Pigeons will avoid your garden if you place one thing they hate in it

Pigeons will avoid your garden if you place one thing they hate in it
Pigeons can cause havoc in gardens by eating plants or leaving droppings on patios but there's an easy way to deter them using one simple product
(Image: DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES (Paul Williams) via Getty Images )
Pigeons can be a real bother, particularly when they choose to nest in your garden or balcony, wreaking havoc on your plants and leaving unsightly droppings on your patio. However, before resorting to harsh chemicals or deterrents, there's an unexpectedly effective solution that's non-toxic, unobtrusive, and highly disliked by pigeons.
This solution is optical gel, a deterrent that operates on multiple sensory levels, keeping pigeons and other nuisance birds at bay. Unlike spikes or netting, which can be both challenging to install and visually unappealing, optical gel comes in small, pre-filled dishes that are quick to position and barely noticeable.
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OVO Control suggests that optical gel is the perfect choice for gardens, balconies, fences, and other outdoor areas where you want to deter birds without changing the look of your garden, reports Devon Live.
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The gel cleverly targets pigeons using a combination of sight, smell, and touch, emitting ultraviolet (UV) light that birds can see but humans cannot. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
This UV glow appears as a fire to pigeons, triggering a strong avoidance response as the birds think the area is dangerous.
Citronella and peppermint oil that optical gel contains are offensive to birds.
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The pigeons that are determined to land in your garden, they'll find the gel sticky and uncomfortable, discouraging them from returning.
Adding certain plants to your garden can also serve as a natural bird repellent.
Bird Control experts at Hawkeye suggest that planting peppermint, marigold, and lavender will not only add to the vibrancy of your garden but also create an inhospitable environment for pigeons.
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One of the most effective deterrents is scents as pigeons have a keen sense of smell. The strong aromas emitted by these plants are generally disliked by birds, deterring them from settling in the area.
As well as warding off insects from edible plants, Marigolds also deter various bird species from invading landscapes.
Pigeons are known to steer clear of marigolds, according to advice from the Martha Stewart website.
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To ensure pigeons don't become regular visitors, maintaining cleanliness in the environment is crucial, experts say.
"Regularly cleaning up food waste and removing pigeon droppings can significantly reduce the chances of pigeons returning," they recommend.

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