigeons can
breed all year round. Normally 2 eggs are laid with 2-4 broods each
year. The eggs are incubated for 18-19 days and the hatched chicks
(squabs) are fledged and leave the nest after 30-37 days
Pigeon problems
Disease
Pigeons carry a range of diseases such as salmonellosis, tuberculosis
and ornithosis. Whilst there is no direct evidence that the diseases
have been passed from pigeons to humans, the risk can not be discounted.
Because of their potential to contaminate food and spread disease their
presence in and around food premises cannot be tolerated
Pigeon droppings, nesting materials and dead carcasses can contain a
wide variety of mites and insects. These can then infest areas where
people live and can then cause skin irritation, disease or allergic
reactions
Damage to buildings
Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but can also cause long term
damage to buildings
Droppings, nesting materials and feathers can block gutters and
rainwater pipes causing blockages and water damage
Ladders and fire escapes coated in pigeon droppings become slippery and
unsafe to use particularly in wet conditions
Hazards to pedestrians and drivers
Pigeon droppings and waste food left down for pigeons make pavements
slippery especially in wet weather
Startled pigeons may take flight suddenly and cause a hazard to road
traffic
Feeding pigeons
Pigeons are wild birds capable of finding their own food. Human food
does not contain the ingredients that the birds require for good health
Feeding pigeons attracts them to areas that are not natural to them and
exposes them to risks of injury. This is why you often see pigeons with
feet and wing injuries
Feeding results in all year breeding that causes overcrowding. The birds
become stressed and disease and parasites spread quickly within the
flock
Large flocks of pigeons can drive smaller birds away from feeding sites.
The pigeons can also spread disease to other birds, reducing their
populations
Waste food left down for pigeons can attract foxes, rats and mice
Pigeons and the law
Most birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981
The act allows the control of certain birds, including feral pigeons, by
authorised people using specified methods
The use of spring traps, poisons, certain types of nets, gassing and
sticky substances that may entangle a bird are illegal
Our
approach
While agreeing that feral pigeons can cause nuisance to the residents of
the borough, we accept that they are a natural part of urban wildlife
We recognise that the feeding of pigeons is of particular importance to
certain communities
In order to prevent, or minimise, the nuisance caused by feral pigeons,
we aim to control where they roost, nest and feed, and, if possible,
limit their numbers without resorting to killing birds
What
you can do to help
Do not put down food to feed the birds
If you must feed the birds, feed them small amounts by hand, do not give
them more then they can eat immediately
Do not drop litter, especially food litter
Keep your property in good repair so that the birds cannot gain access
to the roof space
If you have a balcony make regular use of it, this will help deter
pigeons
If pigeons do gain access to your property, clear away any signs of nest
building before the birds lay eggs
Consider pigeon proofing methods
