Pigeon Control

Every day, as many as 65,000 travelers use the St. George Ferry Terminal to connect between bus and train services on Staten Island and the ferry service to and from Manhattan. When the St. George terminal of the Staten Island ferry system recently reopened after a $124 million renovation, Staten Islanders were overjoyed. Regrettably, their joy was short lived when they realized that the terminal had been overrun with pigeons.

Undeterred by any effective pigeon control measures, the birds inhabited the high ceilings, terrorized commuters, and challenged the cleaning staff with droppings. One major concern was that commuters would have to bob and weave through traffic to dodge these birds swooping and pooping.

Commuters complained of pigeon droppings and maggots falling from the ceiling panels. A type of bird netting was installed, but the pigeons managed to squeeze through holes in nets and created nests in the ceiling panels. The city’s Department of Transportation considered a number of pigeon control measures.

Initial pigeon control efforts seemed futile, so the City considered installing a fine mesh netting on lighting fixtures and windows. Pigeon traps were also considered. Then someone proposed the installation of non-lethal electric track. These electrically active strips discourage pigeons from landing by imparting a harmless, but annoying electric shock. After a few shocks, pigeons simply change their nesting and/or feeding habits and leave.

Council members voiced concern that New Yorkers were sick and tired of dodging pigeons and their droppings as they walked around the city. The sidewalks, parks, streets and bridges were littered with evidence that something had to be done. A city councilman proposed legislation that would ban the feeding of pigeons anywhere within city limits. The appointment of a pigeon czar to manage the pigeon population was also proposed.

Bird spikes are an easy to install, affordable and effective way to get rid of pigeons.  Install the bird spikes on flat surfaces that pigeons like to land and roost such as roof ledges and peaks, parapet walls and other areas.  The pigeons will try to land but will have nowhere to get a foot hold, so they will look for a more suitable roosting area.  Once installed, bird spikes are really quite easy to maintain; just remove any debris that might collect in them several times a year and check for loose pieces.  Thats it!  Now your property is free from pigeons!