Although pigeons are a familiar presence in city squares and parks, they can actually cause a number of significant problems when their population becomes excessive. These birds are not only a nuisance but can also be responsible for serious structural and health damage. In this article, we will explore in detail the damage caused by pigeons and how effective bollards can help protect cities from these urban birds.
The negative impact of pigeons in the urban environment
Structural damage caused by pigeons
Pigeons tend to congregate in large numbers on buildings and monuments, where they leave guano deposits that are not only unsightly but also highly corrosive. Guano contains uric acid, which can rapidly deteriorate stone, metal and concrete, compromising the structural integrity of buildings. In addition, their nests can clog drainage systems and ventilation channels, causing further damage and maintenance costs.
Health risks associated with pigeons
Pigeons carry various pathogens that can transmit diseases to humans. Diseases such as cryptococcosis, psittacosis and salmonella are just some of the diseases that can be spread through contact with guano or through parasites that pigeons carry. These diseases pose a significant public health risk, especially in dense urban areas where human-animal interaction is frequent. In addition, their guano can be particularly dangerous because if it dries up and becomes dusty, it can be inhaled by humans, causing respiratory problems and other health complications.
Effective strategies for pigeon deterrence
The best strategy to mitigate problems caused by pigeons is the use of effective pigeon deterrents. These tools are designed to prevent pigeons from landing, nesting and staying in unwanted areas.
Types of Pigeon Bollards:
- Spikes (spikes or needles): These are among the most visible and widely used deterrents. Installed on ledges, signs and other projections, they physically prevent pigeons from landing.
- Nets: Nets are ideal for protecting larger spaces such as balconies, courtyards or entire buildings. They provide a physical barrier that pigeons cannot cross.
- Sound systems: They use high-frequency sounds or noises unpleasant to pigeons to keep them away. These systems are often used in combination with other physical measures.
- Visual repellents: Objects that move, reflect light or simulate predators can be effective in certain situations to scare pigeons away.
- Innovative systems: Uncomfortable or unstable surfaces such as the WonderPest Tikol T and Balance B devices that prevent landing on protected surfaces.
Advantages of using bollards
The adoption of pigeon bollards offers numerous benefits:
- Damage prevention: Protect buildings from costly long-term damage caused by guano.
- Improved urban hygiene: Reduce health risks associated with pigeon infestations.
- Non-lethal solutions: Most bollards are designed to be non-lethal, respecting bird life.
WonderPest solutions: Tikol T and Balance B
At the end of this overview of pigeon damage and available solutions, it is essential to highlight two innovative WonderPest products, manufactured in Italy by Pigeon Free System Srl: Tikol T and Balance B.
Tikol T pigeon deterrents
Tikol T: Uses stainless steel spikes to create an inhospitable but pigeon-friendly surface. The robust and durable design ensures a long service life even in adverse weather conditions.
Balasnce B pigeon deterrents
Balance B: Incorporates a pivoting technology that makes it extremely unstable for pigeons to land and therefore avoid roosting. Made of transparent polycarbonate, Balance B is almost invisible once installed, maintaining the aesthetics of buildings without compromising effectiveness.
These products represent the new frontier in pigeon deterrence technology, combining effectiveness, durability, and respect for the urban environment and animals. Choosing solutions like Tikol T and Balance B means opting for a pigeon control strategy that is not only effective but also ethical, sustainable, easy to install and low maintenance.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about pigeon deterrents
1. What are the main damages caused by pigeons in cities?
Pigeons can cause a lot of damage in the urban environment, including erosion of building materials due to their acidic guano. They can also clog gutters and drains with their nests and pose a health risk by transmitting diseases such as cryptococcosis and salmonellosis through their faeces.
2. How can I effectively protect my building from pigeons?
To effectively protect your building from pigeons, it is advisable to install physical deterrents such as spikes, nets, sound systems or the new WonderPest deterrent devices, which prevent pigeons from landing and nesting. Ultrasonic systems and visual repellents can be used as a support to increase the effectiveness of deterrence.
3. Are pigeon deterrents safe for birds?
Yes, pigeon deterrents are designed to be safe and non-lethal. They are not intended to injure pigeons but to prevent them from landing and nesting in specific areas. Such devices create an unwelcome or inaccessible environment without causing harm to the birds.
4. What solutions are available for pigeon control?
There are several solutions for pigeon control, including physical deterrents such as spikes (needles) and nets, sound systems that emit frequencies undesirable to pigeons, and visual methods that simulate predators. These solutions can be combined for optimal protection, depending on the specific needs of the area to be protected.
5. What is the most effective way to install pigeon deterrents?
The most effective way to install pigeon bollards depends on the type of bollard chosen. Spikes can be attached directly to surfaces using adhesives or screws, while nets require installation that completely covers the area to be protected. It is often advisable to consult a professional to ensure that the installation is correct and safe.
6. What advantages do WonderPest Tikol T and Balance B bollards offer over other systems?
WonderPest Tikol T and Balance B bollards offer significant advantages over traditional systems. Tikol T uses stainless steel spikes arranged in such a way as to create an uncomfortable but non-threatening surface for pigeons, ensuring durability and weather resistance. Balance B, with its tilting mechanism made of transparent polycarbonate, effectively prevents birds from landing by creating an unstable surface that discourages them from roosting. Both devices are environmentally friendly, easy to install and require minimal maintenance, offering an aesthetic and functional solution for pigeon control without harming the animals.
