Pigeons can be a nuisance in British gardens, making messes in raised beds and on patios, and stealing food from smaller birds. Journalist Angela Patrone found an increasing number of pigeons in her garden at the start of summer. While they did not disturb her plants, they damaged her lawn.
Angela successfully repelled the pigeons using a straightforward technique requiring just string and old CDs. The idea came from research into natural ways to discourage pigeons, and she already had CDs in storage that she planned to dispose of.
How the method works
Pest control specialists at Pest Solutions found that pigeons "will steer well clear of any reflective object if they can help it." They added: "Hanging old CDs on a string that will move in the wind can be surprisingly effective at scaring off pigeons." The reflective quality of the CDs repels pigeons, so crumpled balls of foil could also work.
Angela hung CDs throughout her garden, starting with the majority on her fig tree at the centre of the garden, which proved successful. She then positioned a few around her roses lining the edge of the lawn, and hung some along the fence opposite where pigeons typically perched.
Tips for best results
Angela hung the discs loosely so that even a gentle breeze would set them spinning and catch sunlight. She left them in place for about five days before repositioning them slightly, as pigeons can gradually become used to them if left in the same spot indefinitely.
A month after putting up the CDs, Angela has not seen a single pigeon in her garden or perched along the fence as they frequently used to.
