Pigeons will stay away from your garden if you use 1 item they find 'offensive'

can be a real bother if they've taken up residence in your or balcony, causing damage to and leaving unsightly droppings on . However, before turning to harsh chemicals or deterrents, there's an unexpectedly effective solution that's non-toxic, unobtrusive, and highly disliked by pigeons - optical gel. This ingenious bird deterrent operates on multiple sensory levels to keep pigeons and other problem birds at bay. Unlike spikes or netting, which can be challenging to install and visually obtrusive, Optical Gel comes in small, pre-filled dishes that are quick to position and barely noticeable.

According to OVO Control, this makes it the perfect choice for gardens, balconies, ledges, , and other outdoor areas where you want to deter birds without changing the appearance of your space. The gel ingeniously targets pigeons using a combination of sight, smell, and touch, emitting ultraviolet (UV) light that birds can see but humans cannot.

To a pigeon, this UV glow appears as fire, naturally triggering a strong avoidance response. As a result, the birds perceive the area as dangerous and tend to avoid it.

Optical gel, a product that emits a scent repugnant to birds but pleasant to humans, is an effective deterrent against pigeons. The gel contains citronella and peppermint oil, which are offensive to birds.

If a stubborn pigeon lands on the gel, they'll find it sticky and uncomfortable, discouraging them from returning.

Incorporating certain plants into your garden can also serve as a natural bird repellent. Bird Control experts at Hawkeye suggest that planting peppermint, marigold, and lavender can not only add a splash of colour to your garden but also create an inhospitable environment for pigeons.

Pigeons have a keen sense of smell, making scents one of the most effective deterrents. The strong aromas emitted by these plants are generally disliked by birds, deterring them from settling in the area.

While birds may find these scents unpleasant, humans often utilise the calming properties of lavender and peppermint in aromatherapy, according to the Mirror.

Marigolds are frequently used by gardeners to ward off insects from edible plants, but they also deter various bird species from invading landscapes.

Marigold flowers might just be the secret to keeping pigeons at bay, as these birds, which normally favour the cabbage family, are known to steer clear of marigolds, according to advice from the Martha Stewart website. To ensure pigeons don't become regular visitors, maintaining cleanliness in the environment is crucial, experts say.

"Regularly cleaning up food waste and removing pigeon droppings can significantly reduce the chances of pigeons returning," they recommend.