MOST people think pigeons are totally harmless, and while they are to humans, the same can’t be said for your garden.
Not only do they leave droppings everywhere they go, they can also ruin your plants by trying to eat them.
As soon as you spot pigeons trying to take over the garden you should deal with it.
They can soon become too comfortable – digging up soil in search of food, which can quickly destroy a garden.
Fortunately, a gardening expert has shared five simple hacks to keep them at bay.
Emma O’Neill, the head gardener at Organic Gardens has shared there are many effective but cruelty-free methods to keep pigeons away.
Pea sticks are generally used to help prop up larger plants and trees as they grow, their green colour means that as the plant grows they become invisible and blend in.
But the garden pro reveals they’re also a great to keep pigeons away from your favourite plants.
She said: “I make pea sticks from off-cuts from our shrubs and trees on site – but you can use anything that will create a barrier. I like to weave ours together, so it looks as busy as possible.”
This will stop birds from being able to land or get near your plants.
The gardening expert revealed that anything that can make noise in the wind can be an easy solution to keep pigeons out.
Pigeons will stay away from gardens if there are objects that create unexpected noise or suddenly move as they will believe it is a potential threat.
Emma said: “A traditional scarecrow, ribbons, foil and wind chimes can deter birds. But remember these are indiscriminate and will affect all birds not just the ones you’re trying to discourage.”
Most of us have old CD and DVDs lying around despite having no way to watch them – but they can still come in handy.
Hanging them up in your garden can be a simple way to deflect pigeons as when they hit the sun and flash it can scare them off.
Emma reveals that putting plants close together can also make pigeons stay away.
Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Emma said: “Planting.
“Densely packing plants together, such as growing flowers in between your vegetables, for example, can put pigeons off as they prefer to land on bare ground.”
As Pigeons are clever and can return if they realise these deterrents aren’t dangerous you can always rely on a last resort, feeding them.
Instead of them eating your plants, you can instead put a bird feeder in the garden for an easy source of food.
Bird baths are also a great way to attract pigeons if you put out whole grains, leaving your plants in tact.
