Yuma Pest Blog
While feeding pigeons at the park may be a relaxing way to spend a lazy weekend morning, the last thing that you want is for these winged pests to take up residence around your home. Not only do pigeon droppings cause an unsightly mess on anything and everything, but pigeons also pose a health hazard by carrying a host of diseases and parasites. Pigeons can also cause significant property damage if they are not dealt with quickly.
Clogged Gutters:
Gutters are prime locations for pigeons to build their nests. In gutters, these nests can cause the water to back up, which can damage your roof and allow water to seep into your home. The stagnant water is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which carry West Nile and other viruses. The weight of the nest and its occupants can also cause the guttering to sag and pull away from the roof.
Acid Deterioration:
Pigeon droppings are highly acidic, which can speed up the deterioration of your roof, especially if it is tar based. Depending on the extent of the infestation, pigeon droppings can cut the life span of your roof by as much as half. The droppings can also stain your patio, balcony, outdoor furniture, and even erode the paint on your car.
Fire Hazards:
Pigeons typically build their nests out of materials such as dry leaves, bits of paper, and twigs. These materials are extremely flammable, especially in our hot, arid climate, which can put your home at greater risk of fire if the nest is located near an electrical supply or another ignition source.
Pigeons are prolific breeders. A single pair of pigeons can produce up to 12 babies a year. These new pigeons can start to have their own babies within about six months. This means that you can go from a single pair of pigeons to a flock of 45 or more within a year and as many as 1,000 or more by the end of the second year. Even a relatively modest-sized flock can leave behind thousands of pounds of droppings each year.
The most effective way to prevent or eliminate a pigeon infestation is to contact a professional pest control service that utilizes a variety of integrated pest management techniques. At Yuma Pest, we provide long-term pigeon infestation solutions by blocking access to their preferred nesting sites, eliminating nearby food sources, limiting reproduction, trapping, and toxic baiting if necessary. Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.