AN EXPERT has revealed the 1p hack that can banish pesky pigeons from your garden.
As spring begins to return to the UK, milder temperatures will encourage many of us to head outside and make the most of our gardens.
2
2
However, among the many pests that can disturb your relaxation in the garden are pigeons.
The common garden pests can cause a real nuisance if left to their own devices, including damaging plants, causing structural wear, and leaving droppings that can attract rodents.
Furthermore, they carry diseases, and their droppings contain bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory issues.
And with pigeon breeding season well underway, many of us will be on the hunt for hacks to keep the the creatures at bay.
Read more pest control stories
With this in mind, Adeel ul-haq from Bunk Beds has revealed his budget hack to make sure that pigeons don’t ruin your spring.
He said: “Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can corrode everything from paint to metal surfaces in your garden.
“Not only this these droppings can then attract other pests such as rats which can cause further damage to your home.”
Pigeon Proofing
Adeel said that the first step to getting rid of pigeons is to figure out which areas of your garden they like the most.
He revealed that, since the birds like flat surfaces, you can use spike strips to deter them, but added that these can be expensive and are a bit of an eye soar.
However, for a cheaper and more aesthetically pleasing option, you can use something you probably already have lying around in your kitchen cupboard – tin foil.
“All you need to do is scrunch up some balls of tin foil and dangle them on a piece of string,” he said.
“When the light hits the foil it reflects and scares the pigeons away.”
Tin foil can be picked up from the supermarket for just 99p.
Most packs come with 100 sheets of foil, meaning that if you use one sheet to banish your garden pigeons, it will cost you less than 1p.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
Tin foil works as a deterrent, because when pigeons see the light reflected off it, they get confused and think a predator is nearby.
Pigeon’s eyes are also sensitive to the sun, so shiny, reflective surfaces can irritate them and make them want to stay out of the garden.
Adeel said: “Pigeons are creatures of habit and if they think that your garden is a safe space for them they will return often.
“The best way to keep pigeons out of your garden is to make it as unwelcoming as possible for them without hurting them.
“A cheap way of doing so is using a roll of foil from the supermarket.”
