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Pigeons near your home: causes, solutions and agreements
Pigeon droppings on a balcony, noise by the bedroom or repeated nesting attempts can affect your use of home. What attracts the birds, and how can neighbours agree a humane response?
Start with the affected area and likely attractants. Do not remove an active nest or close access while birds or young are inside. Seek appropriate advice before control work.
This guide applies to England.
Where do pigeons land or shelter?
Check where the pigeons land, feed and shelter. Look for nests from a safe place and avoid disturbing them.
Why do pigeons come back and what do you notice?
Food scraps, shelter and ledges can attract repeated visits. Keep food and rubbish covered and note whether other parts of the building are affected.
What can you do first yourself and together?
Ask neighbours or the managing agent for one coordinated plan covering food, cleaning and any necessary proofing. Treat different parts of the building together where needed.
What tools and measures can help?
Avoid direct contact with droppings. For heavy contamination or work at height, use a professional. Have any netting installed and inspected so birds cannot become trapped.
Remove what attracts pigeons
Secure rubbish and clear spilled seed or food. Ask the managing agent to inspect accessible ledges or damaged barriers. A professional can advise on exclusion measures that leave ventilation and escape routes clear.
Deal with droppings safely
Keep children and pets away from heavy deposits. Avoid dry sweeping or blowing dust into the air. Ask the building manager or a specialist to handle extensive deposits or contamination in a hard-to-reach area.
Which rules apply in England?
Check Natural England’s guidance before disturbing nests or using any control method. The legal position depends on the species and what is proposed.
What if the nuisance keeps coming back?
Ask for a survey before adding deterrents. Any netting or other proofing must be suitable, maintained and unable to trap birds.
Agree who handles the shared space
Send the manager dates and photos taken from your own space. Ask who will arrange cleaning and check access points. If a nest is active or you are unsure, seek specialist advice before moving it or closing access.
Sources and review date
Natural England — Legal measures for managing wild birds
Guide reviewed on 7 November 2026.
A calm opening and a maintenance agreement
“Pigeons are repeatedly landing above our balcony, and droppings are collecting on the seating area. Could we ask the manager to check food sources, cleaning and safe proofing for this part of the building?”
Agree who arranges the inspection, who pays under the relevant management arrangements, and who checks barriers afterwards. Ask for checks after building work or visible damage. Report trapped birds promptly rather than trying to tighten or repair netting around them.
Keep the next step manageable
Use the free incident diary for a few representative observations, any agreement and improvements. If you need outside help, see Who can help. State what happened, what you have tried and what you are asking the recipient to do. You do not have to keep approaching the neighbour if contact feels unsafe.
Would you like to write to your neighbours?
On the situation page you can see the CalmNotes bundle, its contents and the other support options.