How to Get Rid of Pigeons on Your Roof

Pigeons on roofs cause noise, droppings, and structural damage; effective removal combines exclusion, habitat modification, and humane deterrents. This article details practical, legal, and safe strategies for homeowners in the United States to reduce or eliminate pigeon activity on rooftops. Actionable steps and prevention measures are emphasized so results are long-lasting.

Method	Effectiveness	Cost	Maintenance
Exclusion (nets, spikes)	High	Medium-High	Low-Medium
Habitat Modification	High	Low	Low
Visual/Audio Deterrents	Medium	Low-Medium	Medium
Trapping/Relocation	Variable	Low-Medium	Medium
Professional Pest Control	High	High	Varies

Why Pigeons Choose Roofs

Pigeons Prefer Elevated, Sheltered Spots With Easy Access To Food And Nesting Materials. Roofs Provide Safety From Predators, Thermal Benefits, And Flat Surfaces For Nesting, which is why they often congregate on ledges, chimneys, gutters, and parapets.

Pigeons Are Highly Adaptive And Will Use Human Structures To Replace Cliffside Habitats. Their ability to raise multiple broods per year means numbers can grow quickly if unchecked.

Legal And Safety Considerations

Federal And State Laws May Protect Certain Bird Species, But Rock Pigeons (Columba Livia) Are Generally Not Protected Under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Before Taking Action, Check Local Ordinances And Avoid Illegal Lethal Methods.

Safety For People Is Equally Important: Pigeon Droppings Can Carry Pathogens And Create Slippery Surfaces. Wear Gloves And Respirators When Cleaning Droppings, And Consider Professional Cleanup For Heavy Contamination.

Inspecting The Roof And Identifying Problem Areas

Start With A Systematic Inspection To Identify Roosting, Nesting, And Feeding Sites. Look For Droppings, Feathers, Nest Materials, And Worn Pathways Indicating Frequent Visits.

Map The Areas Where Pigeons Land And Nest—Common Sites Include Eaves, HVAC Units, Solar Panels, Chimney Tops, And Gutter Valleys. Documenting These Spots Helps Prioritize Exclusion Work.

Exclusion Techniques: Nets, Spikes, And Barriers

Exclusion Prevents Pigeons From Accessing Preferred Roosting Spots. Bird Netting Is Effective For Large Areas Like Under Eaves And Overhangs; Stainless-Steel Spikes Work Well On Narrow Ledges.

Proper Installation Is Crucial: Nets Must Be Tensioned And Anchored To Prevent Entanglement, And Spikes Should Be Corrosion-Resistant And Installed Along The Entire Ledge. Improper Installation Can Trap Birds Or Reduce Effectiveness.

Habitat Modification And Reducing Attractants

Eliminating Food And Shelter Options Reduces The Attractiveness Of A Roof. Secure Garbage, Remove Food Sources (Bird Feeders, Spills), Trim Overhanging Branches, And Close Gaps Or Vents Where Pigeons Might Nest.

Modify Roof Features When Possible: Smooth Surfaces And Sloped Ledges Discourage Perching, And Sealing Openings Prevents Nesting Inside Attics Or Chimneys. Small Structural Changes Often Provide Long-Term Benefits.

Humane Deterrents: Visual And Audio Methods

Visual Deterrents Include Reflective Tape, Predator Decoys, And Animated Objects That Create Movement. These Methods Work Best When Combined And Rotated To Prevent Habituation.

Audio Devices Broadcast Predator Calls Or Distress Signals To Discourage Pigeons. Effectiveness Varies By Location; Noise Sensitivity Of Neighbors Should Be Considered.

Repellents And Chemical Options

Non-Lethal Repellents Include Gel Repellents And Sticky Coatings That Make Surfaces Uncomfortable For Birds. These Are Best Used On Small Ledges Or Around Doorways, Not On Large Roof Surfaces.

Chemical Avicides Are Typically Regulated And Often Illegal For Use On Pigeons In Residential Areas. Homeowners Should Avoid Unregulated Chemicals And Consult Professionals When Considering Treatments.

Trapping And Removal

Live Trapping Is A Common Method But Has Limitations: Captured Pigeons May Return Or Be Replaced By Others If Habitat Is Still Suitable. Trapping Should Be Followed By Exclusion And Habitat Changes.

Relocation Of Trapped Pigeons Often Fails Long-Term Because Birds Exhibit Site Fidelity And May Recolonize Or Suffer High Mortality. Use Trapping As Part Of An Integrated Strategy Rather Than A Standalone Solution.

Dealing With Nests And Eggs

Removing Nests Without Causing Harm Requires Care During Breeding Season. Many U.S. jurisdictions restrict nest removal when eggs or nestlings are present. Check Local Rules And Consider Professional Assistance.

If Removal Is Legal And Safe, Replace Nest Sites With Exclusion Barriers Immediately To Prevent Rebuilding. Timing The Work Outside The Breeding Season Is Often Most Effective.

Cleaning Droppings And Repairing Damage

Droppings Are Corrosive And Can Damage Roofing Materials, Gutters, And Painted Surfaces. Use Protective Equipment And Appropriate Disinfectants When Cleaning, And Repair Soiled Felt, Flashing, Or Vent Covers Promptly.

Heavy Contamination May Require Professional Restoration To Protect Roof Integrity And Indoor Air Quality. Proper Cleanup Reduces Health Risks And Prevents Secondary Infestations.

Integrating Solar Panels And HVAC Units

Solar Panels And HVAC Equipment Provide Shelter And Concealed Spaces For Pigeons. Installing Decking, Mesh, Or Custom-Made Guards Around These Units Prevents Access.

Work With Installers Who Provide Bird-Proofing Options For Panels And Units. Proactive Design Considerations During Installation Reduce Future Problems.

When To Call A Professional

Professionals Offer Expertise For Large Infestations, Complex Rooflines, Or When Legal/Health Concerns Are Present. Licensed Pest Control Operators Can Provide Humane Removal, Exclusion Installations, And Post-Removal Sanitization.

Select A Contractor With Experience In Avian Exclusion, References, And Clear Warranty Terms. Ask About Materials, Installation Methods, And Follow-Up Services.

Maintenance And Long-Term Prevention

Periodic Inspections And Quick Repairs Are Key To Preventing Reinfestation. Schedule Seasonal Reviews To Check Netting, Spikes, And Seals, Especially After Severe Weather.

Keeping The Property Less Attractive—No Food Spills, Secure Trash, And Regular Cleaning—Maintains A Low Likelihood Of New Colonies Forming. Consistency Is The Most Important Factor In Long-Term Success.

Cost Considerations And Budgeting

Costs Vary By Method: DIY Deterrents And Habitat Changes Are Low Cost; Professional Netting And Comprehensive Exclusion Can Be Several Hundred To Several Thousand Dollars. Homeowners Should Balance Upfront Costs Against Long-Term Savings From Reduced Damage And Cleanups.

Obtain Multiple Quotes For Large Jobs And Prioritize Permanent Exclusion Solutions Over Short-Term Fixes. Investing In Quality Materials Often Reduces Future Service Needs.

Common Myths And Mistakes

Myth: Scare Tactics Alone Will Solve Pigeon Problems Permanently. Reality: Pigeons Habituate Quickly To Static Deterrents. Rotation And Combination Of Methods Is Necessary.

Mistake: Sealing Some Openings Without Addressing Others Can Trap Birds Inside Attics. Ensure Surveys Are Thorough To Avoid Unintended Consequences.

Resources And Further Reading

Trusted Sources Include University Extension Programs, Local Wildlife Agencies, And Professional Pest Control Associations. Refer To State Wildlife Agencies For Legal Guidance And University Publications For Best Practice Techniques.

Examples Of Useful Resources: Local Cooperative Extension Offices, The Humane Society Guidance On Bird Control, And The National Pest Management Association For Contractor Standards.

Quick Action Checklist

• Inspect Roof For Roosts And Nesting Sites.
• Eliminate Food Sources And Secure Trash.
• Install Netting Or Spikes On Key Ledges.
• Use Visual/Audio Deterrents Temporarily While Installing Exclusion.
• Schedule Professional Cleanup If Dropping Accumulation Is Heavy.