WHY ARE PIGEONS ATTRACTED TO MY AIKEN BUSINESS?

When it comes to pest birds, pigeons are not only one of the most common for Aiken businesses, but they’re also one of the easiest to recognize. While their coloring can vary, most pigeons are gray-blue with iridescent feathers around their chest and neck.

Their friendly appearance can be deceiving. While most people believe pigeons are harmless, they can cause big problems for Aiken business owners. Here’s what you should know about the dangers that come with too much pigeon activity around your Aiken business, how to deter these pest birds, and what to do if you’re already dealing with too many pigeons around your property.

Are Pigeons Dangerous In Aiken, SC?

Even if they look harmless, pigeons can become dangerous if you get too close, and here’s how:

• Pigeon droppings can contain harmful bacteria and fungi: From E. coli to salmonellosis and histoplasmosis, pigeon droppings can put you at risk for a number of dangerous bacteria and fungi. While these conditions can cause symptoms in anybody who comes in contact with infected droppings, they put young children, elderly adults, and anybody with a weakened immune system most at risk.
• They can carry mites or fleas: Along with droppings that may be chock-full of bacteria or fungi, pigeons are also less than sanitary. They may carry mites or fleas with them. If a pigeon comes in contact with you or a pet, it can transfer mites and fleas and cause you a whole new set of problems.
• They can carry the West Nile virus: One virus that pigeons have been associated with is the West Nile virus. Although most pigeons aren’t aggressive and generally don’t attack people, there’s always the small risk of a bite – especially if you’ve got nesting pigeons that are trying to protect their young.

Whether they’re trying to steal food from your customers or leaving their droppings everywhere, pigeons spell bad news for your business. Coming in contact with them can put you or a customer at risk for a variety of reasons.

Not to mention, if they’re looking for food, pigeons won’t hesitate to attack crops or gardens. Their noisy cooing can also become a distraction for your staff and customers.

How To Prevent Pigeons In Aiken, SC

While it may be normal to spot the occasional pigeon around your Aiken property, these pest birds can become a problem if they’re roosting near your business or spending a lot of time there. Here’s a couple of ways to deter pigeon activity:

Install sloping covers around ledges and window sills: Pigeons need a flat surface to land and build their nests on, so installing sloping covers on ledges and window sills is an easy way to prevent this.

Use anti-roosting spike strips: Another way to deter pigeons from roosting is by using anti-roosting spike strips on ledges and window sills.

Place a string across landing areas: If you know which areas that pigeons are trying to land and build their nests on, you can also tie a string an inch over the landing area, making it uncomfortable for pigeons to land.

Don’t feed them: Pigeons return to places (and bring their friends) where they know they’ll get food, so it’s important to make sure that you, your staff, and your customers aren’t feeding these pest birds.

Clean up after meals: Even if they’re not actively being fed, if there’s enough food left around your business, this can also attract pigeons. Make sure you’re properly cleaning up after meals, emptying trash cans regularly, and dealing with any other food debris.

The Best Form Of Pigeon Control In Aiken, SC

Although the prevention tips above are a great start to keeping pigeons off your property and away from your business, the most effective solution is a professional one – like those of us at Aiken Pest Control. As dangerous as pigeons and their droppings are, these pest birds should only be handled by a professional.

Roosting pigeons aren’t only dangerous for you and your customers, but they can also deter business. It’s important to handle pigeon problems quickly and effectively. If you’re dealing with one too many pigeons around your Aiken business, there’s no time to waste – call us at Aiken Pest Control today for more information about our pigeon control services.