Pigeons are commonly attracted to areas that offer easy access to food and shelter, which explains why they may frequently appear in your garden.
While the occasional cooing of a pigeon might add a quaint touch to your outdoor space, their presence can quickly become problematic. Large flocks can cause messy driveways and cars, and the noise from their frequent flights and squabbles can be quite disruptive. For gardeners, pigeons pose a particular challenge as they can cause significant damage by stripping gardens of young plants and fruit.
Thankfully, Zack DeAngelis, a pest control expert from Pest Pointers, has shared a natural solution to keep pigeons at bay: garlic. DeAngelis explains that pigeons strongly dislike the smell and taste of garlic, making it an effective deterrent. Speaking to The Express, he noted, “Since garlic has such a strong aroma and taste, it is deemed unbearable by a bird, and they will stay far away from it.”
To protect your garden, DeAngelis suggests planting garlic bulbs in areas where pigeons are commonly seen, such as around trees or near flowers that they tend to target. This simple method can help keep the birds at a distance.
In addition to garlic, onions can also serve as a natural pigeon repellent. Known for their strong odor, onion plants are effective in keeping pigeons away. DeAngelis recommends incorporating onions into vegetable gardens to protect crops while also providing a useful food source. He said, “If you have a vegetable garden or vegetables that keep getting eaten by the birds, adding onion plants into your outdoor space will not only give you a great food source but will keep pigeons far, far away.”
Citronella is another plant that pigeons reportedly dislike. With its fresh, lemony scent, citronella can help mask other odors that might attract pigeons, offering another layer of protection for your garden.
In related advice, experts have also shared tips on how to strengthen spider defenses in homes, especially with the arachnid mating season approaching. Pest expert John Stewart, a member of the technical team at Pelsis UK, has highlighted a common mistake that many homeowners make—using excessive lighting inside and outside the property—which can unintentionally make homes more attractive to spiders.