Pigeon population growth has become an enormous problem. The increasing number of pigeons in the urban areas gives rise to several issues that become harmful. There has been a boom in the population of city pigeons due to the availability of food. Worsening symptoms of many diseases are also associated with exposure to pigeons, such as bronchitis asthma. Moreover, the contaminated area due to pigeon droppings is considered highly unhygienic.
Reasons for Rapid Growth in Pigeon Population
Pigeons are blessed with the extraordinary capability of breeding at very high rates. They can breed between 8 to 12 times a year. Due to urbanization, these birds have become almost extinct in the city, so eliminating predators and excess food availability has led to an out-of-control population boost.
How to Control Pigeons Growth?
Due to all the problems caused by the increasing number of pigeons, it is essential to control the population. Science and humans have worked together to find out ways that are humane and effective. Some of such methods are discussed in detail below.
1 Use of Bird Wires
Bird wires are high tension wires used across buildings to keep pigeons from roosting and dwelling there. A grid wire system is also effective for this purpose.
Effects of Bird Wire System
Bird wire system makes it difficult for pigeons to come closer to the buildings and rooftops. These wires have spikes on them that pigeons find very uncomfortable. Hence, they avoid landing on such wired areas.
This method is effective but to some extent. Pigeons are forbidden to land on the wired surface find other nearby places to dwell. Therefore, this method doesn’t provide a practical solution to pigeon-created problems.
2 Installation of Shock Track System
The shock track system works similar to bird wires, replacing the spiked wires with an electric shock. These shock tracks make it difficult for pigeons to land on the surface by providing a slight electric shock to birds’ feet.
Effects of Shock Track System
The shock track system is a humane method of keeping the pigeons away, but its effects and results have some limitations. The birds start populating in the vicinity when they are stopped or repelled from landing on a place by these tracks.
It concludes that the administered area benefits, no doubt, but the pigeons are still around, impacting the surroundings.
3 Use of Pigeon Traps
Pigeon traps are designed with a one-way entrance. Birds push in to get into them. Once they are trapped, they cannot find a way out. There are various types and sizes of traps available from 2 to 6 feet high.
Effects of Pigeon Traps
Pigeon traps provide an effective solution to the pigeon problem, but this method requires a lot of effort, time, and energy. Trapping pigeons and then humanely removing them is very time-consuming. Another limitation of this method is that pigeons do not quickly leave and forget their homes. Hence, they may come back soon.
4 Use of Birth Control Program in Pigeons
Another effective and humane method of protecting your areas against pigeons is an Ovocontrol birth control program for pigeons. In the pigeon birth control method, pigeons are fed a treated bait with contraceptive effects. As a result, the laid eggs do not hatch.
Effects of Ovo Control Pigeon Control Program
The primary reason for the pigeon problems is their capability of breeding at a very high rate. Hence, interrupting their breeding cycles can help resolve the issue. In the first month, the population of pigeons reduces to 50%. And after continuous use of this bait, you can minimize pigeon numbers to 95%.
Hence the problems posed by their overpopulation would be controlled without even opting for harsh or illegal methods.
Conclusion
The increasing number of pigeons might be getting very problematic for you and your surroundings. Still, in no way are you allowed to go inhumanely with any living thing on the planet. Every life is precious, be it a bird or a plant. Therefore, we have suggested some humane methods and explained their effectiveness to help you find the best one for you.
Birth control in pigeons is the most compassionate and acceptable method worldwide for getting rid of the problems caused by pigeons because it stops the growth in their population without posing any threat to the existing lives. This is not only a humane method but is the most effective one also as the results obtained are visible and long-lasting.
