Pigeons on your Balcony – 11 Smart and Eco-Friendly Ways to Keep Them Away

Pigeons on our balcony can become a serious nuisance when they decide to make it their temporary home, leaving behind droppings and damage. Large cities, but also urban areas in general, are the preferred habitat for pigeons, which have adapted extremely well to life close to humans. These birds, although they may seem harmless or even charming to some, often bring problems such as damage to building materials, water pollution from their droppings, and the potential transmission of diseases. It is understandable, then, why many apartment and homeowners want to keep pigeons away from their balconies.

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Keeping your balcony free of pigeons is not just a matter of aesthetics or comfort. It is also a matter of health and safety for you and your family. By approaching the problem in an informed and strategic way, you can ensure that your balcony will remain a comfortable space to enjoy without the unwanted presence of these birds.

In this article, we will look at 11 smart ways to keep pigeons away from your balcony. From natural methods and barrier techniques to the use of auditory and visual deterrents, there are many options available to keep your space clean and safe. Additionally, we will also cover maintenance and prevention strategies that will help avoid future problems.

Before we move on to the detailed strategies, let’s keep in mind that kindness and humanity should always be at the forefront of our efforts. The methods we will discuss are eco-friendly and designed to deter pigeons in a safe and non-harmful way.

Pigeons on Your Balcony and Prevention Methods

Plants that repel pigeons: Which plants work best

An environmentally friendly method is to use plants that are not attractive to pigeons or even repel them. Plants such as lavender, geraniums, mint and daisies are not only beautiful but also emit aromas that pigeons find unpleasant. Place these plants in pots around your balcony to create a natural repellent barrier.

These natural methods are only part of the strategy for keeping pigeons away from your balcony. It is important to combine these techniques with other approaches to enhance their effectiveness.

Using natural enemies: Installing a figure of a bird of prey

One of the most effective natural ways to keep pigeons away is to exploit their fear of their natural enemies. Placing a figure of a bird of prey, such as a hawk or an owl, in strategic locations around your balcony can discourage pigeons from approaching. It is important to move the figure regularly so that the birds’ fears do not dissipate due to habit.

Installing pigeon repellent spikes

One of the most common and effective pigeon deterrents is the use of repellent spikes that prevent birds from landing on the surfaces of your balcony. These barriers can be installed on perimeter railings, on the edge of the roof, and on other surfaces where pigeons commonly land, such as the outdoor units of air conditioners. It is important to choose products made from durable materials that will not be damaged by weather or time.

Use of safety nets

Installing safety nets is another effective technique to prevent pigeons from accessing your balcony space. The nets can be installed to cover all openings, creating an invisible barrier that prevents birds from passing through. It is essential to choose nets made from materials that are durable and will not harm birds, such as polyethylene or nylon.

The application of these barrier techniques requires careful planning and installation, but can provide a long-term solution to the pigeon problem. It is also important to maintain the installations well to ensure their effectiveness over time.

Visual Pigeon Deterrents

Visual deterrents rely on the use of objects or devices that are disruptive or threatening to pigeons. This can include reflective tape, colorful flags, or even simple CDs that hang from strings and move in the wind, creating light reflections that are annoying to birds. Visual deterrents are easy to install and can be effective when used in combination with other prevention methods.

Auditory Pigeon Deterrents

Auditory deterrents are devices that emit high-frequency sounds that are only perceptible to birds, such as the sounds of their natural enemies (e.g., birds of prey). This method is especially useful in large open areas and can be adjusted so as not to be annoying to humans. The success of auditory deterrents depends on the frequency and intensity of the sound, as well as the regular rotation of the sound signals to avoid habituation of the birds.

Removal of food sources

Food removal is a fundamental step in preventing pigeons on your balcony. Here are some detailed tips:

For pet food:

Do not leave food or water for pets (dogs, cats) on the balcony.
Use feeders and drinkers that close tightly after use.
Collect any spilled grain or food residue.

For trash

Do not leave open food containers or waste on the balcony.

Additionally:

Do not leave food scraps on balcony tables or chairs.
Close any holes or cracks in trash cans tightly.
Inform your neighbors about the importance of removing food sources.

Removing food sources deprives pigeons of a significant incentive to visit your balcony. By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce their presence.

Special Sprays for Pigeon Repellent

These sprays are designed to create a deterrent environment for pigeons and other birds, making them feel uncomfortable and ultimately avoiding the area where the spray has been applied.

Repellent sprays usually contain substances that are tolerable to humans but annoying to birds, such as essential oils (e.g., mint, ginger, lavender), or other natural ingredients. These substances can irritate the birds’ sensory organs or create a barrier of odors that discourage them from approaching.

Their application is relatively simple: you spray the surfaces where pigeons frequent or land, such as railings, flower pots, and the corners of the balcony. However, their effectiveness may be limited, as weather conditions and outdoor use can reduce their efficacy over time. Thus, periodic re-application may be necessary to maintain protection.

Water Sprinkler Devices

This technique is simple and environmentally friendly, as it only requires the use of water. The basic idea is to spray water on the pigeons periodically or whenever you see them landing or frequenting your balcony. The purpose is not to harm the birds, but to make them feel unwelcome in the space, encouraging them to find a less hostile environment.

Using Curtains or Cloths

Use curtains or cloths to keep pigeons away from your balcony. This technique focuses on preventing pigeons from making visual contact with the space you want to protect. The idea is that if pigeons can’t see the attractive space of your balcony, they are less likely to try to land there. Also, the movement of a curtain by the wind can scare the pigeons and drive them away from our balconies.

Use of a reed screen or pergola on the balcony

A reed screen or a plant pergola reduces the open space available for pigeons to land on, making the balcony less attractive to them.

As we come to the end of this guide, we have explored a plethora of ways to keep pigeons away from our balconies. From natural methods and barrier techniques to auditory and visual deterrents, everyone can find the strategy that best suits their needs. Maintaining a clean and safe balcony is not only a matter of personal comfort but also of public health.

In the hope that this information will inspire you, we wish you every success in your efforts to maintain a beautiful and pigeon-free balcony.