How to Catch Pigeons: A Comprehensive Guide

Pigeons, also known as rock doves, are common birds found in urban and rural environments worldwide. While some people appreciate their presence, others consider them pests due to their droppings, noise, and potential to spread diseases. If you’re dealing with a pigeon problem, you might consider trapping them as a humane way to control their population. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, providing detailed steps and instructions on how to catch pigeons effectively and responsibly.

Understanding Pigeon Behavior

Before attempting to catch pigeons, it’s essential to understand their behavior and habits. Pigeons are intelligent and adaptable birds that thrive in areas with readily available food, water, and shelter. They are social creatures, often congregating in flocks, and they have a strong homing instinct, making it challenging to relocate them permanently.

* **Feeding Habits:** Pigeons are primarily ground feeders, consuming seeds, grains, fruits, and discarded food scraps. They often forage in parks, sidewalks, and agricultural fields.
* **Nesting Habits:** Pigeons typically nest in sheltered locations, such as building ledges, rooftops, and bridges. They build simple nests using twigs, leaves, and other available materials.
* **Daily Routine:** Pigeons are most active during the day, spending their time foraging for food, preening their feathers, and socializing with other pigeons. They typically roost in sheltered locations at night.

Understanding these behaviors will allow you to strategically plan your pigeon-catching efforts.

Methods for Catching Pigeons

There are several methods for catching pigeons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common methods include:

1. **Live Trapping:** This method involves using a cage trap to capture pigeons without harming them. Live trapping is considered the most humane and effective way to control pigeon populations.
2. **Netting:** Netting involves using a large net to capture pigeons in flight or while they are roosting. This method requires skill and experience and is best suited for large-scale pigeon control efforts.
3. **Glue Traps:** Glue traps are sticky boards that trap pigeons when they step on them. While this method is relatively inexpensive, it is considered inhumane as it causes the birds significant distress and suffering. **Glue traps are strongly discouraged due to their cruelty.**
4. **Hand Catching (Rarely Effective):** While theoretically possible, attempting to catch pigeons by hand is generally unsuccessful due to their agility and flightiness. This method is not recommended.

We will focus primarily on live trapping, as it is the most humane and practical option for most situations. We will also briefly discuss netting, but emphasize the need for professional expertise.

Live Trapping: A Step-by-Step Guide

Live trapping is a humane and effective method for catching pigeons. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* **Pigeon Trap:** Choose a sturdy, well-ventilated cage trap specifically designed for pigeons. These traps are typically made of wire mesh and have a one-way door or a bob-wire entrance that allows pigeons to enter but prevents them from escaping. A good size is approximately 36″ x 24″ x 12″. Larger is often better as it is less intimidating.
* **Bait:** Pigeons are attracted to a variety of foods, including seeds, grains, bread crumbs, and corn. Experiment with different baits to see what works best in your area. A mix of wild bird seed and cracked corn is usually effective.
* **Water:** Provide a source of fresh water inside the trap, especially during hot weather.
* **Gloves:** Wear gloves to avoid transferring your scent to the trap.
* **Camouflage (Optional):** You can camouflage the trap with netting or burlap to make it less conspicuous to pigeons. This is especially helpful if the pigeons are wary of new objects in their environment.
* **Relocation Cage (If Relocating):** If you plan to relocate the pigeons, have a separate cage ready for transport. Check local laws regarding relocation of wildlife.

**Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location**

* **Identify Pigeon Hotspots:** Observe the pigeons in your area to identify their preferred feeding and roosting locations. Place the trap in an area where pigeons are frequently seen.
* **Flat and Stable Surface:** Ensure the trap is placed on a flat and stable surface to prevent it from tipping over.
* **Sheltered Location (Optional):** Placing the trap near a wall or under a tree can provide pigeons with a sense of security.
* **Avoid High-Traffic Areas:** Place the trap away from areas with heavy foot traffic or vehicular traffic to minimize disturbance.

**Step 2: Prepare the Trap**

* **Clean the Trap:** Thoroughly clean the trap with soap and water to remove any residual odors that might deter pigeons. Rinse well and allow it to dry completely.
* **Set the Trap Mechanism:** Carefully set the trap mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the door or bob-wire entrance is functioning properly.
* **Add Bait:** Scatter a generous amount of bait inside the trap, focusing on the area near the entrance. You can also create a trail of bait leading to the trap entrance to lure pigeons inside.
* **Provide Water:** Place a shallow dish of fresh water inside the trap.

**Step 3: Camouflage the Trap (Optional)**

* **Use Natural Materials:** Camouflage the trap with natural materials such as netting, burlap, or leaves to make it blend in with its surroundings.
* **Avoid Obstructing the Entrance:** Make sure the camouflage does not obstruct the entrance of the trap.

**Step 4: Monitor the Trap**

* **Check Regularly:** Check the trap at least once a day, preferably in the morning and evening. Remove any trapped pigeons promptly to minimize their stress.
* **Replace Bait and Water:** Replenish the bait and water as needed to keep the trap attractive to pigeons.
* **Adjust Trap Placement:** If you are not catching any pigeons after a few days, try moving the trap to a different location.

**Step 5: Handling Trapped Pigeons**

* **Approach Carefully:** Approach the trap calmly and quietly to avoid startling the pigeons.
* **Wear Gloves:** Wear gloves to protect yourself from potential diseases.
* **Cover the Trap (Optional):** Covering the trap with a blanket or sheet can help calm the pigeons.

**Step 6: Releasing or Relocating Pigeons**

* **Check Local Regulations:** Before releasing or relocating pigeons, check your local regulations regarding wildlife control. Some areas may have restrictions on releasing pigeons.
* **Release On-Site (If Allowed):** If allowed, you can release the pigeons on-site, preferably in an area away from your property. Consider using a bird repellent to discourage them from returning.
* **Relocate (If Allowed and Necessary):** If you need to relocate the pigeons, transport them to a suitable release site at least 10 miles away from your property. Choose a location with ample food, water, and shelter. Avoid releasing pigeons near other pigeon populations.
* **Humane Euthanasia (Last Resort):** In some situations, humane euthanasia may be the only option. Consult with a veterinarian or local animal control agency for guidance on proper euthanasia methods. This should only be considered as a last resort when relocation is not possible and the pigeon poses a significant threat.

**Important Considerations for Live Trapping:**

* **Legality:** Always check local laws and regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife. Some areas may require permits or have restrictions on trapping certain species.
* **Humane Treatment:** Handle trapped pigeons with care and minimize their stress. Provide them with food, water, and shelter while they are in the trap.
* **Non-Target Species:** Be aware of the possibility of trapping non-target species, such as songbirds or squirrels. If you catch a non-target species, release it immediately.
* **Trap Maintenance:** Regularly inspect and maintain your traps to ensure they are in good working condition and do not pose a hazard to animals.

Netting: A Specialized Approach

Netting is a more specialized method for catching pigeons and is typically used in large-scale pigeon control efforts. This method involves using a large net to capture pigeons in flight or while they are roosting.

**When to Consider Netting:**

* **Large Pigeon Populations:** Netting is most effective when dealing with large pigeon populations in confined areas, such as warehouses, parking garages, or rooftops.
* **Difficult-to-Trap Areas:** Netting can be used in areas where trapping is not feasible due to access limitations or other constraints.
* **Professional Expertise:** Netting requires specialized equipment, skills, and experience. It is best left to professional pest control companies.

**Types of Netting Techniques:**

* **Cannon Netting:** This technique involves using a cannon to launch a large net over a flock of pigeons.
* **Drop Netting:** This technique involves suspending a net above a roosting area and dropping it to capture the pigeons below.
* **Hand Netting:** This technique involves using a handheld net to capture individual pigeons.

**Important Considerations for Netting:**

* **Safety:** Netting can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Always follow safety precautions and wear appropriate protective gear.
* **Permits:** Check local regulations regarding netting. Some areas may require permits for this type of activity.
* **Professional Assistance:** Consider hiring a professional pest control company to handle netting operations. They have the expertise and equipment to perform the job safely and effectively.

Why Avoid Glue Traps

Glue traps are flat boards covered in a sticky adhesive designed to trap rodents, insects, and unfortunately, birds like pigeons. While they might seem like a cheap and easy solution, they are incredibly inhumane for several reasons:

* **Prolonged Suffering:** Pigeons caught in glue traps often struggle for hours or even days to free themselves. This struggle causes extreme stress, exhaustion, and often leads to self-mutilation as they desperately try to escape. They can rip out feathers and even break bones in their panic.
* **Exposure to the Elements:** Trapped pigeons are left vulnerable to the elements. They can suffer from dehydration, starvation, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
* **Non-Target Species:** Glue traps are indiscriminate and can trap other animals, including songbirds, squirrels, and even pets. These animals suffer the same fate as the pigeons.
* **Pain and Injury:** The adhesive can cause severe pain and injury, especially to their feathers and skin. Removing a pigeon from a glue trap is a difficult and often traumatic process, even for professionals.
* **Slow Death:** Eventually, pigeons trapped in glue traps will die from starvation, dehydration, or exposure. It’s a slow and agonizing death.

**For these reasons, glue traps are widely considered inhumane and should never be used to control pigeon populations. There are far more humane and effective methods available.**

Alternative Pigeon Control Methods

If you’re looking for ways to control pigeon populations without resorting to trapping or other harmful methods, consider these alternatives:

* **Eliminate Food Sources:** Pigeons are attracted to areas with readily available food. Eliminate food sources by cleaning up spilled food, securing garbage cans, and avoiding feeding pigeons.
* **Remove Water Sources:** Pigeons need water to survive. Eliminate standing water sources, such as puddles, leaky faucets, and bird baths.
* **Provide Shelter (Ironically, to discourage nesting elsewhere):** Install bird spikes, netting, or other deterrents to prevent pigeons from roosting or nesting on your property. Angled surfaces (45 degrees or greater) also discourage perching.
* **Use Bird Repellents:** Apply bird repellents to areas where pigeons congregate. These repellents can be liquid sprays, gels, or electronic devices that emit ultrasonic sounds.
* **Scare Tactics:** Use scare tactics, such as visual deterrents (e.g., shiny objects, owl decoys) or auditory deterrents (e.g., noisemakers, recordings of predator calls) to frighten pigeons away. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be effective.
* **Professional Pest Control:** Consult with a professional pest control company for advice on effective and humane pigeon control methods.

## Conclusion

Catching pigeons can be a necessary step in managing pigeon populations and mitigating the problems they can cause. However, it’s crucial to use humane and ethical methods, such as live trapping, and to prioritize non-lethal control measures whenever possible. Understanding pigeon behavior, following the steps outlined in this guide, and adhering to local regulations will help you catch pigeons effectively and responsibly. Remember to always prioritize the well-being of the birds and consider the impact of your actions on the environment.

By using a combination of these methods, you can effectively control pigeon populations and create a more pleasant environment for everyone.