Birds, though often nice animals, can be amongst the worst of nuisance pests, especially for commercial property owners.

Birds often choose to roost on signs or rafters of commercial buildings. This might not be so bad, except for the fact that they cause mess and health risks with their nesting material, and droppings.

Pigeon droppings in particular can really accumulate, and are not only unsightly, but a health risk to your employees or customers.

Pigeons are captured using standard pigeon traps. The nesting material can clog vents and drain pipes, and cause potential fire hazards. These "flying rats" or "gutter birds" can carry or transmit: pigeon ornithosis, encephalitis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, pseudo-tuberculosis, and salmonella food poisoning.

Pigeon parasites include a number of bugs, fleas, ticks and mites.

Wondering how to get rid of birds? There is no magic spray or device that you can use to make them go away. Some people try to sell fake plastic owls or plastic hawks to get rid of pigeons, but that doesn't work. They also try to sell ultrasonic sound emitters. These devices are worthless at eliminating birds. Some old wives' tales recommend the use of mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags to make them leave, but these techniques invariably fail.

The usual to take care of your problem is with trapping and removal of the animals or proofing, consisting of spikes or netting. In some instances shooting the pigeons may be the only solution.