Feral pigeons can be public health pests. They can accumulate wherever there is food and shelter, and can take up residence almost anywhere, including around houses, tall city buildings or schools. As well as being a nuisance and causing extensive damage to property, feral pigeons can also pose a risk to human health.
Identifying feral pigeons
Feral pigeons can be grey, brown, or white, but are usually grey in colour with two black bars across each wing and iridescent feathers around the neck. There are no visible differences between males and females.
Domestic pigeons, such as those kept as pets or for racing, are essentially the same birds as feral pigeons; however, domestic pigeons can be identified by the presence of a tag around one of their legs.
Non-lethal control techniques
If you have a pigeon problem, there are many techniques that can be used to reduce or remove the population. Implementing non-lethal control techniques will provide the most effective long term results. The best way to minimise or prevent the nuisance caused by feral pigeons is to control where they roost, nest and feed.
Please visit Feral pigeons - management and control | SA Health for additional information regarding feral pigeons.
Lethal control techniques
Lethal control techniques can be used to reduce pigeon numbers. However, this is usually only a short term solution as removed pigeons are quickly replaced by juvenile birds and the flock can become larger than the initial size. With any lethal control method, animal welfare issues need to be considered and addressed.
Please visit Feral pigeons - management and control | SA Health for additional information regarding feral pigeons
Barunga West Council does not offer pigeon eradication services. Please refer to the BWC - Information Sheet - Feral Pigeon Management Control Guide