Pigeons are often called the “rats of the sky,” and while these birds may seem harmless at first glance, their presence in urban environments comes with significant costs. They can be annoying, messy, and sneaky, as mentioned in the 2021 article published by CBS News about the ‘Twin Cities’ Pigeon Problem ‘Growing in Exponential Numbers.’ In this article, it was reported that Pigeons in the area are multiplying rapidly in the Twin Cities.
As described, the Twin Cities have skyline views and are highly urbanized. Keith Markun of Beast Wildlife Solutions, a bird and bat specialist from South Minneapolis, said this has been a growing problem in the area, but St. Paul experiences a worst-case scenario.
Now that 2024 has passed, Abra Kadabra enters 2025 with actionable solutions for problems like mitigating Pigeon Populations, especially for businesses in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metropolitan area.
In cities like Saint Paul, the pigeon population creates potential financial damages from several factors, such as health, structural damage, and environmental problems. These situations affect both businesses and residents in many ways. This guide explores the costs associated with pigeons in Saint Paul, ranging from property damage to cleanup efforts, public health risks, and the St. Paul economy.
The Pigeon Problem in Urban Areas
Pigeons are most commonly seen in urban areas because they are biologically designed to thrive in the urban setting. Metropolitan areas provide food, water, and nesting sites, which in combination, allow the pigeon population to live comfortably. The combination of biological instinct, availability of resources, and lack of predators make these areas prime locations for pigeon nesting.
Saint Paul, with its historic architecture, public spaces, and urban infrastructure, is a perfect habitat for pigeons. However, their growing population is far from benign. Their droppings, nests, and roosting on buildings create significant challenges that are expensive to manage.
Property Damage
One of the most visible costs of the pigeon population is the damage they cause to property. Pigeon droppings are acidic, which can corrode building materials such as concrete, metal, and stone over time. Saint Paul’s historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the State Capitol, require regular maintenance to prevent degradation from pigeon-related damage.
In addition to physical deterioration, pigeons on rooftops and ledges often cause repairs to gutters, HVAC systems, and other structural components. The cumulative costs of these repairs can reach tens of thousands of dollars annually for individual property owners and millions for the city.
Cleanup Costs
Another significant expense is cleaning up pigeon droppings. Public spaces like parks, sidewalks, and transit stations require constant cleaning to maintain hygiene and aesthetic appeal. For instance, Mears Park and Rice Park, popular gathering spots in downtown Saint Paul, require frequent maintenance to remove pigeon waste from benches, walkways, and statues.
The city allocates significant resources to cleaning efforts, including labor, equipment, and specialized cleaning products. Businesses and homeowners also bear the financial burden of hiring professional cleaning services to address pigeon-related issues. Estimates suggest that the combined cleanup costs for public and private entities in Saint Paul may exceed $1 million annually.
Public Health Risks
Pigeons are not just a nuisance; they also pose serious public health risks. Their droppings can harbor pathogens that cause diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These illnesses can affect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
In addition to direct health risks, pigeon infestations attract other pests, such as mites, ticks, and fleas, spreading disease further. Addressing these health concerns often requires additional pest control measures, public awareness campaigns, and healthcare expenses.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Pigeons can negatively impact local businesses. Unsightly droppings on storefronts, outdoor dining areas, and signage can deter customers and create a poor impression. Restaurants with outdoor seating areas are particularly vulnerable, as customers may avoid establishments plagued by pigeon activity.
Businesses often invest in preventive measures, such as installing bird spikes, netting, or other deterrents, to mitigate the impact of pigeons. While these solutions can be effective, they come with upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
Environmental Costs
Managing the pigeon population also has environmental implications. Non-lethal control measures like trapping and relocation require resources and coordination. However, these efforts are often only temporarily effective, as pigeons tend to return to familiar locations.
Chemical repellents and other deterrents can harm non-target species and the broader ecosystem. Striking a balance between effective pigeon management and environmental responsibility remains challenging for Saint Paul’s municipal authorities.
Solutions and Prevention Strategies
Saint Paul has implemented various control measures to address the financial and environmental toll of the pigeon population. These include:
- Education and Awareness: Encouraging residents and businesses to avoid feeding pigeons helps reduce their food supply, a critical factor in population control.
- Physical Deterrents: Installing bird spikes, netting, and other barriers on buildings and public structures can prevent pigeons from roosting and nesting.
- Habitat Modification: To limit the proliferation of pigeons, access to nesting sites can be reduced by sealing gaps, cracks, and other entry points in buildings.
- Humane Trapping and Relocation: While controversial, some programs involve capturing pigeons and relocating them to rural areas. However, this approach often requires ongoing effort and resources.
- Pigeon Birth Control: Innovative solutions, such as using contraceptive-laced feed, have shown promise in controlling pigeon populations without harming the birds.
The Role of Residents and Businesses
Community involvement is crucial in managing the pigeon problem. Residents can contribute by:
- Keeping outdoor areas clean and free of food waste.
- Reporting pigeon infestations to local authorities.
- Supporting local businesses that invest in pigeon deterrent measures.
Businesses can also play a role by investing in preventive measures and educating their staff on best practices for maintaining pigeon-free environments.
How Abra Kadabra Can Help
Abra Kadabra has certified bird and zoonotic disease specialists who can assist your home or company in developing a comprehensive bird management program designed to address your particular concerns and limitations. We are a second-generation family-owned company with 20 years of experience. We are here to help and provide a warranty you can trust.
When your home is experiencing a wildlife problem, it is important to have the animals removed and the entry points sealed up (to prevent re-entry) before doing a thorough waste cleanup. At Abra Kadabra, we follow the National Wildlife Control Operator’s Association’s (NWCOA) 4-step inspecting, removing, monitoring, and repairing process. We always confirm the target species and identify the areas of activity and entry points, trap out the animals, and then exclude (wildlife-proof) the structure.
Once completed, we can remove, disinfect, or encapsulate contaminated materials to eliminate dangerous waste products and any pheromones near entry points. Note that disinfectant can be used at the first appointment when the waste is in a high-danger area, such as a kitchen or child’s room.
In Conclusion
While exact figures are difficult to pinpoint, the cost of managing the pigeon population in Saint Paul likely exceeds millions of dollars annually, considering property damage, cleanup efforts, public health impacts, and economic losses. These expenses highlight the importance of proactive and coordinated strategies to mitigate the damage caused by pigeons in the City of Saint Paul and the surrounding areas.
By investing in sustainable and humane solutions, Saint Paul can reduce its pigeon population’s financial and environmental burden while improving the quality of life of its residents and visitors. Collaboration between the city, businesses, and residents is essential to ensuring a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
