As the world evolves with new inventions, there is a change in the flora and fauna too. Birds like crows and sparrows have always been part of our surroundings. In urban areas, the pigeon population is drastically increasing. Pigeons make our windows, balconies, sunshades, and air conditioners their homes.
In recent times, lung infections are common due to pigeon droppings or feed. When dust and pigeon droppings spread in the air, it results in lung infections like Histoplasmosis or Bird Fancier’s Lung (hypersensitivity pneumonitis). The common symptoms are dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure results in lung fibrosis and life-threatening conditions.
It is not possible to completely eliminate pigeons from our environment as they are also part of the ecosystem, but we can try to keep them away from our surroundings.
Possible methods to keep pigeons at bay:
- Pigeon nets on balconies or windows.
- Reflective barriers like CDs, aluminum foil, etc. The bright colors deflect the pigeons.
- Strong liquids like vinegar and garlic are effective in shooing pigeons. The liquids have to be reapplied frequently.
- Bird spikes can be used humanely.
- Hanging small toys like owls or hawks. Pigeons are scared of the decoy toys.
- Bird repellents or gel.
- Cleaning droppings with gloves and a mask.
The idea is not to kill the birds but to drive them away from frequently inhabited areas around the house so that lung complications can be prevented. One incident to bring to the attention of all readers is that a famous South Indian actor named Meena lost her husband to pneumonitis caused by pigeons.
MBH/PS