60+
Diseases carried
12kg
Droppings/bird/year
pH 3
Dropping acidity
8 eggs
Per year/pair
Pigeons are Canberra’s number one pest bird. Once they find a comfortable nesting spot on your roof, they’ll return year after year — bringing disease, damage, and mess. Here’s how to stop them for good.
Canberra’s pigeon population has grown steadily, particularly around commercial areas, shopping centres, and suburban homes near restaurants and takeaway shops. Pigeons are creatures of habit — once they establish a roosting or nesting site, they’ll defend it aggressively and return to it daily. Each breeding pair produces up to eight eggs per year, and young pigeons begin breeding at just six months of age, meaning a small problem on your roof quickly becomes a colony of 20-30 birds.
The financial impact of unchecked pigeon nesting is substantial. Pigeon droppings are highly acidic (pH 3-4.5), which means they actively corrode roof tiles, metal flashing, guttering, and paintwork. A single pigeon produces approximately 12kg of droppings per year. Multiply that by a flock of 10-20 birds nesting on your roof, and you’re looking at over 100kg of corrosive, disease-carrying waste accumulating annually. The cost of repairing pigeon damage to roofing, gutters, and solar panels can easily exceed $3,000-$5,000, making proactive bird proofing a worthwhile investment.
The Real Cost of Pigeon Nesting
Property Damage
- Acidic droppings corrode roof tiles and metal
- Blocked gutters causing water damage
- Nesting materials create fire hazards
- Staining on walls and pathways
- Damaged solar panel efficiency (up to 25%)
Health Risks
- Histoplasmosis (fungal lung infection)
- Cryptococcosis (fungal meningitis)
- Psittacosis (bacterial infection)
- Bird mite infestations indoors
- Allergic reactions from dried droppings
Pigeon Proofing Methods Compared
Bird Spikes
$25-60/m
10+ years
Stainless steel or polycarbonate spikes prevent landing. Best for ridgelines, ledges, and gutters.
Bird Netting
$500-2000
10+ years
Heavy-duty mesh completely excludes pigeons from areas. Ideal for courtyards and under eaves.
Roof Tile Blocking
$300-800
Permanent
Sealing gaps between roof tiles and ridge caps where pigeons enter to nest in roof cavities.
Bird Wire
$30-50/m
10+ years
Spring-tensioned wire creates unstable landing surface. Discreet option for heritage buildings.
Optical Deterrents
$20-100
1-3 years
Reflective tape, predator eyes, spinning devices. Short-term solution — pigeons habituate quickly.
5 Steps to a Pigeon-Free Roof
Remove existing nests and droppings
Professional cleaning with PPE. Don’t disturb dried droppings without a mask.
Block entry points
Seal gaps between roof tiles, ridge caps, and fascia boards where pigeons nest.
Install physical deterrents
Bird spikes on ridgelines and ledges. Netting over problem areas.
Remove food sources
Secure bins, remove pet food bowls, stop feeding birds nearby.
Schedule annual maintenance
Check deterrents and replace any damaged sections before nesting season.
Professional Pigeon Proofing
We install bird spikes, netting, and exclusion systems across Canberra. All work comes with a warranty.
Still have questions?
The best pest control company will solve your issue for a long time. Bugs Patrol is Canberra’s trusted choice for professional pigeon control with lasting results.
Pigeons on Your Roof?
Get professional pigeon proofing with a warranty. Free inspection and quote for all Canberra suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Install bird spikes on ledges and ridgelines, fit netting over problem areas, block gaps in roof tiles, install gutter guards, and remove food sources. Professional installation ensures lasting results.
Pigeons seek sheltered, elevated spots near food. Canberra roofs offer warmth, protection, and nesting gaps. Nearby pet food, bird feeders, and bins attract them.
Yes. They carry 60+ diseases and the acidic droppings damage roof tiles, gutters, and paintwork, costing thousands in repairs.
Bird spikes cost $25-$60/m installed. Full roof netting $500-$2000. Solar panel proofing $400-$800. Contact Bugs Patrol for a free quote.
Feral pigeons are not protected in the ACT. However, humane deterrent methods are preferred and more effective long-term.
