Why Are There So Many Pigeons in Surprise, Arizona?

Pigeons are common throughout Surprise and the rest of the West Valley because residential neighborhoods provide many of the things they look for: places to roost, protected nesting areas, water, and reliable food sources.

For homeowners, the biggest problems usually start when pigeons begin using the same part of a property repeatedly, especially underneath solar panels, around roof overlaps, or on ledges and rooflines.

Why Pigeons Use Homes in Surprise

Solar Panels

Rooftop solar panels create a protected space between the panels and the roof. Once pigeons begin using that area, they may build nests around the mounting brackets and racking where nesting material can collect.

Simply removing the nests does not always solve the problem because the space underneath the panels is still accessible.

For established nesting underneath solar panels, physical exclusion with bird mesh is usually the most reliable approach because it blocks access to the area.

Rooflines, Eaves, and Other Protected Areas

Solar panels are not the only places pigeons use.

Depending on the home, pigeons may also roost or nest around:

• roof overlaps

• sheltered areas under eaves

• ledges

• rooftop equipment

• other protected openings around the roof

This is why pigeon control should be based on where the birds are actually spending their time rather than using the same deterrent everywhere.

Food and Water

Pigeons are more likely to remain around an area when food and water are consistently available.

Common sources can include bird feeders, people intentionally feeding birds, food scraps, pet food, standing water, and landscaped areas with irrigation.

Homeowners cannot always control what is available elsewhere in the neighborhood, which is another reason physical exclusion is often more dependable than trying to remove every possible food source.

Problems Pigeons Can Cause Around a Home

The biggest issue is usually the accumulation of droppings, feathers, nesting material, and other debris.

Around solar panels, nests and droppings can build up underneath the array and across the roof. Droppings can also collect on the panels themselves, patios, driveways, walkways, and other areas below common roosting spots.

If pigeons are nesting underneath solar panels, the problem can become difficult to address from the ground because much of the nesting material may not be visible.

Pigeon Control Options for Surprise Homes

Different areas of a home require different solutions.

Solar Panel Bird Mesh

For pigeons nesting underneath solar panels, we generally recommend solar panel pigeon proofing with bird mesh.

The mesh is installed around the exposed perimeter of the array to physically block pigeons from getting underneath.

Eave and Roof Exclusion

If pigeons are entering a protected roof opening, mesh can sometimes be used to physically close the access point.

Bird Spikes

Bird spikes can be useful on certain exposed surfaces where pigeons are landing or roosting.

They are not usually our first choice when an enclosed nesting area can be physically blocked with mesh.

Tensioned Bird Wire

Bird wire can work well on certain rooflines and architectural surfaces where pigeons repeatedly land.

The right option depends on the location and how the pigeons are using it.

What If Pigeons Are Already Nesting Under Your Solar Panels?

If pigeons have already established nests underneath the array, the job usually involves more than simply installing mesh.

Depending on the condition of the property, the work may include:

• removing nests and nesting material

• cleaning underneath the solar panels

• removing pigeon droppings and debris from the roof

• cleaning the solar panels

• installing bird mesh around the solar array

• cleaning debris that comes off the roof during the work

• addressing additional nesting areas when necessary

If pigeons are currently nesting underneath your panels, you can learn more about our solar bird pigeon proofing service or use our instant online estimator to get a personalized price range.

Pigeon Control in Surprise, Arizona

The best pigeon control method depends on where the birds are nesting and roosting.

For pigeons underneath solar panels, physical exclusion is usually the main solution. For exposed ledges and rooflines, spikes or bird wire may be more appropriate. Other openings may require mesh exclusion.

If you are dealing with pigeons at your Surprise home, the first step is identifying the areas they are actually using and choosing the appropriate solution for each one.