If you're dealing with pigeons on your roof, you’re not alone. As gutter cleaning professionals who’ve spent years up on rooftops, we’ve seen firsthand just how much damage pigeons can cause.
From blocked downpipes to corroded shingles and everything in between, pigeons aren't just an occasional nuisance—they can turn into a full-blown maintenance headache if ignored.
Why do pigeons love roofs so much?
It’s simple: roofs give them a vantage point, shelter from predators, and often easy access to food—especially in neighbourhoods with unsecured rubbish or backyard bird feeders. Left alone, pigeon problems tend to get worse over time.
Let’s walk through the most effective, humane methods we've used or recommended to our clients to keep pigeons off roofs for good.
Pigeon presence isn’t just unsightly. It creates real, tangible problems:
Acting early can save you money, time, and a whole lot of mess.
Let’s start with the most direct way to block pigeons from settling in—by physically keeping them out. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Bird netting is one of the most effective tools for this purpose. Made from strong polyethylene, it stretches across open areas like overhangs, solar panels, or in between beams. Once it’s in place, pigeons simply can’t land or build a nest.
● Great for covering large orawkwardly shaped areas
● Nearly invisible from a distance
● Professional installation oftenneeded for multi-level roofs
Ah yes, the classic. Bird spikes are long, thin metal or plastic rods attached to ledges, HVAC units, or gutters. Contrary to how they look, they don’t hurt the birds—just make landing uncomfortable.
A more subtle solution than spikes. Stainless steel bird wire is strung in parallel lines across rooflines or fences. It messes with a pigeon’s balance so they won’t land there.
Good for: Narrow ledges or decorativeroof edges.
If you’re dealing with flat or low-pitched areas where pigeons love to sit, sloping that section slightly can do wonders. It doesn’t take much—a custom sheathing with a steep enough angle makes it nearly impossible for birds to perch.
For commercial properties or serious infestations, shock tracks are another option. They send a harmless, low-voltage pulse when birds land. Sounds intense, but it’s humane and incredibly effective.
We recommend professional installation here.
Once you've cleaned up the mess and blocked off obvious entry points, it’s time to make your roof as uninviting as possible. That’s where deterrents come in—small tricks that signal to pigeons: “Not welcome here.”
Old CDs, reflective tape, shiny pinwheels—pigeons don’t like things that flash and move in the wind. They interpret it as danger. Just remember to move them around now and then so the birds don’t get used to them.
Speakers that play predator calls or pigeon distress sounds can scare them off. There are also ultrasonic versions (you can’t hear them, but birds can). In our experience, they’re best when used alongside another method—pigeons are smart and can adapt quickly.
These gadgets detect movement and release a quick spray of water. They work especially well if your roof is near a garden or flat area where pigeons land before climbing up.
Pro tip: If you’re going to installthese, make sure they don’t soak your siding or windows.
If you want to keep pigeons off your roof without installing anything bulky, there are some clever chemical and sensory tricks that can do the job.
Let’s talk about repellents—simple, low-effort options that mess with a pigeon’s comfort zone.
Yes, you read that right. Mix hot sauce or chili powder with water and spray it along your roof’s popular pigeon hangouts. It irritates their feet and beaks, and they’ll stop landing there. Just reapply after rain.
Applied like caulk, these make surfaces tacky so pigeons won’t want to stand on them. Best used in small areas, like around vents or specific corners.
This is a modern option that uses UV light refraction to confuse pigeons—making it seem like the surface is on fire. Totally safe, totally weird-looking (to pigeons, anyway), and easy to install in dishes.
Once you've cleared the pigeons, the real win is keeping them from coming back. That’s where a bit of preventive maintenance makes all the difference.
If you’ve got eaves, attic gaps, or solar panel gaps—seal them with mesh. Don’t give pigeons a cosy corner to call home.
Chimneys make prime nesting spots. Capping them not only keeps out pigeons but also possums, squirrels, and debris.
Sounds basic, but it’s critical. Leaves, leftover food, even stuck plastic can attract pigeons looking to nest. Plus, food sources like open rubbish or unsealed pet food bowls need to be locked down.
If you’ve tried everything and the pigeons still won’t budge, don’t beat yourself up—some jobs just aren’t meant to be DIY. At a certain point, it’s worth handing things off to the experts.
For major infestations, it might be time to bring in wildlife control. They can install advanced deterrents, use professional-grade repellents, and evaluate your entire property.
We’ve worked side-by-side with some of these teams, and the results speak for themselves when all else fails.
Products like Avian Control’s liquid repellents are non-toxic but make roof surfaces very unwelcoming to pigeons. Usually, they’re applied by licensed professionals.
Some parts of the roof are pigeon magnets without most people even realising it. If you've got any of the features below, you're dealing with prime real estate for nesting—and they’ll need a bit more tactical effort.
Before you start applying sprays or installing traps, double-check your local laws. In many areas, pigeons are protected wildlife, and lethal control methods are either illegal or require a permit.
Stick to humane methods. It’s not just about ethics—it’s also about effectiveness long-term. When birds are harmed, more often just come back to take their place.
Getting rid of pigeons on your roof isn’t about one quick fix. It’s about layering methods, staying ahead with maintenance, and being patient. Whether it’s a few droppings here and there or a full-on nesting situation, acting early always pays off.
As professionals who work on rooftops every day, we’ve seen what works—and more importantly, what lasts. And when it’s all said and done, keeping your gutters clean and your roof bird-free is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home’s health.
If you're not sure where to start or just want someone to take a look, give your local gutter or pest control expert a call. You might be surprised how quickly the problem can turn around with the right plan.
Professional Gutter Cleaning in Sydney and surrounding suburbs. Gutter guard, repairs, maintenance and roof safety anchor systems.
