In absolute terms, pigeons are not considered pests. However, depending on their living area and if their proliferation is uncontrolled, they can pose problems. Instead of getting rid of them like traditional pests, it is better to opt for repellent solutions. This is, in particular, the case of the capsules that we will present throughout this article.
Pigeons, important animals for our environment…
Pigeons are useful to us in many cases. For example, they feed on insects and small organisms. Thus, they limit the proliferation of critters in our garden, on the roofs and everywhere outside the house. They also eat the seeds of fruits and contribute, in some way, to the reproduction of fruit trees.
Pigeons also play an essential role in scientific research. These birds have superior cognitive and learning abilities than other species, making them interesting to study. They have contributed greatly to the advancement of behavioral science in birds.
Finally, pigeons represent a unique tourist attraction for different regions of the world. They are beautiful to see in numbers, and tourists like to feed them or take photos of them. In Italy, for example, cities like Rome or Venice offer impressive pigeon shows in the streets and tourist squares.
… But can become harmful
However, pigeons are not as harmless as they seem, especially if their population grows uncontrolled in an urban area. The first concrete example is the excrement they leave on buildings. Indeed, this waste is corrosive, and in large quantities, it can quickly deteriorate stone structures, metal, paint and various other surfaces. Roofs, gutters, statues and cars are therefore at risk if pigeons stay in one area for too long.
But that’s not all. Pigeon droppings can contain different pathogens. These could be bacteria, fungi or parasites of all kinds. Occupants of buildings exposed to pigeon waste then risk contracting allergies or respiratory infections.
Another disadvantage of the massive presence of pigeons in an inhabited area is the noise pollution they can cause. Indeed, when they are in large numbers, these birds are particularly noisy. From coos to the sound of footsteps and flapping wings, they can harm the peace of the occupants of the house in the long run.
Finally, their droppings and feathers dirty the roofs and the yard. As the various wastes accumulate, they end up blocking the water drain pipes. Over time, water infiltration may appear on the roof.
What to do to get rid of pigeons?
Many providers consider pigeons to be pests in the true sense of the term. Thus, they offer lethal solutions to eliminate their presence in an inhabited environment. However, as we saw above, these birds do not represent a 100% threat. There is therefore no point in killing them to get rid of them.
There are less aggressive alternatives that only serve to repel them from the living area. These techniques allow you to keep them away from your property without physically harming them. These solutions are just as effective and allow them to be chased away in the medium and long term.
Repellent capsules to get rid of a pigeon infestation
Among the most effective repellent devices for repelling pigeons are repellent capsules. They are designed to deter pigeons and other birds from landing or nesting on unwanted surfaces.
What are the repellent capsules made of?
Repellent capsules are made with different ingredients. Here are a few :
- Lemongrass: this ingredient naturally repels pigeons thanks to the smell it gives off;
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is also a component that gives off an odor that is off-putting to birds;
- Agar: this is a plant gel which gives the capsules their sticky texture;
- Beeswax: Beeswax is used to bind ingredients together.
How repellent capsules work?
Pigeon repellent pods deter birds in several ways. First, they create the visual illusion that the area is dangerous for birds. They give the appearance of something harmful, like fire or smoke, so birds instinctively avoid them.
Then, the capsules emit odors of lemongrass and peppermint oil, which are unpleasant for birds. Although these smells are generally pleasant to humans, they act as a repellent to pigeons.
Finally, the capsules are sticky to the touch. Although birds generally avoid touching sticky surfaces, this provides an added deterrent in case they come into contact with the devices.
How to install and use the repellent capsules?
The repellent capsules are easy to install. Simply remove the capsule lids and attach to the targeted surface. They can be glued to the surface, magnetically attached to metal, or attached using cable ties, making them versatile.
These capsules are also very discreet, measuring only a few centimeters in diameter and a few millimeters in height. They generally blend well into the environment. They are generally made from environmentally friendly ingredients. In other words, they are designed to minimize their impact on nature.
A pigeon repellent capsule is effective for a period of 2 to 4 years. It is therefore a sustainable solution to deter birds from landing or nesting on unwanted surfaces.
Conclusion
To conclude, repellent capsules are one of the most effective and least aggressive methods to deter pigeons from settling in your home. Simple to use and discreet, these devices are also inexpensive and represent an investment over several years.