Pigeons
Where do they live?
Vacant buildings, structural defects
and building design can all provide attractive roosting sites.
Various proofing methods are available to deter roosting.
What do they eat?
Food litter
The amount of food spillage and
litter containing food waste has increased in recent years, and
this source of food has been exploited by the feral pigeon
population.
Feeding Pigeons
Feeding is one of the main reasons
why flocks congregate around many shopping centres. Some people
feed pigeons in the mistaken belief that the activities of the
birds are harmless to humans.
Should I feed them?
No.
- Human food lacks the necessary nutrients the birds require for
good health.
- Feeding attracts pigeons into an area that is potentially
hazardous to them - resulting in damage to wings and feet.
- Feeding results in all year round breeding which causes
overcrowding in roosting sites, allowing disease to spread quickly
within the flock. The birds therefore live in an unhealthy and
stressful condition, exposed to parasites and disease which can be
passed on to other wild birds.
- Pigeons are wild birds, capable of searching out their own
natural food supply. Regular feeding by humans destroys their
ability to fend for themselves and makes them dependent on
humans.
Are they a health risk?
Disease Transmission
Pigeons carry a number of
potentially infectious diseases such as Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis
and Ornithosis. Contamination of food by pigeon droppings or by the
birds themselves can transmit these diseases to humans.
Encouragement of Other Pests
The feeding of pigeons attracts rats
and mice, which take any uneaten food.
Pigeon nests, droppings and dead
carcasses provide a home for a wide variety of insects. These
infestations can spread into buildings causing nuisance, damage and
skin irritation.
What damage do they cause?
Fouling of Buildings
Fouling occurs where birds nest or roost. Apart from being
unsightly, the acidic droppings can erode stonework resulting in
costly long term damage. Gutters and drainpipes can become blocked
causing flooding. Ladders and fire escapes can become coated with
droppings, making them unsafe to use.
How do I control them?
- Dispose of food carefully
- Use litterbins provided
- Do not feed the pigeons!
Last Updated on 6/25/2012