Birds

Pigeons and gulls settle where there is food and a ledge to nest on. Take away both and make the spot feel unsafe, without harming them.

Read the safety steps See what works
Common
Pigeons, gulls, starlings
Signs
Droppings, nesting, noise
Season
Nesting in spring and summer
Our approach
Humane deterrents only

Know what you are dealing with

Droppings on ledges

Repeated droppings mean a regular perch or roost.

Nest material

Twigs and debris behind pipes, panels and AC units.

Food sources

Bins, feeders and food on balconies keep them coming.

Nests can be protected by law. In many countries you may not disturb an active nest. Check local rules before removing one.

Signs to look for

  • Droppings on balconies, sills and ledges.
  • Nests behind panels, pipes and solar panels.
  • Cooing or calling at dawn in the same spot.
  • Feathers and debris collecting in corners.

The plan

  1. 1

    Remove food

    No feeding, covered bins, clean balcony tables.

  2. 2

    Block the ledge

    Netting or ledge spikes where they perch.

  3. 3

    Change it often

    Move visual deterrents around so birds do not get used to them.

  4. 4

    Detect, then shoo

    Coming later: the app will play a cue only when it sees a bird.

Solutions for birds

Visual deterrents

Reflective tape or a predator shape. Move them often so birds do not get used to them.

Shoo does not sell these yet. They are standard products sold by other shops; follow the label on the one you buy.

Other animals

Garden visitors Mice and rats Snakes All wildlife and dogs

What people worry about

Can I just remove the nest?

In many countries active nests are protected, so check local rules first. Once the young have left, you can usually clear it and block the spot.

How do I stop pigeons without hurting them?

Take away food and the ledge: covered bins, no feeding, and netting or ledge spikes where they perch.

Will a plastic owl scare them off?

Birds soon learn to ignore decoys that never move. If you use visual deterrents, move them around often.

Gulls on the roof are attacking. What do I do?

Keep your distance and keep pets indoors while chicks are near, as nesting gulls defend them. Ask the council or wildlife body about prevention before next season.

Birds keep nesting in the vents. How do I stop them?

Fit a proper vent guard outside nesting season, once you are sure the nest is empty. It keeps birds out and lets air through.

Questions people ask

How do I stop pigeons on my balcony without hurting them? Pigeons stay where there is food and a ledge to nest on. Read Can I remove a bird's nest from my house? Not while it is in use, in many countries. Read Gulls nesting on my roof wake us at 4am. What can I do? This season is mostly about coping: gulls and their nests are often protected, and parents defend their chicks. Read Birds keep nesting in my vents. How do I keep them out? Fit a proper vent guard that keeps the air flowing, outside nesting season and once the nest is empty. Read