Pest control specialists at Safeguard have revealed a simple solution for deterring pigeons from gardens: hanging up a roll of tin foil.
Pigeons are commonly regarded as urban birds, but they are equally fond of venturing into gardens, where they can create an enormous mess throughout the summer months if preventative measures are not taken. These gentle yet surprisingly sizeable birds require substantial amounts of food, and during August, they will peck at virtually any plant within reach, potentially causing additional damage to gardens already struggling in the heat.
Why pigeons are hard to deter
One of the primary reasons gardeners attempt to deter pigeons is their tendency to travel in flocks, meaning they can leave a considerable amount of droppings wherever they settle. Keeping pigeons away from a garden can prove challenging because they are comfortable in human proximity, so very little will frighten them off. As scavengers, they can be stubborn about leaving once they have discovered a safe refuge.
According to Safeguard, reflective surfaces such as tin foil take advantage of pigeons' natural responses without causing distress. The experts 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."
How tin foil works
Pigeons are accustomed to living alongside humans, so they typically will not be frightened by many conventional deterrents that other birds tend to dislike, such as loud sounds or scarecrows. However, they will be wary of tin foil as it produces sudden flashes of light when sunlight catches it, which appears like rapid movement to a pigeon. The unexpected flashes of light will unsettle pigeons, as they will be unable to identify the source of the movement, leaving them feeling vulnerable or under the impression that a predator is lurking nearby.
Using tin foil increases the likelihood that pigeons will swiftly vacate an area in search of a safer roosting spot, allowing gardeners to rid their gardens of them without spending a single penny.
How to keep pigeons out of your garden
Simply tie strips of tin foil to fences, trees, railings or any other spots in the garden where pigeons tend to congregate. Arranging them in strips so they flutter in the breeze is particularly effective, as the motion will further unsettle the birds.
Foil can also be used to cover any areas where pigeons regularly perch. Tin foil is generally the most convenient option, but old CDs, pie dishes or a reflective pinwheel purchased online can work just as well.
It is worth noting that pigeons are remarkably intelligent birds, and while the tin foil method is effective, they are known to suss out that it poses no threat within a matter of weeks. For best results, move the tin foil to different spots 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 at bay, leaving gardeners free to enjoy the remainder of summer without the unpleasant prospect of bird droppings ruining their day.
