Why Do Pigeons Keep Coming to Balcony?

If you live in an urban area, you may have noticed that pigeons keep coming to your balcony. Have you ever wondered why these birds are attracted to your balcony?

Pigeons keep coming to balconies for food and shelter. The birds seek a place to roost and often become familiar with a particular balcony as a reliable food source.

It can be frustrating and even unsanitary. Many people wonder what can be done to deter them. Here, I will explore why pigeons keep coming to your balcony and provide practical solutions to help keep them away.

What Attracts Pigeons to Balconies?

Pigeons are commonly drawn to balconies for a variety of reasons. Understanding these attractions can help you effectively deter them from frequenting your outdoor living space. Here are some key factors that attract pigeons to balconies:

Shelter

One of the primary reasons pigeons seek out balconies is for shelter. Balconies protect from the elements, offering pigeons a refuge from rain, wind, and direct sunlight.

Food

The availability of food is another major attraction for pigeons. If your balcony or its vicinity provides access to food sources like bird feeders, spilled pet food, or crumbs, pigeons are more likely to visit.

Nesting Sites

Pigeons are notorious for building nests in sheltered areas, and balconies with ledges or alcoves can be enticing nesting spots. The structure and design of your balcony may make it an attractive location for them to raise their young.

Safety

Balconies offer pigeons an elevated and relatively safe vantage point to monitor their surroundings. This vantage point helps them spot potential threats or predators from a distance.

Habit Formation

Pigeons tend to establish habits and routines. Once they discover a balcony that meets their needs, they will likely return to it repeatedly. This behavior further reinforces their attraction to the balcony.

Can Pigeon Droppings Pose a Health Hazard to You & Your Family?

Pigeon droppings can pose health hazards to you and your family. Pigeon droppings can carry various diseases and pathogens that may be harmful if they come into contact with humans. Here are some of the potential health risks associated with pigeon droppings:

Histoplasmosis

This fungal disease is caused by inhaling airborne spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which can be present in dried pigeon droppings. It can lead to flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can affect the lungs and other organs.

Cryptococcosis

Another fungal infection, cryptococcosis, can be contracted by inhaling airborne particles from dried pigeon droppings contaminated with the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It can cause respiratory symptoms and, in severe cases, affect the central nervous system.

Psittacosis

While more commonly associated with parrots and other birds, pigeons can also carry the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which causes psittacosis. This illness can lead to flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and cough.

Salmonellosis

Pigeon droppings can harbor Salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning-like symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain if they come into contact with food or surfaces you touch.

Allergies and Respiratory Issues

Pigeon feathers and droppings can trigger allergies in some individuals. Additionally, inhaling dust from dried pigeon droppings can exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

Prevention and Control

Pigeons can be persistent when finding shelter and food sources on balconies. Preventing them from frequenting your balcony involves a combination of tactics. Here are some effective methods to keep pigeons at bay:

Bird Spikes

Bird spikes are a physical deterrent that prevents pigeons from landing and roosting on your balcony’s ledges, rails, or other surfaces. These spikes are not harmful but make it uncomfortable for pigeons to land.

Bird Netting

Bird netting is another physical barrier that can be installed to cover your balcony. It prevents pigeons from gaining access and nesting while allowing light and air to pass through.

Bird Repellents

Various bird repellents, including gels, sprays, and electronic deterrents, are available. These products emit odors or sounds that pigeons find unpleasant, discouraging them from staying on your balcony.

Remove Food Sources

Ensure there are no accessible food sources on or near your balcony. Clean up any spilled pet food, crumbs, or birdseed promptly. Use bird feeders designed to prevent pigeons from accessing the food.

Keep It Clean

Regularly clean your balcony to remove droppings, feathers, and nesting materials. Pigeons are less likely to stay in areas lacking nesting materials.

Scare Tactics

Use scare tactics to deter pigeons. This can include hanging reflective objects, like CDs, using noise-making devices, or placing fake predators, such as plastic owls, on your balcony.

Block Nesting Sites

Identify potential nesting sites on your balcony, such as alcoves or open spaces under furniture, and block them with physical barriers like netting or mesh.

Maintain Vegetation

If you have potted plants on your balcony, maintain them properly and ensure there are no hidden spaces where pigeons can nest.

Professional Help

If your pigeon problem persists despite your efforts, consider consulting with pest control professionals. They can provide expert advice and implement more advanced deterrent methods.

Is the Behavior of Pigeons Coming to the Balcony Similar to Pigeons Coming to a House?

When it comes to understanding pigeon behavior at house, one might wonder if pigeons behave differently when they visit a balcony compared to when they visit an entire house. Observing their behavior closely, it becomes clear that pigeons exhibit similar traits regardless of the specific area they visit. The attraction to a cozy dwelling seems to be uniform, making their behavior fairly consistent in both scenarios.

Conclusion

Pigeons keep coming to your balcony for various reasons. It could be because they feel safe and secure, can find food and water quickly, or are attracted by the warmth of your home. However, their frequent visits can become a nuisance and may cause damage to your property.

To deter them from returning, you can try different methods, such as using reflective surfaces, decoys, or nettings. It’s important to remember that pigeons are living creatures and deserve humane treatment. Therefore, avoid using harmful techniques like poisons or sharp objects.