Discover the simple kitchen remedy that keeps pigeons off your balcony

Pigeons are the bane of many people, especially those living in apartment blocks. There are plenty of ways to deter them, some more effective than others. I rely on a trick I spotted from my grandma: a pot and a common kitchen product can come to the rescue.

Pigeons can be quite a nuisance with their dirty railings and window sills, the sound of cooing, and eventually nesting, which can drive many to utter frustration. Unfortunately, once a nest is made with eggs in it, it's too late to react - by law, the nest cannot be destroyed. It's better to prevent such situations and take care beforehand, before the problem arises.

If pigeons have taken a liking to your balcony, it's time to take matters into your own hands. I’m not suggesting drastic methods, but natural ways to deter them. Birds do not like strong smells such as naphthalene. Soak it in felt pads and attach them to your balcony railings. However, be aware that naphthalene is harmful to health. But, there's another remedy that can help you with the pigeon problem.

I remember as a child my grandma would place bowls of vinegar on the balcony to get rid of pesky pigeons. This simple home remedy proved to be extremely effective. Pigeons have a very sensitive sense of smell, and the sharp scent of vinegar is unbearable to them. They avoid places where they can smell it, thus protecting themselves from potential danger.

Mixing vinegar with chili peppers and pepper enhances its deterring effect. The pungent aromas of these spices make the scent even more intense and long-lasting, effectively keeping pigeons at bay.

Pigeons are intelligent and quickly realize that stationary decoys pose no real threat to them, hence setting up a fake crow is not very useful. It's worth trying the vinegar trick - it may save you a lot of stress. Remember to regularly refresh the contents of the bowl or pot and top up the liquid so the scent doesn't evaporate.