Pigeons - Information and Advice
Description
- Size - Adult pigeons are 30 centimetres long, weigh 300 grams and can live up to 13 years.
- Appearance - Plumage varies considerably - it can be various different colours or almost pure black. There are no visible differences between sexes.
- Feeding habits - Wild pigeons normally feed in flocks and mostly rely on spillages at food premises and scraps given by members of the public.
- Nests - Wild pigeons breed throughout the year, however, most breeding occurs between March and July.
Significance
- Wild pigeons are a potential source of disease so the public health must be considered.
- Mites and fleas on pigeons or in their droppings and nests, can bite humans or infest and spoil food products.
- Fouling of buildings, structures and monuments can occur at places where the birds nest or roost. The acidic droppings can erode the surface of stonework and droppings and dead birds can block gutters and rainwater pipes causing dampness to the building.
- Pigeon droppings can make walkways slippery for pedestrians, particularly in wet weather.
Pest Control
The Council has no powers to cull the pigeon population but recommend they are discouraged using the following methods:
- Don't feed pigeons - they will naturally find their own food and leaving scraps may attract |rats and |mice to an area.
- Don't drop litter - (especially from takeaway food). Litter is the major scavenging food source for most pigeons, please place all litter into a bin.
- Make sure refuse is disposed of properly - ensure your refuse is stored in a covered bin and regularly collected.
- Report fly-tipping - if you see anybody fly-tipping, please advise the |Environmental Care Division immediately.
- Protect buildings - polythene netting, spring trip cords and bird repellent gel are all effective ways to prevent and protect buildings from roosting pigeons.
There are a number of bird control techniques which can be carried out, however, Elmbridge Borough Council does not provide a pest control service to deal with pigeons. We can advise on the proofing of buildings and provide information on |alternative pest control companies who undertake proofing and control of pigeons.
