Can pigeons be dangerous?

• Health Risks

Diseases Communicable to Humans

Cryptococcosis: Caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, this disease is transmitted by inhaling spores present in pigeon droppings. It can cause lung infections and, in severe cases, brain infections, particularly in immunocompromised people.

Psittacosis: Also known as avian chlamydiosis, this bacterial infection is caused by Chlamydia psittaci. It is transmitted by inhalation of dust contaminated by the droppings of infected birds. Symptoms include fever, headache, and pneumonia.

Salmonellosis: Caused by bacteria of the Salmonella genus, this disease is transmitted mainly by ingestion of food or water contaminated by pigeon droppings. It can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.

Allergies and Respiratory Problems: Pigeon droppings can also cause allergies and respiratory problems. Dry feces turn into fine dust which, when inhaled, can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma. People who frequently work in contact with pigeons, such as cleaners and construction workers, are particularly at risk.

• Material Damage and Economic Costs

Pigeons cause significant property damage, leading to economic repercussions for cities and building owners. Their acidic droppings corrode materials such as metal and stone, requiring costly cleaning and restoration operations for buildings and monuments. Pigeon nests block gutters and ventilation ducts, causing water infiltration and air quality problems. They can also contaminate products in warehouses and damage agricultural crops. In addition, buildings infested with pigeons lose their value, making it necessary to spend on control devices and regular repairs.

• Corrosion and Degradation of Structures

Pigeon droppings are acidic and can corrode building materials such as concrete, stone, and metal. Historic buildings, monuments and bridges are particularly vulnerable to this degradation. The need to clean and repair structures damaged by pigeon droppings generates significant costs for municipalities and property owners.

• Clogging of Gutters and Drainage Systems

Pigeon nests, often built in gutters and drainage systems, can block them, leading to storm drainage problems. This can cause water infiltration and damage to buildings, as well as increasing the risk of urban flooding.

• Ecological Impacts

Pigeons disrupt urban and natural ecosystems by competing with native species for food and nesting sites, reducing biodiversity. Their diet of human remains artificially increases their population. They can also transmit diseases to local animals and their droppings excessively enrich soils and waterways, causing problems such as eutrophication. These negative ecological impacts require management strategies to protect local biodiversity.

• Competition with Native Species

Pigeons, due to their high adaptability and ability to find food in urban environments, can compete with native birds for food resources. This can lead to a decrease in local species populations, affecting urban biodiversity.

• Pollution of Water Sources

Pigeon droppings can pollute drinking water sources, ponds, and rivers, leading to harmful algal blooms and degradation of water quality. This pollution can have harmful consequences for aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Solutions and Management of Pigeon Populations

To mitigate the dangers posed by pigeons, various management strategies are being implemented in many cities. These methods aim to control the pigeon population in an effective and humane manner.

• Reproductive Control

Neutering pigeons and using bird contraceptives are non-lethal methods to reduce their population. These approaches require constant monitoring to be effective in the long term.

• Habitat Modification

Changes to urban habitat can deter pigeons from nesting and roosting. This includes the installation of anti-perching spikes, nets and scaring systems such as sound or light devices. These measures make environments less welcoming to pigeons without causing them harm.

• Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning of areas heavily frequented by pigeons is crucial to minimize health risks. This includes removing droppings, disinfecting surfaces and managing food waste.

• Use of bird killer :

Apply these products in areas with a high concentration of pigeons, particularly on buildings, monuments and urban infrastructure. These products are ultra-attractive to eliminate pigeons instantly, without any danger for the user or for the inhabitants of the treatment site. In addition, they are suitable for all types of birds.

• Power control:

Prohibit and strictly monitor the feeding of pigeons by residents. Install information panels to raise public awareness of the consequences of feeding pigeons on their proliferation and the associated health and material risks.

• Urban waste management:

Improve waste management by installing secure trash bins and increasing the frequency of garbage collection to reduce food sources accessible to pigeons.

• Education and Awareness

Awareness campaigns aimed at informing the public about the dangers of feeding pigeons play a crucial role. By reducing food availability, pigeon populations can be naturally regulated. Encouraging residents not to feed pigeons and to keep public spaces clean is essential to this approach.

• Restoration and maintenance of buildings:

Implement a regular program of cleaning and maintenance of buildings damaged by pigeons, using materials resistant to acid excrement. Encourage building owners to install prevention devices on their properties.

• Research and monitoring:

Continue to monitor pigeon populations and the effectiveness of the measures put in place. Encourage research into non-lethal methods of controlling pigeon populations, such as avian contraceptives.

Although pigeons are often seen as an integral part of the urban landscape, it is important to recognize the potential dangers they pose. Risks to human health, property damage, and ecological impacts require effective and sustainable management measures. Through combined approaches of breeding control, habitat modification, and public awareness, it is possible to reduce pigeon populations and minimize associated risks. Ultimately, proactive and well-informed management of pigeon populations can contribute to healthier and safer urban environments for everyone.