Pigeons in Wisconsin
Although a pigeon’s natural food source is grain and seeds, they survive in towns and cities by scavenging processed food matter, especially food from trash cans.
Pigeon Habitat & Nesting
Pigeons like to shelter in seemingly inhospitable areas of tall buildings. They will make use of balconies, ledges, flat roofs, guttering, and loft spaces in particular, as they are capable of lifting damaged or loose roof coverings to force entry. The nest is flimsy, saucer-like in shape, and made of stems, and leaves.
Pigeon Mating & Life Cycle
Pigeons have two to three broods per year, with two eggs in each. There is a 17-19 day incubation period and then the young spend 35-37 days in the nest. Pigeons live 4-12 years.
Pigeon Infestations & Damage
Serious Diseases
Pigeons are carriers of diseases such as salmonella and psittacosis (commonly known as pigeon fancier’s lung).
Pigeon Droppings
Droppings provide the ideal environment for organisms causing diseases to thrive. Pigeon droppings and pigeon debris not only look unpleasant, but they can directly damage the structure of a building due to the concentration of uric acid found in droppings. Pigeon droppings can erode metal, stain wood, discolor paint, and damage stone and brickwork (tar-based roofing materials are particularly vulnerable to this type of erosion).
Loss of Customers
Large quantities of droppings and the presence of pigeons on properties could cause customers to turn away from businesses.
Other Pests
Drainage Problems
Nest debris and feathers can also block gutters and rainwater drainage systems, potentially leading to damage to your business from water penetration.
