Pigeons can become a menace in August, leaving droppings everywhere, but a simple roll of tin foil can keep them out of gardens, according to pest control specialists at Safeguard.
Pigeons are well-known urban birds, yet they also enjoy venturing into gardens, where they can cause considerable disruption during the summer months if no preventative measures are taken. They are docile but surprisingly sizeable birds with a substantial appetite, and in August they will peck at virtually any plant within reach, causing further harm to a garden already under stress from the heat.
Why pigeons are a problem
One of the primary reasons gardeners try to drive pigeons away is that they move in flocks, meaning they can deposit a remarkable amount of droppings wherever they choose to perch. Keeping pigeons out of a garden can be challenging because they are at ease around humans, so very little will frighten them off, and as scavengers, they can be reluctant to move on once they discover a safe spot to shelter.
Pigeons tend to come into gardens in late summer to eat seeds and fruit.
The tin foil solution
However, pest control specialists at Safeguard have revealed a remarkably straightforward method to deter pigeons — all you need is a roll of tin foil.
They said: "Choosing reflective surfaces to deter pigeons will take advantage of their natural responses, but it does not cause any distress. Reflective surfaces are more of a confusion to a pigeon - and will result in them simply nesting elsewhere".
Pigeons are accustomed to living alongside humans, so they are generally unfazed by many of the common deterrents that other birds tend to dislike, such as loud noises or scarecrows. Nevertheless, they are wary of tin foil, as it produces sudden flashes of light when sunlight catches it, which appears to a pigeon as rapid movement.
How to use tin foil effectively
The unpredictable flashes of light will unsettle pigeons, as they'll be unable to identify the source of the reflections, leaving them feeling vulnerable or convinced that a predator is nearby. Using tin foil increases the likelihood that pigeons will swiftly abandon an area in search of safer shelter, allowing you to rid your garden of them without spending a penny.
Simply tie strips of tin foil to fences, trees, railings, or any other spots in your garden where pigeons tend to perch. Hanging them in strips allows them to flutter in the breeze, which will further unsettle the birds, though you can also use them to cover any favoured perching spots throughout your garden. Tin foil is typically the most convenient choice, but old CDs, pie dishes, or a reflective pinwheel purchased online can work just as well.
It's worth bearing in mind that pigeons are intelligent creatures, and while the tin foil method is effective, they are known to work out that it poses no real threat within a matter of weeks. The technique will prove more successful if you reposition the foil around the garden every few days and combine it with additional deterrents, such as netting or bird spikes.
Nevertheless, tin foil remains one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to keep pigeons out of your garden, so you can enjoy the remainder of summer without the worry of bird droppings ruining your day.
