Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about our program. If you have any additional questions, please contact one of our Resource Specialists at info@NevadaPigeonControl.com.
There are many amazing and wonderful facts about pigeons. However, pigeons begin to pose a threat to properties and public health when the particulate matter from droppings become detectable under normal conditions. A moderate-sized flock of only 80 pigeons can generate well over 1 ton of hazardous waste per year.
According to Dr. Anette Rink of the USDA, pigeon droppings pose the most significant health risks to “the very old, the very young and those with compromised immune systems.” NRS 555.100 requires that properties with issues affecting public health and safety be addressed immediately and effectively.
Contrary to popular belief, intentional feeding by people is not the cause of pigeon problems. In fact, intentional feeding makes up less than 10% of the problem. As long as cities and communities have water, natural landscaping, trees, dirt, grass and brush, pigeons will have more than enough food supply to thrive and populate.
Other factors that contribute to pigeon infestation include:
- The presence of trash, waste and litter
- Passive feeding (grass seeding, water features, natural landscapes)
- Architectural design (places for pigeons to nest or roost)
The infinite number of environmental variables make an environmental approach to pigeon problems an impossible and unrealistic approach. That is why our program focuses on dealing directly with the animal and not the variables in the environment.
Yes. With a mortality rate oftentimes totaling less than 5% per operation, Nevada Pigeon Control has the lowest mortality rate of any pigeon control program available today. Clark County Animal Control’s mortality rate for impounded animals was more than 50% in 2008 (Disposition of Impounded Animals Report). Pest control companies report a kill rate of more than 85% (traps and poisons).
By 2012, Nevada Pigeon Control hopes to reduce their 5% mortality rate by more than half. By 2015, they hope to completely eliminate the need for lethal removal.
No. Nevada Pigeon Control was founded on the belief that it was possible to provide complete control through non-lethal means. It has focused on behavioral modification as it’s primary approach and does not endorse the use of lethal poisons. Nevada Pigeon Control’s methods have done more to eliminate the need for poisons and lethal trapping than any other organization.
Nevada Pigeon Control has a mortality rate that is often times lower than 5% and we strive to adhere to a strict no-kill policy that stresses humane rehabilitation and housing. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to lethally remove certain pigeons, especially those categorized as diseased, dominant males or "experienced" birds. While this is an unfortunate aspect of pigeon control, this is a measure of last resort. When termination is necessary, these operations are done as humanely as possible and in collaboration with local law enforcement.
To ensure that pigeon populations are maintained at healthy levels, (and never again reach unhealthy levels), this program will be in place indefinitely. With regular behavioral maintenance, the need for aggressive, and potentially lethal, control measures is drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated.
No. Studies show that the lifespan of an urban pigeon is only to 3 to 5 years in the “wild”. With proper feed and care, pigeons can live as long as 15 years in captivity. We attribute this decline in natural life spans to the fact that pigeons are feeding on human foods, especially breads, sugars and fats. Pigeons are natural grain eaters. Feeding them human foods is not only bad for their systems but also contributes to the need for more aggressive control measures once pigeon populations reach unhealthy levels.
