Pigeons are one of the most common birds in the UK. From the scrawny city dweller types to the boisterous wood pigeons who take it up on themselves to act as nature’s alarm clock, these birds are everywhere – but for many of us, we’d really rather they weren’t.
Especially around our homes and gardens, pigeons can be seriously annoying pests. Beyond their sheer decibels of noise (which is my main irk), these bird brains can ruin gutters with their nests, destroy lawns by snacking on grass seed and cover anything in sight with more than unsightly droppings. While of course all animals are beautiful and they’re relatively harmless, that doesn’t mean we have to love it or lump it.
Enter the CD hack. A simple, cheap and cheerful DIY trick for ensuring pigeons steer clear of your home, and it’ll only take you 5 minutes to execute. Here’s how to do it.
The one item you need
If you’re sick of pigeons snacking in your garden or waking you up before your alarm, there is a very simple thing you can do that those pesky birds hate. Hanging shiny objects, specifically old CDs/DVDs in particular, around your garden is a non-harmful, non-distressing way to scare off pigeons.
CDs deter pigeons primarily through visual disruption. When rays of sunlight hit the shiny surface and reflect off of it, pigeons grow confused and spooked by the erratic strobe lighting. They mistake the fast movements for that of a predator. As the discs swing in the sunlight, the unpredictable movement of the glare and rainbow-like UV spectra produced cause sensory overload, confusing the birds and making them avoid the area like the plague.
The best way to do this is to string your CDs up onto some twine, fishing line or weather-proof string. Fishing line is great for its invisibility, making it spookier for birds but more pleasing on the eye for humans. You’ll want to make sure to thread them in a way that allows plenty of air flow, so they can turn and twist in the wind as much as possible.
What to read next
Cut varying lengths of string (1 to 2 feet long) for your contraption so the discs hang at different heights. This maximises the angles at which light can reflect. If your CD of choice has a printed side for the album or DVD it once played, use double sided tape to stick two together for maximum reflective surfaces.
Space the CDs about 5 to 6 feet apart. Don’t clutter an area, as too many will block the light and, frankly, look a little ugly. And be sure to hang them where they’re actually needed, placing them directly over problem zones like ledges, awnings, tree branches, fruit trees or the perimeter of your vegetable patches.
More simple ways to deter pigeons from your home and garden
- Limit food sources: Take away whatever’s attracting pigeons to your home in the first place. Sweep up spilled bird seed, don’t leave pet food outdoors, keep bins tightly closed and clear away crumbs after eating outside.
- Be selective with bird feeders: Yes, feeding the birds is lovely, but not when you’re trying to keep the pigeons at bay. Switch to feeders designed for smaller birds, such as caged feeders or hanging tube feeders. Regularly clear up any seed that falls to the ground too.
- Cover fruit trees and vegetable patches: Use fine garden netting or fruit cages to stop pigeons helping themselves to crops. But ensure netting is pulled taut and fitted safely to reduce the risk of birds becoming entangled.
- Block opportunities for nesting: Pigeons like sheltered, flat ledges and roof spaces for their nests – and in my experience, these tend to be right by your bedroom window – so a few home improvements can go a long way sleepwise. Use mesh or netting to block access under solar panels, eaves or balconies before birds begin nesting. But if, when doing so, you discover an active nest with eggs or chicks, leave it undisturbed and seek advice if necessary.
This isn’t about being cruel or interfering with nature, just about shifting them on their merry way.
