How to Get Rid of Pigeons in Your Attic (Part 1)

Attic spaces are one of the most attractive nesting locations for feral pigeons. However, a pigeon infestation in an attic can go undetected for some time. Many homeowners don't realize that pigeons are living above their ceiling until significant damage has occurred.

This two-part article will help you understand attic infestations, prevention, and pigeon control methods. We'll discuss some DIY methods in part one and part two will deal with professional pigeon removal solutions.

Why Are Pigeons Choosing Your Attic?

Like all wildlife, pigeons look for shelter, warmth, and safety when moving into your home. It’s even better if there are easily accessible food sources nearby.

• Quiet, undisturbed environment
• Protection from predators
• Dry shelter during rain and snow
• Warmth during colder months
• Easy access through roof openings
• Long-term nesting opportunities
  
  

How Do Pigeons Get Into an Attic?

Thankfully, pigeons rarely create new openings; they usually exploit existing ones.

• Roof vents
• Damaged soffits
• Missing fascia boards
• Broken roof tiles or shingles
• Gaps beneath eaves
• Chimney openings
• Utility penetrations
• Construction gaps
• Damaged windows
  
  

Why Pigeons Keep Returning to the Same Attic

Once pigeons are established,, their homing instincts will have them returning for years to come.

• Strong site fidelity
• Returning to successful nesting sites
• Multiple generations using the same location
• Accumulated nesting material encourages continued use
  

Seasonal Pigeon Activity in Attics

• Spring - Peak nesting activity begins.
• Summer - Young birds hatch, and additional nesting attempts occur.
• Fall - Juvenile pigeons establish new roosting sites before winter.
• Winter - Attics become a valuable shelter from cold weather.
  
  

Risks of Pigeons Nesting in Your Attic

Structural damage

• Damaged insulation
• Blocked attic ventilation
• Moisture retention
• Wood deterioration
  
  

Health concerns

• Droppings
• Dust
• Parasites
• Odours
  
  

Fire risks

• Nesting materials near electrical wiring
• Blocked ventilation around equipment
  
  

Noise problems

• Cooing
• Nest building
• Early morning activity
  
  

Signs You Have Pigeons Living in Your Attic

Knowing that you have a pigeon problem is half the battle. Pay close attention to:

• Cooing sounds
• Scratching above ceilings
• Droppings below roof edges
• Feathers around vents
• Nesting material falling from soffits
• Strong odours
• Increased pigeon activity around the roofline
  
  

How to Prevent Pigeons from Nesting in Your Attic

Here are some pigeon prevention tips to implement before an infestation develops:

• Routine roof inspections
• Repair damaged vents
• Maintain soffits
• Trim overhanging tree branches where appropriate
• Inspect after storms
• Address small openings before birds can exploit them
  
  

DIY Pigeon Control Methods for Attics

DIY control measures usually only offer short-lived relief, if any at all. These popular attic pigeon control methods fall into that category:

Visual Pigeon Deterrents

• Reflective tape
• Flashing devices
• Predator decoys
  
  

Because these products don't pose any actual danger, the birds adapt quickly and learn to completely ignore them. 

Audio Bird Deterrents

• Distress calls
• Ultrasonic devices
  
  

Audio deterrents have limited effectiveness inside enclosed structures and the birds become so accustomed to the sounds that they ignore them.

Chemical and Scent Repellents

• Commercial bird repellents
• Taste repellents
• Scent-based products
  
  

Chemical repellents may be difficult to apply in enclosed attic space and do not remove established nests.

Bright Lighting in Attic Spaces

Temporary lighting for accessible attics also gets ignored by the birds after a short period of time and many attic spaces remain dark enough for pigeons to continue nesting.

Frequent Removal of Nesting Materials

Removing loose twigs in the area can actually help prevent nesting but it won't have any effect on existing pigeon nests. 

Remember to consult federal and municipal wildlife regulations in regards to disturbing active nests. 

Why DIY Pigeon Control Often Fails in Attics

• Birds become habituated to deterrents 
• Hidden nesting areas
• Multiple entry points
• Birds return repeatedly
• Established nests
• Difficult roof access
  
  

The truth is that pigeons are difficult to deter once they've claimed your attic and you cannot "relocate" them because their strong homing instinct will lead them right back to you. Difficult-to-access spaces also spark safety concerns. So, what's the solution then? Stay tuned for part two where we'll discuss professional attic bird control, including pigeon and nest removal solutions.

In the meantime, if you've discovered pigeons in your attic and need help, call Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control We offer custom, long-term solutions to get rid of pigeons in your attic and prevent them from returning to your home or commercial property. Our attic pigeon removal services are designed to address both the birds and the conditions that allowed them to enter.

Our pigeon removal solutions for attics are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga