NATIONAL NEWS - The national SPCA has released information regarding the control of problem pigeons.

The Special Projects Unit of the national SPCA acknowledges that under certain circumstances, animal control may be required, but it only supports the use of humane methods. 

The NSPCA does not support methods of pest/problem animal management that cause suffering, pain, or distress to any animal. It recommends the following methods that will assist in inhumanely deterring pesky pigeons.

Prevention: Always maintain good sanitation practices around your property i.e. remove all rubbish around the buildings; ensure that outside garbage bin lids are closed properly and that there is no access to food for birds such as pet food bowls.

Visual deterrents: Hang up shiny objects such as CDs or silver reflective tape; place life-like decoys of predators such as owls, eagles, snakes, dogs and cats around the property - these can appear as a threat to birds. If predator decoys are used, they need to be moved around daily to create the illusion that they are alive. Otherwise, birds will become familiar with them.

Bird spikes can be used to deter birds from perching, roosting or nesting in unwanted areas. Spikes are ideal for window sills, parapet walls, chimneys, roof peaks, air-conditioning units, gutters (spikes need to be raised) and pipes.

Create barriers with plastic or galvanised mesh where the birds roost or nest and prevent access to gutters, chimneys, entry points to roofs and overhangs.

"Stretch wires" can be used to deter birds from perching in unwanted areas such as window sills, roof peaks, railings and roof beams.

Ensure the wire is too thin for the birds to land on. If you are unable to erect stretch wires, bird slopes are ideal for ledges and eaves that have a 90 degree angle. Bird slopes create a slippery slope, making it difficult for birds to land, thus preventing birds from perching, roosting or nesting in eaves or ledges.

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