Pigeons are Bad for Phoenix Homeowners

In cities like New York, pigeons are a common sight and people just learn to deal with them but pigeons aren’t just back east. While not native to Phoenix, pigeons live here and are bad for your home especially if they find a way into your attic to nest and make your yard their resort where they spread disease.

Sometimes referred to as flying rats, pigeons aren’t just a nuisance, they’re a health hazard causing as many as 40 viruses and 60 diseases. Most, if not all, of the pigeon to human disease transmission in Arizona has been caused when humans interact with pigeon droppings or the pigeons themselves.

This often occurs when Phoenix homeowners attempt to cure a pigeon problem on their own.

If you have a pigeon problem at your home, the best thing to do is call Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination at 602-253-2495.

Pigeons and their droppings carry diseases including meningitis, salmonella, listeria, encephalitis, and E coli. Even if you’re not touching it, droppings dry to a powder-like substance that you breathe and that can cause illness.

If you find pigeon droppings, it’s best to stay away. If you happen to touch them, be sure to wash your hands so you don’t get sick or spread disease.

Kick Pigeons out of Your Phoenix Home

Pigeons don’t just make you sick. They cost homeowners in in damages caused by their highly acidic droppings. Even letting them land on the outside can cause damage to the stucco and roof, decreasing roof life by as much as 50%!

Gaps in the eaves and broken screens allow pigeons easy access to the attic where their poop causes structural damage costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

And beyond the damage to your home, pigeon droppings can do long-term damage to the paint job on your car, especially if you’re unfortunate enough to park under their favorite roosting spot.

Pigeon Prevention

Pigeons don’t need a lot to live. Even in the summer when lakes and rivers are dry, pigeons find their way to water in birdbaths and fountains.

Don’t give them a buffet.

One of their favorite snacks is grass seed. Keep seed along with pet food in sealed containers. Make sure your garbage lids are tightly placed and clean up fruit in the yard. These will keep pigeons and other pests out of your yard and away from your house.

Other ways to keep pigeons away from the house are to trim palm trees, remove nests, and seal access to the home especially near the eaves.

If pigeons have already nested in your home, be careful. They’re likely territorial and aggressive.

(And let’s not forget gross!)