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Or we'll call you...
The Pigeon
History
The feral pigeon that we see in our towns and cities today descends from the Rock Dove, a cliff dwelling bird that was widely found in coastal areas many centuries ago, particularly rocky coastlines. Unlike the Wood Pigeon (no relation) that nests in trees, the feral pigeon will almost exclusively nest on buildings and at height, which is why the species has adapted so well to modern towns and cities.
Apart from man, the main predator of the feral pigeon has historically been the Peregrine Falcon, a bird that also lived and bred along rocky coastlines. Due to the inaccessibility of nesting sites on cliff faces, man was far less of a threat than were avian predators. As a result, the feral pigeon became incredibly successful as a species. Until approximately 1000 years ago it would have been a common sight in coastal areas - large flocks of several thousand birds would have not been uncommon. It is now rare to see pigeons living and breeding on cliff faces other than in isolated areas. Nests are constructed of grass and twigs but can also contain rubbish which has pieces of plastic.
Associated Problems
The fouling of buildings and monuments frequently occurs at places where they roost and nest. The acidic droppings react with chemicals in the stonework causing erosion of the surfaces. Accumulations of droppings can become infested with mites and insects, which are pests of stored products and houses. They carry many diseases and can give rise to the following:
- Chlamydosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Campylobacter
- Salmonellosis
- Erysipelas
- Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis (Pigeon Fancier's Lung)
- Histoplasmosis
- Psittacosis
The following organisms and insects can be associated with birds, their nests and droppings:
- Varied Carpet Beetle
- Fur Beetle
- Larder Beetle
- Yellow Mealworm Beetle
- Biscuit Beetle
- Spider Beetles
- Case-bearing Clothes Moth
- Brown House Moth
- White Shouldered House Moth
- Lesser House Fly
- Blowflies
- Cheese Mite
- Flour Mite
- Common Bird Mite
- Pigeon Tick etc
Other problems include
- blocked gutters and downpipes which can cause water damage by seepage coming into the property
- chimneys being blocked causing smoke problems or gasses such as carbon monoxide being forced back into the house
These problems lead to increased costs of maintenance and risk of nuisance to neighbouring properties. Large numbers of roosting pigeons also give rise to odour and noise complaints, not to mention the risk to health and safety in terms of slipping hazards on pavements and fire escapes from accumulations of droppings.
Life cycle
The feral pigeon will breed throughout the year, the peak being between March and July. A normal clutch consists of two off white eggs laid on consecutive days. They are incubated for 18-19 days, it can occur that the female incubates the eggs at night and the male incubates during the day. Pigeons produce a protein-rich 'pigeon milk' that is like a cheesy curd that is the nestlings first requirements. Young are fed twice a day in the morning and evening. Fledging takes place after about 32 days and a further clutch of eggs can be laid when the first young are only 20 days old. It is possible for feral pigeons to produce nine broods a year, but 4 to 5 is more normal.
Control
There are numerous techniques available to combat feral pigeon problems. Handling a pigeon infestation most often requires a combination of products and techniques. Coil, spring wire or bird point all have distinct merits for ledge applications. For exclusion, two inch netting is sufficient, we use only woven and knotted netting for large applications. Any exclusion work should be coupled with some form of flock dispersal such as trapping or shooting. Flock reduction alone is not a long term solution as long as food and attractive shelter remain at the site.
Size |
300 - 350 mm |
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Weight |
275 - 550 gm |
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Plumage |
Blue-greys, reds, blacks |
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Sexing |
Little visible difference |
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Copyright © 2008 Empire Pest Control Ltd
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Operational Areas and Postcodes
Pest Control East London
E1 Whitechapel, Stepney, Mile End E2 Bethnal Green, Shoreditch,E3 Bow, Bromley-by-Bow, E4 Chingford, Highams Park, E5 Clapton, E6 East Ham, E7 Forest Gate, Upton Park, E8 Hackney, Dalston, E9 Hackney, Homerton, E10 Leyton, E11 Leytonstone, E12 Manor Park, E13 Plaistow, E14 Poplar, Millwall, Isle of Dogs, Docklands, E15 Stratford, West Ham, E16 Canning Town, North Woolwich, Docklands, E17 Walthamstow, E18 South Woodford, IG1 Ilford, IG2 Gants Hill, IG3 SevenKings, IG4 Redbridge, IG5 Clayhall, IG6 Barkingside, IG7 Hainault, IG8 Woodford Green, IG9 Buckhurst Hill, IG10 Loughton, IG11 Barking
Pest Control North London & Pest Control North West London
N1 Islington, Barnsbury, Canonbury, N2 East Finchley, N3 Finchley Central, N4 Finsbury Park, Manor House, N5 Highbury, N6 Highgate, N7 Holloway, N8 Hornsey, Crouch End, N9 Lower Edmonton, N10 Muswell Hill, N11 Friern Barnet, New Southgate, N12 North Finchley, Woodside Park, N13 Palmers Green, N14 Southgate, N15 Seven Sisters, N16 Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, N17 Tottenham, N18 Upper Edmonton, N19 Archway, Tufnell Park, N20 Whetstone, Totteridge, N21 Winchmore Hill, N22 Wood Green, Alexandra Palace, NW1 Regent's Park, Camden Town, NW2 Cricklewood, Neasden, NW3 Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, NW4 Hendon, Brent Cross, NW5 Kentish Town, NW6 West Hampstead, Kilburn, NW7 Mill Hill, NW8 St John's Wood, NW9 Kinsbury, Colindale, NW10 Willesden, Harlesden, Kensal Green, NW11 Golders Green, Hampstead Gdn Suburb.
Pest Control South London, Pest Control South East London & Pest Control South West London
SE1 Waterloo, Bermondsey, Southwark, Borough, SE2 Abbey Wood, SE3 Blackheath, Westcombe Park, SE4 Brockley, Crofton Park, Honor Oak Park, SE5 Camberwell, SE6 Catford, Hither Green, Bellingham,SE7 Charlton,SE8 Deptford,SE9 Eltham, Mottingham
SE10 Greenwich ,SE11 Lambeth,SE12 Lee, Grove Park ,SE13 Lewisham, Hither Green,SE14 New Cross, New Cross Gate,SE15 Peckham, Nunhead,SE16 Rotherhithe, South Bermonsey , Surrey Docks,SE17 Walworth, Elephant & Castle,SE18 Woolwich, Plumstead
SE19 Upper Norwood, Crystal Palace,SE20 Penge, Anerley,SE21 Dulwich,SE22 East Dulwich,SE23 Forest Hill,SE24 Herne Hill,SE25 South Norwood,SE26 Sydenham,SE27 West Norwood, Tulse Hill,SE28 Thamesmead,SW1 Westminster, Belgravia, Pimlico,SW2 Brixton, Streatham Hill,SW3 Chelsea, Brompton,SW4 Clapham,SW5 Earl's Court,SW6 Fulham, Parson's Green,SW7 South Kensington,SW8 South Lambeth, Nine Elms,SW9 Stockwell, Brixton,SW10 West Brompton, World's End,SW11 Battersea, Clapham Junction,SW12 Balham,SW13 Barnes, Castelnau,SW14 Mortlake, East Sheen,SW15 Putney, Roehampton,SW16 Streatham, Norbury,SW17 Tooting, Mitcham,SW18 Wandsworth, Southfields,SW19 Wimbldon, Colliers Wood, Southfields,SW20 West Wimbledon, Raynes Park,
Pest Control Central London, Pest Control City of London
WC1 Bloomsbury, Gray's Inn,WC2 Covent Garden, Holborn, Strand,EC1 Clerkenwell, Finsbury, Barbican,EC2 Moorgate, Liverpool Street,EC3 Monument, Tower Hill, Aldgate, EC4 Fleet Street, St. Paul's.
Pest Control West London
W2 Padington,W3 Acton,W4 Chiswick,W5 Ealing,W6 Hammersmith W7 Hanwell,W8 Kensington,W9 Maida Vale,W10 North Kensington W11 Notting Hill,W12 Shephards Bush,W13 West Ealing,W14 West Kensington
Pest Control Essex
CM0 Southminster, Burnham-on-Crouch, Bradwell, Tillingham, Asheldham, Dengie,CM1 Chelmsford, Writtle,CM2 Chelmsford,CM3 South Woodham Ferrers, Boreham,CM4 Blackmore, Fryerning, Ingatestone, Stock,CM5 Chipping Ongar, Bobbingworth, Moreton, The Lavers, The Rodings,CM6 Great Dunmow, Felsted,CM7 Braintree,CM8 Witham,CM9 Maldon, Tollesbury, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Tolleshunt Knights,CM10 Bexleyheath,CM11 Billericay (East), Great Burstead,CM12 Billericay (West),CM13 Brentwood, East Horndon, Great Warley, Herongate, Hutton, Ingrave, Little
Warley, West Horndon,CM14 Brentwood,CM15 Brentwood, Doddinghurst, Kelvedon Hatch, Mountnessing, Stondon Massey,CM16 Epping, Theydon Bois,CM17 Harlow,CM18 Harlow,CM19 Harlow, Roydon, Essex,CM20 Harlow,CM21 Sawbridgeworth,CM22 Bishop's Stortford
CM23 Bishop's Stortford,CM24 Stansted Mountfitchet,RM1 Romford,RM2 Gidea Park,RM2 Gidea Park,RM2 Gidea Park,RM3 Harold Wood,RM4 Havering-atte-Bower,RM5 Collier Row,RM5 Collier Row,RM6 Chadwell Heath,RM7 Rush Green,RM8 Becontree Heath,RM10 Dagenham,RM11 Emerson Park,RM12 Hornchurch ,RM13 Rainham,RM14 Upminster,RM15 South Ockendon, Aveley,RM16 Chafford Hundred, Chadwell St. Mary, North Stifford, Orsett,RM17 Grays, Badgers Dene,RM18 Tilbury, East Tilbury, West Tilbury,RM19 Purfleet,RM20 West Thurrock, South Stifford,IG1 Ilford,IG2 Gants Hill,IG3 Seven Kings,IG4 Redbridge,IG5 Clayhall,IG6 Barkingside,IG7 Hainault,IG8 Woodford Green,IG9 Buckhurst Hill,IG10 Loughton,IG11 Barking
Pest Control Hertfordshire & Pest Control Middlesex
EN1 Enfield,EN2 Enfield Town,EN3 Ponders End,EN4 Cockfosters,EN5 Barnet,EN6 Potters Bar, South Mimms, Cuffley, Northaw,EN7 Cheshunt,EN8 Waltham Cross,EN9 Waltham Abbey,EN10 Broxbourne, EN11 Hoddesdon,HA0 Wembley,HA9 Wembley,HA1 Harrow,HA1 Harrow,HA2 Harrow,HA3 Kenton,Wealdstone,HA4 Ruislip,HA5 Pinner,HA6 Northwood,HA7 Stanmore,HA8 Edgware, AL1 St Albans,AL2 St Albans, Bricket Wood, Colney Street, Frogmore, London Colney, Napsbury, Park
Street, Potters Crouch,AL3 St Albans, Childwickbury, Flamstead, Gorhambury, Markyate, Porters Wood,
Redbourne, Sandridge,AL4 St Albans, Colney Heath, London Colney, Marshalswick, Oaklands, Sandridge,
Smallford, Tyttenhanger, Wheathampstead,AL5 Harpenden,AL6 Welwyn, Ayot St Peter, Ayot St Lawrence, Digswell, Rabley Heath, Tewin,AL7 Welwyn Garden City,AL8 Welwyn Garden City, Lemsford,AL9 Hatfield, Brookmans Park, Essendon, North Mymms, AL10 Hatfield,WD3 Batchworth Heath, Chandlers Cross, Chenies, Chorleywood, Croxley Green,
Heronsgate, Loudwater, Maple Cross, Mill End, Rickmansworth, Sarratt, West Hyde,WD4 Bucks Hill, Chipperfield, Hunton Bridge, Kings Langley,WD5 Bedmond, Abbots Langley,WD6 Borehamwood, Elstree, Well End,WD7 Shenley, Radlett,WD17 Watford, Cassiobury, Nascot Wood, WD18 West Watford,WD19 Oxhey, South Oxhey,WD23 Bushey, Bushey Heath,WD24 North Watford,WD25 Garston, Aldenham, Leavesden, Letchmore Heath,UB1 Southall,UB2 Norwood Green,UB3 Hayes,UB4 Yeading,UB5 Northolt,UB6 Greenford,UB7 West Drayton,UB8 Uxbridge,UB9 Harefield,UB10 Hillingdon.
Pest Control Richmond, Pest Control Surrey & Pest Control Kingston upon Thames
SM1 Sutton,SM2 Belmont,SM3 Cheam,SM4 Morden,SM5 Carshalton,SM6 Wallington,TN14 Cudham,TN14 Cudham,TN16 Biggin Hill,TW1 Twickenham,TW2 Whitton,TW3 Hounslow,TW4 Hounslow West,TW5 Heston,TW6 Heathrow,TW7 Isleworth,TW8 Brentford,TW8 Brentford,TW9 Richmond,TW10 Ham,TW11 Teddington,TW12 Hampton,TW13 Feltham,TW14 Hatton,TW15 Ashford,TW16 Sunbury-on-Thames,TW17 Shepperton,TW18 Staines, Egham Hythe,TW19 Stanwell, Wraysbury,TW20 Egham, Englefield Green,KT1 Kingston,KT2 Norbiton,KT2 Norbiton,KT3 New Malden,KT4 Worcester ParkKT5 Berrylands,KT6 Surbiton,KT9 Chessington,CR0 Croydon,CR9 Croydon,CR2 South Croydon,CR4 Mitcham,CR5 Coulsdon,CR7 Thornton Heath,CR8 Purley.
Pest Control Kent
BR1 Bromley,BR2 Bromley, Keston,BR3 Beckenham,BR4 West Wickham,BR5 St Mary Cray,BR6 Orpington,BR7 Chislehurst,DA1 Crayford,DA5 Bexley,DA6 Bexleyheath,DA7 Bexleyheath,DA8 Erith,DA14 Sidcup,DA15 Sidcup,DA16 Welling,DA17 Belvedere.
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Pest Control North London , Pest Control East London, Pest Control West London, Pest Control South London , Pest Control Kent, Pest Control Surrey, Pest Control Hertfordshire , Pest Control Essex, Pest Control Middlesex