Quick facts
- Species
- Feral pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
- Roosting
- Ledges, roofs, balconies, window sills, flat roofs and under bridges
- Droppings
- Acidic, corrosive, slippery and can block gutters
- Breeding
- Can breed nearly year-round where food and shelter are available
- Law
- Wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; general licences set the conditions for controlling feral pigeons
How to identify pigeons
Feral pigeons vary in colour from blue-grey to white or brown, with an iridescent neck. They are descended from domestic and wild rock doves and live in cities because buildings provide ledges that mimic cliffs. Flocks gather where they are fed, either deliberately or by food waste.
Pigeons are different from wood pigeons, which are larger and have white neck patches, and from protected birds such as nesting swifts or house martins, which are protected and must not be disturbed.
Signs of pigeons in your home
- Droppings on balconies, window sills, ledges, cars and pavements
- Blocked gutters and roof drains from nests and debris
- Nests and feathers in loft vents, behind solar panels and under eaves
- Noise from cooing and flapping at night or early morning
- Damaged stonework, paintwork and roofing from acidic droppings
Risks and damage
Pigeon droppings can carry organisms that cause illness in people, including salmonella and rarely psittacosis and histoplasmosis. They are slippery, which creates a slip hazard, and can damage stonework and metal. Pigeons also carry mites and fleas, which sometimes invade flats.
Why pigeons come into properties
Food and shelter. Feeding by people is a major cause. Flat roofs, balconies, solar panels and ledges provide roosts, and nesting sites in roofs are used year after year.
How to prevent pigeons
- Do not feed pigeons and clear food waste and spilled seed
- Fit netting, bird spikes, bird wire or mesh to ledges, balconies and under solar panels
- Seal gaps in lofts, eaves and vents
- Clean droppings promptly using appropriate protective equipment
- Choose proofing that fits the building, as incorrectly installed products can trap birds
Professional pigeon control by Southwark Pests
Humane proofing is the most effective long-term solution. Professionals assess the building, choose a proofing method such as netting, spikes, wires, slopes or solar panel mesh, and may clean up droppings using protective equipment. Trapping and culling are sometimes used under the terms of the relevant general licences, but only as part of a plan that includes proofing.
Cleaning droppings should be done carefully. Wet them first, wear gloves and a mask, and do not use brushes that raise dust. Large accumulations should be handled by specialists.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if pigeons are nesting in your roof, blocking gutters, fouling balconies or entering a loft. Landlords and managing agents should deal with communal areas.
Pigeon control across Southwark and London
Feral pigeons are everywhere in South London, from flats along the Old Kent Road to high streets in Lewisham and Woolwich. Balconies in tall blocks and solar panels on terraced roofs are the places we proof most. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Pigeon control: questions and answers
Are pigeons protected?
Wild birds are protected by law. Feral pigeons are not treated like other wild birds, but control must follow the general licence conditions. Professionals will do it properly.
Will pigeon spikes hurt birds?
Properly installed spikes deter birds without harming them. Netting and wire systems can also be humane when fitted correctly.
Why do pigeons keep coming back?
Because the roost and food are still available. Proofing makes the site unattractive.
Is pigeon poo dangerous?
It can carry bacteria and fungal spores. Wear protection when cleaning large amounts and wash your hands.
Can I shoo pigeons away?
It helps in the short term but pigeons return unless the site is proofed.
Can you remove nests?
Pigeon nests can be removed under certain conditions, but you must not disturb nests of protected birds. Ask for advice before removing any nest.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.