Rock pigeons are well adapted to urban and suburban environments where building ledges and beams replicate natural rock cliffs for nesting. They are not migratory birds and will reuse nests for several years, raising up to six broods of two eggs a year. They prefer to eat seed in open areas, plenty of which is offered freely by bird lovers. Rock pigeons must be managed for economic and public health reasons. Uric acid in their droppings (white portion) deteriorates buildings and increases maintenance. Their droppings may also contain disease pathogens that humans can inhale or ingest from contaminated food.
One of the best ways to manage rock pigeons is to prevent them from sitting or nesting on buildings. Bird spikes are an efficient and effective tool for preventing birds from landing on flat surfaces, provided there are no gaps in the spikes that allow nesting. Electric track systems provide a mild electrical shock when birds try to land and are an option for customers who don’t like the aesthetics of bird spikes on their building. Bird netting is used to protect larger areas, such as warehouse ceilings, stadiums and bridge underpasses.
