Quick Answers
Pigeons can be a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers. While your neighbor may enjoy feeding the pigeons, it can negatively impact you and your property. There are some steps you can take to discourage your neighbor from feeding pigeons:
- Talk to your neighbor politely and explain how the pigeons are affecting you.
- Look up local ordinances that prohibit or restrict feeding pigeons – your neighbor may be violating these laws.
- Use deterrents like spikes, nets or repellents to make your property less attractive to pigeons.
- Block access points so pigeons cannot nest or perch.
- Contact your local health department or animal control if the pigeon issue persists.
What problems can feeding pigeons cause?
Feeding pigeons may seem harmless, but it can lead to a number of problems for you and your neighbors:
- Property damage – Pigeon droppings are acidic and can corrode and degrade buildings, statues, cars, outdoor furniture, etc. Large amounts of droppings can also block gutters and drains.
- Health risks – Pigeon droppings can spread diseases when dry particles are inhaled. Diseases include histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. Droppings also attract flies, cockroaches and rats.
- Unsanitary conditions – Pigeon droppings create unsightly and unsanitary conditions. Droppings stain outdoor surfaces and emit an unpleasant odor as they accumulate.
- Nuisances – Large numbers of pigeons cooing, nesting, perching, foraging and swarming can create noise, smells and general nuisance for neighbors.
- Aggressive behavior– Pigeons can become aggressive around feeding sites, disturbing pedestrians and pets. Their nesting activities can also hinder access points.
In summary, excessive pigeon droppings, nesting, noise and disease-carrying risks can make living near an area where pigeons are fed very unpleasant. The pigeon overpopulation caused by feeding necessitates cleaning, maintenance and pest control costs as well.
Is it illegal to feed pigeons where I live?
Many cities and municipalities have enacted ordinances that prohibit or restrict the feeding of pigeons. Reasons include:
- Reduce pigeon overpopulation.
- Decrease accumulation of droppings and public health risks.
- Lessen property damage caused by droppings.
- Cut down on nuisance complaints by residents.
To determine if feeding pigeons is illegal in your area, check with local city, county and state ordinances. There may be laws prohibiting feeding wildlife, restricting feeding times and locations, or requiring cleaning of feeding areas. Even if there is no specific pigeon or bird feeding ordinance, there are often general nuisance, sanitation and health ordinances that apply.
Examples of regional anti-feeding laws
- New York City – Feeding pigeons carries a $1,000 fine and possible jail time. Pigeon feeding has been illegal since 2000.
- Chicago – Anti-feeding laws introduced in 2008. Up to $1,000 fines for second offenses.
- Los Angeles – Feeding pigeons is prohibited. Offenders face $50 – $1,000 fines.
- Miami-Dade, FL – Illegal to provide food that results in pigeons congregating in groups of 20 or more.
- Dallas, TX – Unlawful to feed feral pigeons within city limits.
Check your regional government websites or contact local animal control authorities to find out about pigeon feeding restrictions in your area.
Can I be sued if pigeons caused by my neighbour damage my property?
It is possible to take legal action against a neighbor who is attracting pigeons that damage your property. Some options include:
Nuisance Lawsuit
You may be able to sue your neighbor for creating a nuisance by luring pigeons. You would need to prove:
- The feeding substantially interferes with your ability to use and enjoy your property.
- The interference is unreasonable and unwarranted.
- Your neighbor is directly responsible for creating the nuisance.
If successful, the court can order your neighbor to stop feeding the pigeons and pay for associated damages.
Negligence Lawsuit
You can attempt to sue for negligence if your neighbor owes you a duty of care that they breached by feeding pigeons. You would need to show:
- Your neighbor has a duty to use reasonable care when feeding pigeons.
- Feeding pigeons breaches this duty.
- You suffered provable damages from their actions.
- The pigeon damage was directly caused by their feeding.
The court may award you compensation for property repairs if successful.
Injunctive Relief
You can seek an injunction to compel your neighbor to stop feeding pigeons. You would need to:
- Prove you are substantially harmed by their pigeon feeding.
- Demonstrate the harm will continue without legal intervention.
- Show you are likely to prevail if the suit proceeds.
If granted, an injunction would legally require your neighbor cease feeding activities.
What steps can I take to stop my neighbour feeding pigeons?
There are several actions you can take to get a neighbor to stop feeding pigeons before resorting to legal proceedings:
- Talk to your neighbor – Politely explain how the pigeons are negatively impacting you and damaging your property. They may be unaware and willing to compromise.
- Send formal complaint letters – Put your grievances in writing to create a paper trail if further action is necessary.
- Notify landlord or homeowners association – Make them aware, as they may have relevant bylaws and ability to intervene.
- Use pigeon deterrents – Install spikes, netting, repellents or obstructions to discourage pigeon roosting and feeding around your property.
- Work with other neighbors – Unified complaints carry more weight. Coordinate with neighbors who are also affected.
- Contact local authorities – Report ordinance violations or unacceptable living conditions to relevant health, animal control or bylaw enforcement authorities.
- Consult legal professionals – Seek professional legal advice and services if the issue remains unresolved.
Documenting every step of the process creates a record you can rely on later. Continued issues may eventually need formal legal action, but courtesy and communication may resolve things faster.
What methods can be used to deter pigeons from my property?
There are several techniques and products available to make your property less attractive to pigeons:
Pigeon Spikes
- Stainless steel or plastic spikes are installed on ledges, roofs, signs, etc.
- Pigeons avoid landing on the sharp points
- Humane and long-lasting
Netting
- Mesh netting over window sills, eaves, balconies, etc.
- Can be transparent or camouflaged
- Prevents roosting and nesting
Repellent Gels
- Clear non-toxic gel applied to surfaces
- Creates sticky and unstable landing surface
- Safe for use on different materials
Ultrasonic Repellers
- Devices emit high frequency sound waves
- Sound not audible to humans but deters pigeons
- Effective radius up to 50 feet
Reflective Surfaces
- Mirrors, metallic tape, mylar balloons
- Reflective surfaces unsettle and distract pigeons
- Can be used alone or with other methods
For best results, apply 2-3 deterrents. Opt for humane methods focused on discouraging feeding, roosting and nesting. Consistency is key – maintaining devices and reapplying gel repellents regularly maximizes effectiveness.
What can I do if my neighbour is attracting rats by feeding pigeons?
A neighbor that feeds pigeons can also attract rats to the area. Rats pose health risks and can cause property damage. Here’s what you can do:
- Notify your local health department about the rat issue. They will inspect and can order corrective actions if conditions violate sanitation codes.
- Identify and seal any openings rats could use to enter your property, like small holes or gaps in walls.
- Use tamper-proof compost bins, and regularly clean up fallen fruit/debris in your yard.
- Trim overgrown vegetation that offers rats shelter and hiding spots.
- Implement rat control measures like traps or low-toxicity baits in appropriate outdoor areas.
- Speak to your neighbor and present evidence their pigeon feeding is attracting rats. Offer humane solutions.
- Coordinate with other neighbors to present a united front about the rat problem.
- Consult a pest control professional if the infestation persists despite prevention efforts.
Rats are difficult to deter once established, so getting the neighbor to stop feeding pigeons is key. Persistence and escalation to authorities may be needed in severe cases.
How can I clean pigeon droppings safely?
Pigeon droppings may contain diseases, so follow these safety tips for cleaning:
- Wear gloves, long sleeves, closed toe shoes, mask/respirator and eye protection.
- Dampen droppings before sweeping to minimize dust.
- Use a stiff brush and scraper to remove caked-on droppings.
- Disinfect surfaces with bleach solution after sweeping.
- Double bag all waste before disposing.
- Wash hands and tools thoroughly with soap and water when finished.
- Avoid using pressurized water or steam, as this atomizes droppings.
For large accumulations, consider hiring professional guano removal services. Professionals have training, protective gear and industrial equipment to remove droppings safely and efficiently.
How can I keep pigeons from nesting on my property?
Pigeons are persistent nesters. Here are some ways to discourage nesting activity:
- Install bird spikes or slope products on ledges, signs, rooftops, or other potential nest sites.
- Attach pest control mesh over small cavities and crevices pigeons could use.
- Use dummy predator birds (like owls or hawks) to create a perception of danger.
- Remove debris pigeons may use as nest material – this includes dead leaves, straw, twigs, etc.
- Fit chimney caps and vent covers to block access.
- Apply non-toxic bird repellent gels on potential perches.
- Trim tree branches around roofs and balconies to limit overhead nest sites.
Also important is making potential nest spots physically difficult for pigeons to build on. Limit ledges they can land on and accessible cavities. Monitoring regularly and excluding new nests is key for ongoing control.
Conclusion
Neighborhood pigeon overpopulations fueled by feeding can negatively impact residents. There are various legal and practical means to address problematic feeders. Focus deterrents on making your property itself inhospitable to pigeons. With patience and a coordinated deterrence strategy, pigeon nuisances can be reduced to more acceptable levels through humane means.
