Outdoor Animal Control - Bird control

What's the best way to keep pigeons from hanging out in the open eves, leaving their waste everywhere. There was a BB rifle left in the house when I moved in, so I know what the former owner did - but I'm not as good a shot and would rather not kill them if possible.

look up a product called roost no more. i hear it works. also try posting on dirtdoctor.com for organic type products. howard garrett is a little hard core organic, but he has some pretty good ideas sometimes.

Exclusion is the most effective method of pigeon control. Use bird netting or mesh to deter pigeons from roosting in eaves and other areas. On flat surfaces, commercial products that make it uncomfortable for their feet are reported to be effective. There are also granules which produces an odor that makes it unpleasant for the birds to hang around. Use of phony predators, audio, chemical, and/or tactile repellents, etc., are reported to be generally not effective.

Examine areas around the home and take appropriate measures:

Store edible garbage in covered containers. Spray, prune, or eliminate fruit, berry, or seed bearing plants such as Olive, Sumac, and Mulberry trees, pyracantha bushes, etc., to prevent them from producing food for the birds. Avoid feeding the birds because feeders will attract pigeons, too.

A trusty 12gauge works nicely.
Just a little messy, and noisey.

In rural areas, shooting is often an effective method of eliminating pigeons. Because most cities have ordinances against discharging firearms within the city limits and within residential areas, this method is not recommended. Roost elimination, trapping, chemical controls, and elimination of food sources are recommended.