Pest Management Control

Pigeons

Council does not offer pest control services in relation to pigeon control and does not conduct any activities involving culling of nesting or roosting pigeons on private land. Owners of property impacted by nesting or roosting pigeons are advised to seek the services of a commercial pest controller for specific advice on control and eradication measures.

Feral pigeons have easily adapted to the urban environment and take up residence almost anywhere, particularly where there is food and shelter. Pigeons are capable of breeding throughout the year and do not migrate far from their birthplace, this makes them difficult to remove. Feral pigeons are a common pest and may pose a risk to public health.

Problems associated with feral pigeons may include:

  • Attraction of bird mites;
  • Odour and noise;
  • Damage to buildings and monuments due to the highly corrosive nature of pigeon droppings;
  • Damage to air-conditioning units and other roof top machinery;
  • Hygiene concerns du to an accumulation of pigeon faeces.

Controlling feral pigeons

If you have a pigeon problem, there are many techniques that can be used to reduce or remove the population. Implementing non-lethal control techniques will provide the most effective and long-term result. The best way to minimise or prevent the nuisance caused by feral pigeons is to control where they roost, nest and feed.

Council advises that you should engage a pest controller to review your property. They may offer the following alterations to your property which may include:

  • Bird spikes
  • Bird wire and netting
  • Bird slopes
  • Electronic bird repellers
  • Optical bird scarers
  • Electrified shock systems

The pest controller may also offer the services of removal, which may include:

  • Alphachoralose
  • Aminiopyridine
  • Contact avicides
  • Trapping
  • Shooting

NOTE: Feral Pigeons are listed in Schedule 3 of the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 (the Act). The rules and regulations state that they may be hunted in NSW. You must review the requirements for Feral Pigeons within the Act prior to commencing any removal campaign.

Removing Food Sources

The number of pigeons in an area is determined by the availability of a sustainable food source. The most effective way of discouraging feral pigeons from infesting buildings and public areas is to remove any potential food source.

NOTE: Never feed feral pigeons

For more information on pigeons please click here(PDF, 537KB)

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Rats and Mice

Council will only implement vermin treatments where an infestation is on public land under the control of Council. Any infestation involving private land will be the responsibility of the landowner to control and as such the services of a commercial pest controller should be sought.

Councils Regulatory Functions for Pest Management Control

Council can serve Orders under the Local Government Act 1993 on the owner or occupier of any land which is in an unsafe or unhealthy condition. This can include where conditions exist that may attract pests/vermin such as through an accumulation of garbage or in respect to land where pests/vermin are nesting.

Under the Food Act 2003 council can serve Orders to the food businesses to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Regulations. This will include requirements to implement practicable measures to prevent pests/vermin entering the premises and to eradicate/prevent pest/vermin harbourage.

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Related Information

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