Mario Bautista
Pigeons are often drawn to areas that provide easy access to food and shelter – which goes some way to explaining why they want to target your garden.
While the occasional cooing of a pigeon might add a touch of charm to a garden, their presence can quickly become a nuisance.
Large groups of pigeons can lead to messy driveways and cars, as well as significant noise when they take flight – and fight.
For gardeners, the damage caused by pigeons can be particularly frustrating, as these birds are capable of stripping gardens of young plants and fruit.
Fortunately, 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 pigeon might add a touch of charm to a garden, their presence can quickly become a nuisance (stock image)
According to DeAngelis, pigeons despise the smell and taste of garlic, making it an effective deterrent.
Speaking to The Express, the expert said: ‘Since garlic has such a strong aroma and taste, it is deemed unbearable by a bird, and they will stay far 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 a distance.
DeAngelis added: ‘They will keep them away from those plants and away from your space altogether.’
Garlic isn’t the only root vegetable that can help deter pigeons from gardens.
Onion plants, known for their pungent smell, are also highly effective in keeping pigeons away.
DeAngelis suggests incorporating onions into vegetable gardens to both protect the crops and add 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.’
For gardeners, the damage caused by pigeons can be particularly frustrating, as these birds are capable of stripping gardens of young plants and fruit (stock image)
Pigeons despise the smell and taste of garlic and onions, making them effective deterrents in gardens (stock image)
In addition to garlic and onions, citronella is another plant that pigeons are reported to dislike.
With its fresh and lemony aroma, citronella can mask other scents that might attract pigeons, providing another layer of protection for gardens.
Meanwhile, experts have shared their advice to homeowners on how to bolster spider defences, especially with the arachnid mating season on the horizon.
Pest expert John Stewart, a member of the technical team at Pelsis UK, has proffered his timely tips on how to keep the eight-legged invaders at bay.
According to Stewart, there’s one common mistake that many of us are guilty of that could unintentionally make homes more attractive to spiders: excessive lighting inside and outside your property.
