So, you’ve finally got your brand-new glass balcony. It’s perfect for enjoying the sun, relaxing with friends, growing your own balcony garden, and eating a delicious al fresco meal. It’s a fantastic area to spend time and a point of pride for you and your home.
And then, the pigeons show up.
These extremely common birds have a rather rich history in the UK. From raced by Royals to delivering urgent messages in World Wars 1 and 2, pigeons were deemed useful pets. Sadly, they lost their popularity and are now considered common street birds by many and pests by others.
Pigeons love a perch, and your balcony provides the perfect place to rest and nest. In this post, we’ll lend some tips for keeping pigeons off your glass balcony without ruining the aesthetic.
Why do pigeons keep coming to my balcony?
If you find yourself asking this, we can offer several answers.
First, pigeons are always on the lookout for a safe home, and your balcony provides the perfect spot. Like us, these birds don’t like the wind or rain, so they seek spaces sheltered from the elements to nest. This makes balconies an ideal home or resting place, especially if your projecting balcony is covered.
Second, if there is a food source on your balcony, it will attract birds. This includes leaving food out that you’ve been eating, as well as berries you may be growing there.
Third, and this one is unfortunate, but it could be because of your neighbours. For those in apartment buildings, or if you have a balcony on your terraced house, you may fall victim to pigeon visits if your neighbours aren’t preventing them. If neighbours are leaving out their food or even bird seed for other English birds, the pigeons will keep coming.
Let’s talk about some of the ways you can prevent pigeons from choosing your balcony.
Reflective surfaces
Pigeons don’t like mirrored or overly shiny surfaces as they interfere with their sight. There are plenty of tapes, sticky covers and patches, and mirrored decorations online and in garden centres that you can place on your balcony.
Decoy birds
Fake birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, fixed to your balcony can help deter pigeons. Pigeons are scared of these birds, so they will avoid going anywhere near them if your decoys are realistic enough. However, with cheaper models, pigeons will likely realise they’re not actually a threat rather quickly, so it’s wise to invest if you choose this route or pair it with other preventative measures.
Ultrasound repellers
This humane technology uses sound waves to send pigeons flying away to find a new perch. There are different types on the market, but the most popular are ones set to timers and others that work when they detect birds in the vicinity. Use these with decoys and reflective surfaces to stop pigeons in their tracks.
Fire gel
Despite the name sounding somewhat dangerous, this preventative approach is actually completely safe. This gel catches the light in such a way that it appears to birds as fire, making them steer clear. They tend to come in pots, perfect for placing around your balcony in direct sunlight. Fire gel is non-flammable.
Bird repellent gel
This gel can be piped onto surfaces both vertical and horizontal and has a sticky texture that birds hate. Balcony owners say it works for the most part, but it does mean your balcony is subject to sticky residue. Always read the information on the label of these products to ensure they can go on metal surfaces if your glass balcony railing is metal.
Home remedies
If you don’t want to spend on deterrents, there are a few you might already have at home. It’s said that pigeons don’t particularly like the smell of apple vinegar, chilli pepper flakes, or peppermint. Get creative with how to fill your balcony with these scents, or grab yourself some peppermint essential oil and pop it in a dish. The downside to this solution is that you’ll need to constantly reapply your methods, maybe even daily, to have any effect.
Methyl Anthranilate (MA)
This chemical may sound intimidating, but it’s more common than you think. Have you ever had a grape-flavoured drink or snack? MA is what makes it taste like grapes, and birds absolutely hate it.
You can buy this chemical in bottles to spritz across your balcony, and it’s safe for humans, animals and even the majority of plants. It is often used in gardens to stop rabbits and deer from grazing on flowers, so it’s perfect for your balcony. As with any chemical product, always read the label before using.
Bird spikes and netting
Probably the most successful deterrents around, but unfortunately, the most unaesthetic. Netting strung between your balcony railing and the roof above it, if you’re in an apartment, will stop any bird from getting in. It will also mean you have a net separating you from your view, which most people want to avoid. We know that balconies are made for enjoyment, and a net takes away from the effect.
Bird spikes also tend to work well, but they look ugly and aren’t as humane as other solutions. Birds can get hurt on spikes, and they’re very difficult to clean. What’s more, pigeons often find a way to nestle within the spikes anyway; they’re very resilient birds, after all.
Enjoy your balcony
However you choose to deter pigeons from getting cosy on your glass balcony, we hope you find success. Projecting and Juliet balconies are made to be enjoyed, so don’t let any pesky birds from letting you make the most of your space.
Do you have an old, outdated balcony covered in pigeon guano that could do with an upgrade? Custom-designed with glass cut to size and expertly installed by our glaziers, our beautiful balconies will give you a space to relax that you can be proud of. Just give us a call on 01603 431409 or use our simple online form.