Pigeons are often attracted to areas that offer easy access to food and shelter, which partly explains why they want to target your garden.
While the occasional cooing of a dove can add a touch of charm to a garden, its presence can quickly become a nuisance.
Large groups of pigeons can cause a mess in driveways and around cars, and make a lot of noise when they take flight (and fight).
For gardeners, pigeon damage can be particularly frustrating, as these birds are capable of stripping gardens of young plants and fruit.
Luckily, pest control expert Zack DeAngelis of Pest Pointers has shared a natural solution to keep pigeons at bay: garlic.
While the occasional cooing of a dove can add a touch of charm to a garden, its presence can quickly become a nuisance (stock image)
According to DeAngelis, pigeons despise the smell and taste of garlic, making it an effective deterrent.
Talking with The expressThe expert said: “Because garlic has such a strong aroma and taste, birds find it unbearable and stay away from it.”
For those looking to protect their outdoor space, planting garlic bulbs in areas frequented by pigeons (such as around trees or near flowers they tend to target) can help keep the birds at bay.
DeAngelis added: ‘They will keep them away from those plants and out of their space altogether.’
Garlic isn’t the only root vegetable that can help deter pigeons from your garden.
Onion plants, known for their pungent odor, are also very effective at keeping pigeons away.
DeAngelis suggests incorporating onions into gardens to protect crops and add a useful food source.
He said: ‘If you have a garden or vegetables that birds are constantly eating, adding onion plants to your outdoor space will not only provide a great food source, but it will also keep pigeons far, far away.
For gardeners, damage caused by pigeons can be particularly frustrating, as these birds are capable of stripping gardens of young plants and fruit (stock image)
Pigeons dislike the smell and taste of garlic and onions, making them effective deterrents in gardens (stock image)
Besides garlic and onion, citronella is another plant that pigeons are said to dislike.
With its fresh, lemony scent, citronella can mask other odors that might attract pigeons, providing another layer of protection for gardens.
In the meantime, experts have shared their tips with homeowners on how to bolster their defenses against spiders, especially with the arachnids’ mating season on the horizon.
Pest expert John Stewart, a member of the Pelsis UK technical team, has offered his timely advice on how to keep the eight-legged invaders at bay.
According to Stewart, there’s one common mistake many of us are guilty of that could unintentionally make homes more attractive to spiders: excessive lighting inside and outside the property.