My balcony has been a hot spot for pigeons over the last year. Between them landing on the rails, taking a stroll through the planters and nesting in the balcony directly above, it’s a regular hangout. The problem with this popularity is the relentless pigeon poo that forever covers the floor.
I’m not the only one to have suffered from a plethora of pigeon poop either. In the office this morning, two colleagues commented on a sudden barrage of droppings directly outside their front doors. But why is this happening and how can you put a stop to it? More importantly, how can you clean it once it’s had a chance to dry? We answer all of these questions below.
Why are pigeons all pooing in one spot?
Pigeons are drawn to a specific area because it’s offering them either food, moisture or shelter. You remember I mentioned they were nesting directly above my balcony? That’s what made the spot so attractive – it gave them a secluded area to nest that's warm and out of sight from predators.
If you happen to have bird feeders, fruit trees or even pet food sitting out in the open, that’s a source of food for them. And bird baths will attract them all the more, as will blocked gutters and even shallow puddles. There are all kinds of pigeon incentives you might not know about.
With that in mind, if they’ve focused their attention on your front doorstep, there might be a tasty berry bush nearby, shelter from above or a bowl of water outside for the dog.
Pigeons generally travel in flocks – when one finds a source of food or shelter, others will follow.
How to clean pigeon poo
Before you look at stopping the pigeons, you need to clean the aftermath. It’s better to do this sooner rather than later before it has a chance to dry, but we’ve covered both situations.
Be sure to wear gloves, a mask and goggles for this task because pigeon poo contains a lot of bacteria. First, you need to move all the plant pots, patio furniture and obstructions out of the way. If these have been caught by the droppings, they also will need cleaning by soaking and then scrubbing in soapy water.
Start by dampening the poo with a watering can filled with warm, soapy water – this makes it easier to remove. You need it to soak for around 15 minutes if the residue is heavy and dried.
Next, scrape away the worst of the poo using a plastic scraper, such as the Vikan Plastic Hand Scraper. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface of the floor. Place the residue in a hefty bin bag, sealing and disposing immediately once you’re finished. Rinse any soapy residue away.
Now you need to clean and sanitise what’s left. Monty Miracle’s Outdoor Cleaner scored top in the GHI’s best patio cleaners with 84/100. Testers said it effectively lifted bird droppings as well as algae and there’s no pressure washer required. Alternatively, Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner is a popular disinfectant that scored 74/100, but it's only safe around children and pets once completely dry. Scrub your cleaner with a nylon brush, then rinse away.
Always check the surface is suitable for the cleaner you plan to use.
How to stop pigeons from returning
You don’t want to return to the same mess tomorrow. As well as removing all the attractants mentioned above, there are some steps you can take to stop pigeons from returning.
- Block access to nesting sites with netting, but always check there’s not an active nest beforehand. If there’s a nest, leave it alone until the chicks move on.
- Pigeon spikes can be fitted to railings to stop them from landing so easily. These can also be useful for preventing cats and squirrels.
- Fake predators, including crows and owls, are also widely available. These can be positioned wherever pigeons frequent.
- Hanging unwanted CDs from a string so they can reflect the light can confuse and deter pigeons.
- There’s also reflective tape you can buy for a similar effect.
- Ultrasonic bird repellents are another option, but reviews suggest these aren’t as effective.
- Opt for pigeon-proof bird feeders, designed to deter larger birds. That way, there’s a less-obvious food source.
