Pigeon Problems in Austin, Texas

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Pigeons (Columba livia), often known as “rock doves,” are easy to identify gray-colored birds with a ring of iridescent pink and green feathers around their necks and are a familiar sight around Austin and Central Texas. While they may seem harmless, pigeons can cause significant property damage and health risks. At The Wildlife Management Company, we specialize in safe, humane pigeon removal and prevention to protect your home or business.

Pigeons are exceptionally adaptable birds, which is why they thrive in urban environments like Austin, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and Marble Falls. Understanding their biology helps explain why pigeon problems escalate so quickly:

• Lifespan: Wild pigeons typically live 3–6 years, but in cities where food is abundant and predators are few, some can live up to 10 years.
• Reproductive Rate: Pigeons can breed year-round in Austin’s warm climate. A single pair can raise up to 12 squabs (young pigeons) per year, leading to explosive population growth.
• Nesting Habits: Pigeons prefer to nest on flat, sheltered surfaces—such as rooftops, under solar panels, attic spaces, ledges, balconies, and in commercial signage. They seek out areas that offer protection from predators and weather while remaining close to food and water sources.
• Feeding Behavior: Pigeons are opportunistic feeders, thriving on discarded human food, bird seed, and garbage. Urban environments provide them with endless food opportunities, helping their populations flourish.

Pigeons cause a wide variety of costly problems for property owners:

• Acidic Droppings: Pigeon feces are highly acidic and can corrode roofing, metal fixtures, stone, concrete, and paint. Over time, this damage leads to roof leaks, building deterioration, and expensive repairs.
• Clogged Gutters and Drains: Nesting materials and droppings block gutters, causing water to overflow and damage roofs, walls, and foundations.
• Solar Panel Damage: Pigeons love to nest under solar panels, creating a fire hazard and reducing panel efficiency. Nesting debris can damage wiring and lead to costly service interruptions.
• Structural Damage: Nesting and roosting can weaken building materials, particularly on older structures or untreated wooden surfaces.
• Slip and Fall Hazards: Accumulations of droppings on sidewalks, stairs, and decks create dangerous, slippery conditions for residents and customers.
• Attracting Other Pests: Pigeon nests and droppings attract mites, fleas, ticks, and flies, bringing secondary infestations into homes and businesses.

Pigeons aren’t just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks:

• Histoplasmosis: A respiratory disease caused by a fungus that grows in pigeon droppings.
• Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection linked to accumulated droppings, particularly in attics and ventilation systems.
• Psittacosis: Also known as “parrot fever,” this bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans through pigeon droppings or feathers.

Pigeon infestations can threaten the health of employees, tenants, customers, and pets.

The combination of Austin’s growing urban sprawl, mild winters, ample food sources, and abundant shelter has made the city ideal for pigeon expansion. Construction sites, parking garages, bridges, solar installations, and downtown buildings are all perfect nesting spots.

Without intervention, a few pigeons can quickly turn into a large, destructive flock.

At The Wildlife Management Company, we provide expert pigeon removal and exclusion services across Austin, Llano, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Burnet, and surrounding areas. Our services include:

• Installation of visual and auditory deterrents, bird netting, bird spikes, optical gel, lasers, electronic track, and solar panel guards
• Habitat modification to make structures less appealing to pigeons
• Sanitation and decontamination of droppings and nesting sites
• Long-term prevention plans to keep pigeons away permanently

We combine modern techniques with over 30 years of wildlife management experience to deliver safe, humane, and highly effective pigeon control solutions.

Protect your property today. Call The Wildlife Management Company at 512-364-1523 or visit www.thewildlifemanagementcompany.com to schedule your pigeon control consultation!