Why Bird Problems Recur
One of the most frustrating aspects of bird infestations is that the birds come back. You chase them off, clean up their mess — and within days or weeks they’re back in the same spot. Understanding why this happens is the key to preventing it permanently.
Birds Have Strong Site Fidelity
Pigeons in particular have an exceptional homing instinct and strong site fidelity — meaning they return to the same location year after year. This is one of the reasons pigeons were historically used as carrier pigeons. Once a pair has established a roost or nest site on your building, that location is encoded in their navigation and they will return to it repeatedly, even after being chased away.
Pheromones and Scent Marking
Bird droppings contain pheromones that signal to other birds that a location is a safe and established roosting site. Accumulated droppings effectively act as an advertisement to other birds — particularly for species like pigeons that form colonies. If droppings are not thoroughly cleaned, the scent will continue to attract birds to the site.
Food Sources Nearby
Urban birds are opportunistic feeders. If a consistent food source is nearby — food scraps, open waste bins, pet food left outside, restaurant food scraps — birds will return to the area regardless of deterrents. Removing food sources reduces the attractiveness of the site but rarely eliminates the problem on its own.
Ineffective or Incomplete Deterrents
Birds will work around deterrents that are incomplete or placed incorrectly. Common problems include:
- Bird spikes installed on only part of an available ledge — birds simply move to the uncovered section
- Netting with gaps or unsealed edges — birds squeeze through and nest inside the netted area
- Deterrents that birds have learned to ignore — plastic owls, reflective tape, acoustic devices
How to Stop Birds Coming Back Permanently
1. Complete physical exclusion
Spikes, netting and other physical exclusion measures must be installed with complete coverage and no gaps. A bird that cannot land anywhere on a surface will eventually give up and move on.
2. Thorough droppings removal and disinfection
All droppings must be thoroughly removed and the area disinfected to eliminate the pheromone attractant that draws other birds to the site.
3. Block all entry points to the building
Gaps in fascia, damaged eaves, open ridge caps and other penetrations that allow entry to the roof void must be sealed.
4. Eliminate food sources
Secure all outdoor waste bins, avoid leaving pet food outside, and speak with neighbours or nearby businesses about reducing food availability.
5. Ongoing maintenance
Deterrents need periodic inspection and maintenance — damaged spikes, holes in netting or debris accumulation on spikes will re-open the site to birds. Annual inspections are recommended.
For a permanent solution to recurring bird problems on your Sydney property, Pestyologist provides custom exclusion installations with ongoing maintenance. Contact us today.