Urban regions are home to many pigeons, and it’s not uncommon to see pigeons sitting on rooftops. Many people find this odd or even annoying phenomenon and question why pigeons appear fondled for their rooftops. Knowing the causes of this behavior will help you better understand these feathered guests and enable you to control their stay by taking the necessary action.
If you’re reading this, you’re undoubtedly struggling with the issue and wondering why all those birds are congregating on your roof. You could be annoyed by their continuous clucking or worried they’ll pollute your home with their waste. In any case, it’s a serious issue, and you’re probably wondering why, of all locations, it’s at your residence.
Why do pigeons perch on my roof, then? Pigeons often perched on your roof are, in fact, one of three causes. One is that you have an excellent view of a consistent food supply from your roof. Two, they’ve made the decision to make your attic their home, and three, they’re using the gutters as the ideal platform for nest-building or nightly roosting. We’ll look at the numerous reasons pigeons find attractive in this post and what you can do to prevent them from settling on your roof.
What are Pigeons
A species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family is the pigeon. They can be found worldwide but are most frequently seen in cities where people live with them. Pigeons are standard-size birds with tiny heads, short necks, and plump, rounded bodies. They are outstanding flyers and have strong, wide wings. The capacity of pigeons to navigate great distances and their peculiar cooing sound make them well-known.
They are also renowned for their tenacity in confronting climate change and their ability to adapt to various habitats. Pigeons have been domesticated and raised for various uses, such as food, racing, and exhibition.
The History of Pigeons
The history of pigeons is lengthy and intriguing, going back to prehistoric times. They believe they were domesticated for more than 5,000 years and have served several uses, including food, transportation, and communication. Pigeons carry messages across great distances in ancient Egypt, among the earliest places where this practice was documented.
The Greeks & Romans also employed pigeons for comparable objectives. European kings and nobility frequently used pigeons to transport messages between castles & estates throughout the Middle Ages. In Belgium and the Netherlands, pigeon racing, which involves raising and training pigeons to compete against one another, gained popularity in the 19th century. It quickly expanded to other regions of Europe and the US, which is still a well-liked activity today.
With thousands of birds trained & deployed by both sides, pigeons were messengers during World Wars I and II. One of the most well-known instances of pigeon communication took place during World War I, when a pigeon named Cher Ami brought a crucial message from an American regiment under siege in France, preserving the lives of close to close to 200 troops.
Despite their historical significance, pigeon populations have been decreasing in recent years, with some becoming endangered. Nonetheless, initiatives to maintain and safeguard these birds include creating breeding programs and sanctuaries for urban pigeons.
Why Do Pigeons Sit On My Roof
Pigeons aren’t typically considered pests when people think of them. Instead, you picture vermin like rats, cockroaches, termites, and spiders. Depending on where you reside, pests may consist of possums, moles, or even rabbits. Pigeons, unfortunately, fit into this category even though they appear benign, especially if a flock of them decides to establish their home on your rooftop.
So why does this happen? What does it signify when a flock of pigeons sits on your roof, given that they are birds often seen in crowded city streets? Well, there are many possibilities, but the most typical ones are as follows:
🐦Loft Nesting
Pigeons have already established a cozy little nest within your loft, another explanation for why you always see them perched on your roof. Pigeons are social creatures and will frequently nest and roost near one another. As a result, when one pigeon locates a cozy area to dwell in, their nearest group frequently follows.
You might not even know that your attic is already a pigeon village. Sadly, they will inevitable feathers, leave droppings, and nesting materials within your attic, which can result in a significant mess. This might result in additional rats and small animals getting into your loft, which is a completely new issue.
🐦Food Source
Any pigeon’s choice is based on locating or obtaining food because they are animals. Pigeons, of course, could only exist with food. Also, if your roof is situated so that it overlooks a regular food supply, a flock of pigeons will soon begin to frequent it. This point of attraction can be anything, such as a neighboring fast-food business that regularly picks up its trash or a location with abundant food.
Because you can’t remove your roof from the birds’ viewpoint and you are unlikely to be able to change their point of interest, the most effective action is to keep them from visiting your roof in the first place.
🐦Gutter Nesting
They could be in your gutter if they are not roosting in your attic. Sadly, gutters’ curved design makes them ideal nest-building sites, especially during the dry months when it’s secure from predators and sunny. This is a simple way to obstruct your gutters, making it more difficult for rainwater to fall when it rains. Worst of all, a blocked gutter is only sometimes simple to clear. Even though they are not violent, pigeons are obstinate creatures, making it difficult to convince them to leave.
Why a Pigeon Is Sitting on My Roof
Pigeons on the roof usually indicate that the roof has been invaded by birds searching for a quiet and secure spot to nest. Pigeons are generally urban birds and are attracted to places with few people.
As a result, they frequently pick roofs as just a nesting location since they offer them a tranquil setting apart from predators & people. Pigeons on a roof can seriously harm the roof’s structure and any materials used in its construction, despite the lovely atmosphere that a roof affords.
Pigeons destroy shingles and other roof components by scratching them and creating cracks, making them more susceptible to moisture and raising the risk of leaks or other roof damage. Pigeon droppings are also acidic, which can cause roof materials to degrade and eventually erode the surface of a roof. For property owners, this may need costly repairs.
How to Get Rid of Pigeons Out of My Roof
When pigeons gather on your roof, they can be an annoyance since they leave droppings and make noise. These are a few strategies for removing pigeons off your roof.
👉Set up Scary Pigeons
Installing small kites that mimic hawk silhouettes and frightening away pigeons with them is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to do it.
👉Use Repellent Gels
If you have some extra cash, a natural, non-toxic substance called bird gel, which emits ultraviolet light to frighten them away, is another option. They are often great since they can fill many spaces and are simple to apply.
👉Anti-Roosting Spikes
Another option is to use anti-roosting measures, including installing spike strips on rooftops to prevent birds from perching or roosting. Nevertheless, since it often has to be properly installed, this costs you extra money. But once they’re in place, prepare to bid the birds farewell within a day or two. They also don’t need much maintenance from you and are low maintenance.
👉Use Reflective Materials
Alternatively, you may utilize reflecting surfaces to produce a prism impression, which is very efficient at obstructing a pigeon’s vision & driving them away. The best part is that you can make this with supplies around the house. This involves using aluminum foil, reflective tape, or plain old Discs. They hung from the trees and should function flawlessly.
👉Ultrasonic Technology
Last but certainly not least is ultrasonic technologies, which scare away birds by releasing sound waves that, despite the human inability to hear them, are annoying to birds. But, these gadgets must be placed by an expert, like anti-roosting spikes.
👉Bird Netting
Bird netting works well as a deterrent against pigeon colonization. Since netting is available in various sizes, this preventative measure may be adjusted to fit any building’s specifications. We will ensure the grid on the netting is the ideal size that enforces the exclusions of your pest concerns, whether pigeons, starlings, or sparrows. This technique may be applied to guard against bird nesting on flat roofs, building fascias, balconies, sculptures, and ornamental features.
👉Bird Wire
Commonly known as anti-pigeon wire, this product is great for big buildings like cathedrals, churches, and banks since it provides a covert way to get rid of any pigeon and bird infestation. This approach will discretely address the current issue with a modest visible effect.
👉Setup an Automatic Water Jet
Think about putting in an autonomous water jet. Although the automated sprayer is most suited for gardens, you may mount it on your roof or direct the water to the pigeons’ entrance. You may use these water jets to spray the pigeons and their droppings off your roof. The sprayer’s automated sensor makes it simple to find birds. The device’s parameters control the water’s speed and direction.
Check out our Top 5 Motion-Activated Bird-Repellent Sprinklers for Effective Deterrence.
👉Trap and Release
Trapping is another pest management technique to eliminate pigeons in your house. It only takes a few minutes to set a trap, place it where the pigeons congregate, and wait for it to work. The trap should be simple to enter and have a tough escape for the captured pigeons. The pigeons should be drawn inside using an appealing bait. Once the trap is full of pigeons, you must transport it far from your house and release the birds there.
The Effects of Pigeons on the Roof
Depending on their behaviors and the length of time they stay on your roof, pigeons can cause several problems. Pigeon droppings buildup is one of the most frequent problems, which can harm the roofing material & produce unpleasant odors. Pigeons could also create nests on the roof, which might cause structural harm like clogged gutters. Pigeons can also draw in pests like rodents or insects, which may further harm your house.
Pigeon infestations may be expensive to treat and may call for expert help if they go uncontrolled. Pigeon damage on your roof may be reduced with routine cleaning & preventative measures like putting bird spikes or netting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pigeons harm?
Pigeons alone are not dangerous, but their waste products can harm your health and injure your roof and other buildings. Moreover, the materials they use for nesting can block gutters and drains, resulting in water damage.
What can I do to keep pigeons off my roof?
Pigeons can be discouraged from perching on your roof in several ways, including by adding spikes and netting, applying the bird-repellent gel, & erecting false predators like owls and snakes. It’s crucial to remember that certain techniques could be more effective than others, so it’s always advisable to seek advice from a reputable pest control business before taking action.
Do pigeons carry diseases?
Histoplasmosis, Salmonella, and cryptococcosis are a few illnesses that pigeons may carry, and they can be spread to people by coming into touch with their droppings. While removing pigeon droppings, putting on protective gear and gloves is crucial as thoroughly disinfecting the area afterward.
What should I do if pigeons infest my property?
To safely and humanely eliminate the birds and stop them from returning, it is important to contact a professional pest control firm if you have a pigeon infestation. Pigeon removal by oneself can be risky and even against the law in some places.
Why does a pigeon sit there without moving?
It doesn’t necessarily indicate that they are unwell when they choose to sit about or when they are resting. Also, the pigeon may be a racing pigeon having a lengthy break. When the pigeon has had time to relax, it will take off.
Final Thoughts
Pigeons frequently sit on roofs, and there are several explanations for this. As gregarious creatures, pigeons frequently congregate in flocks on lofty perches, like roofs, to roost, rest, and take in their surroundings. Moreover, roofs give pigeons a secure and elevated viewpoint to search for prospective predators and food supplies. In addition, pigeons are drawn to the warmth that roofs maintain, especially in the winter.
The availability of nesting grounds, shelter, or other resources may also drive pigeons to roofs. Pigeons resting on your roof may not always be a problem, but taking precautions to prevent their presence when it becomes a safety issue or poses a health risk is a good idea. Do you want to know how to keep crows out of corn? Click Here!
