BajaNomad

Pigeon Sheeeet

O.G. - 11-14-2011 at 02:41 PM

How do you discourage pigeons from homesteading on your property? I have a trawler in Ensenada harbor that has been invaded by pigeons. First, they set up under my dingy and for the last month I've been chasing them out each morning with a broom or mop while using expletives that cannot be repeated here. Now, they have taken up using my flybridge, under a tarp cover, to meet and greet every morning. It's not like I hate birds---I order chicken every now and then but prefer beef or pork.... . It's the bird Sheeeeet that is grossing me out.

Thought about those "sticky pads" but that would be cruel and unusual punishment. Got some large "rat traps" baited with corn tortillas --- will see if that works. Do those "fake owls" work?

I think I will call Mike Tyson for his opinion.

bajaguy - 11-14-2011 at 02:47 PM

Get a boat cat

sancho - 11-14-2011 at 02:52 PM

Have seen Plastic Owls used, but imagine they
work for a short time, some boaters hang plastic
grocery bags up that blow in the wind, but that may be for seagulls
Think I may have seen rubber snakes used

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by sancho]

Oso - 11-14-2011 at 02:54 PM

The fake owls don't work. They get used to them and roost and poop on them.

baronvonbob - 11-14-2011 at 03:23 PM

take the thorns off of the African Plum bush, they are 3 or 4 barbed and glue or nail in those locations that desired by the offending birds. The plum plant is seen throughout baja at various nurseries, and is planted as decoration in many locations. The birds recognize the thorns and do not land on them.

Islandbuilder - 11-14-2011 at 03:44 PM

I've seen several boats with large, helicopter blade type spinners, not sure if they work, but I've never seen a bird actually sitting on the spinner.

mcfez - 11-14-2011 at 03:47 PM

Webbing: This plastic netting is used under roofs, rafters and eaves. Webbing is hung in these areas to prevent pigeons from landing.

Owls...snakes.....voodoo dolls......DavidK's.... dont work. I suspect that there is a food / water source nearby

danaeb - 11-14-2011 at 03:50 PM

This company has several solutions. I've seen the spiky stuff on billboards and all around the buildings in Balboa Park, but maybe the netting would work better for your problem:

http://www.nixalite.com/

Good luck

Skipjack Joe - 11-14-2011 at 03:59 PM

I see many orchards these days with strands of tinsel tied everywhere. I think the flash of light reflecting from them as they spin in the wind... I think birds find that unsettling and move off.

Perhaps that would work for your needs as well.

DanO - 11-14-2011 at 04:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I see many orchards these days with strands of tinsel tied everywhere. I think the flash of light reflecting from them as they spin in the wind... I think birds find that unsettling and move off.

Perhaps that would work for your needs as well.


I saw those in use last month in a field of string beans in the Santo Tomas valley. Thought they were getting a head start on the Christmas decorations.

surfer jim - 11-14-2011 at 04:31 PM

Couldn't street vendors use these in the tacos?:(

Bugman - 11-14-2011 at 05:10 PM

The bird netting works the best as it actually prevents them from entering. Plastic owls, tinsel and cd's work for about 10 minutes and then they get used to them. ;)

woody with a view - 11-14-2011 at 05:44 PM

12 gauge always worked for me....

Jack Swords - 11-14-2011 at 06:00 PM

We had major problems with blackbirds and starlings when in a slip in San Diego before bringing our boat down to La Paz. A fellow cruiser suggested plastic grocery bags tied in the impacted areas. The bags crackle and move around in the slightest wind and the birds couldn't take it. Friend used these bags under his eves to scare away nesting swallows too. Cheap solution to try out, but better hurry as the bags are being banned in different places.

DianaT - 11-14-2011 at 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
12 gauge always worked for me....


Might be a little hard on the boat. :lol:

mulegemichael - 11-14-2011 at 09:04 PM

string monofilament all around outside...confuses em as they can't fly through it...they'll stay away..

DENNIS - 11-14-2011 at 10:43 PM

This man operates a "Soothing Sail" service in Ensenada Harbor for traumatized orphans and had the same problem.....untill:

http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/aa_12_shot...