Pigeon problems

[Calvawt]

I installed solar last summer and it is producing negative power bills for me each month!  July looks to be more power needed for the AC, but we should still end up with a credit of close to $300 for the first year.

The only problem is pigeons have started to roost under the panel on the west side of my house.  It is two stories and enough slope that I can't really get to it.   I can get to the peak of the roof, just not all the way to that edge (and around the panels).  I have thought about fake owls, sound, spike strips, or calling pest control.

Any suggestions? Does anyone have experience dealing with this problem?  I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars to fix.

[Exflyboy]

Your going to have to put some physical barrier between the bottom of the panels and the roof.. such as chicken wire or some such.. Still have to get to it of course though with an extension ladder.

[The Pigeon]

Heyyyyyyyy....  :-/

[Insanity]

Heyyyyyyyy....  :-/

Why are you living under the solar farm? :)

[The Pigeon]

Heyyyyyyyy....  :-/

Why are you living under the solar farm? :)

It's hella cheap!
and warm!
:-)

Please don't take away my nest, Mr. Homeowner! I promise not to poop on your car.

-The Pigeon

[Rezdent]

I think physical barriers are best, but I think you'll need to go all the way round.  Otherwise, they'll just detour to the other side.
Psychological barriers like fake owls tend to need more maintenance and the birds get used to them pretty fast.
Trapping and relocation might be an option but are illegal in a lot of places.  Plus pigeons have a way of coming back home...and even if they didn't, it would still be an attractive nesting spot for birds

[Numbers Man]

Call a pest control company if you are uncomfortable getting up on the roof. I had a problem with bats. I mixed cayenne pepper with water to make a paste that I applied to the opening where the bats came into. After a couple of days the bats were gone. I'm sure that there's probably a similar solution out there that will get rid of the birds.

[TrMama]

Pellet gun?

[tarheeldan]

Pellet gun?

http://www.greatbritishchefs.com/ingredients/pigeon-recipes

[The Pigeon]

All kidding aside,

I do implore you to explore NON LETHAL/NON INJURIOUS methods of discouraging them. Please?

:-)

The Pigeon <-- a bird (all birds!) lover.

[SweetLife]

My husband makes a wonderful roast pigeon ... (sorry The Pigeon!) ...

[Exflyboy]

Pigeon tacos.. Yum..:)

But yes chicken wire all the way round is the way to go.. Need a rail at the bottom to attach the wire to, the attach the rail to the roof.  Then wire the top edge of the wire to the underside edge of the panels.

[Exflyboy]

All kidding aside,

I do implore you to explore NON LETHAL/NON INJURIOUS methods of discouraging them. Please?

:-)

The Pigeon <-- a bird (all birds!) lover.

Almost hit a pigeon with the prop of my airplane once.. Seriously.. just missed it with my $8000 prop!