How to Use One-Way Exclusion Funnels to Remove Pigeons Without Trapping Them
When it comes to getting rid of pigeons, you have a lot of options. You could go the destructive way and nuke their roosting and nesting areas with poison, which would eliminate them but would also leave behind a huge mess for you to clean up.
Or you could go the better route and opt to remove them from your living premises. While trapping the animal in a cage with bait might eventually work, a far more effective way to remove the pigeons is by using one-way exclusion funnels, whereby a pigeon that leaves your house through it of its own accord is unable to go back the other way, ultimately being removed from your premises.
So how do you use these funnels?
Some things to consider
While these funnels are extremely effective at peacefully removing pigeon infestations, they are functional only in tight spaces (like attics) where there are only a few easily sealable openings the pigeons can use, unlike in open places like a farm barn. Also, the funnels don't force the birds to leave, so unless the birds venture out daily to procure food supplies, you might have to wait a long time for the funnels to do their job.
Preparation for use
Before you do anything, be sure to don some protective gear like face masks and gloves. Once you're ready, you need to scan the environment the pigeons are currently habiting for any openings the pigeons may be used to get to and from it. Once you've ascertained the exact number of openings, double checking to be sure, you need to start sealing all of the holes except for one or two where you intend to install the funnels, so that the pigeons are forced to use the funnels when they try to exit.
Installing the funnels
Although this goes without saying, DO NOT install the funnels the wrong way around. The last thing you need is for scores of pigeons entering your attic through the funnel but not being able to get out. Also, try and make sure the funnel sits on the opening you selected snugly and tightly, using wire mesh or cloth to fill the space between the funnel and the edges of the opening so that the pigeons are unable to push it out of the way when they try to re-enter.
Preventing future infestations
Now that your home is pigeon-free, how about making sure it stays that way in the future? Once your attic (or whatever space you had trouble with) has been emptied of these birds, remove the funnel and permanently seal the opening. It would be a gigantic waste of effort to have pigeons roosting again in you're after only a couple days of peace.
Also read our other bird tip:
How To Keep Pigeons Off The Roof Of A Business