Pigeons on Campus? How to Keep School Grounds Safe, Clean, and Bird-Free This Fall

As schools prepare to welcome students back, facility teams are focused on deep cleaning, safety checks, and last-minute repairs. But one issue often overlooked until it’s too late? Birds,

A pigeon perched on a campus railing

especially pigeons, setting up camp on your campus.

From rooftops and gym rafters to lunch areas and signs, pigeons are known to take advantage of quiet campuses in the summer. By the time students return, these birds have already left their mark, sometimes literally.

Here’s why pigeon problems spike this time of year and what your school can do about it.

Why Are Pigeons More Active on School Grounds in Late Summer?

Pigeons are highly adaptive and thrive in environments with shelter, food access, and little disruption, making school campuses an ideal summer home. Here’s why activity picks up now:

• Summer silence: With fewer people around, birds find more opportunities to roost undisturbed.

• Open dumpsters and food remnants: Summer programs, athletic camps, or cafeteria clean-outs leave behind plenty of food sources.

• Ideal nesting spots: Overhangs, HVAC units, and roof corners offer dry, protected areas perfect for nesting.

By August, the pigeon population has grown, and so has the mess.

The Risks of Letting Pigeon Problems Go Unchecked

Pigeon activity isn’t just an eyesore; it can create serious health, safety, and liability risks on school campuses:

• Health hazards: Droppings carry bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can pose health threats to students and staff.

• Slip-and-fall risk: Accumulated droppings on walkways or entryways become dangerous during wet weather.

• Structural damage: Pigeon waste is acidic and can corrode building materials, signage, HVAC systems, and rooftop infrastructure.

• Fire hazards: Nesting materials often clog vents and electrical areas, increasing fire risk.

• Reputation and compliance: Schools are held to high cleanliness and safety standards. Bird problems can jeopardize inspection results and public trust.

Where to Look For Pigeon Hotspots on Campus

Before students return, inspect these areas for signs of bird activity:

• Rooftops and roof-mounted equipment (especially HVAC)

• Covered walkways and entry overhangs

• Stadium seating, press boxes, and gym rafters

• Signage and clock towers

• Dumpsters and food court areas

• Solar panels and adjacent fencing

If you’re seeing droppings, nesting materials, or birds circling regularly, don’t ignore it.

How to Protect School Facilities from Pigeons This Fall

Addressing the issue before students return is the best way to avoid problems during the busy school year. Here’s what a proactive bird control plan can include:

1. Site Assessment

Have a professional bird control provider assess your campus for nesting, roosting, and feeding sites. Each campus is unique, and solutions should be customized accordingly.

2. Physical Deterrents

• Bird netting: Ideal for sealing off gym rafters, loading docks, and roof infrastructure.

• Spikes and wire: Prevent pigeons from perching on signs, ledges, and overhangs.

• Shock track: Offers a low-profile way to deter birds from habitual landing zones.

3. Clean-up and Sanitation

Removing droppings and nesting debris is essential before installing deterrents. Professional sanitation also reduces the scent trails that attract birds back to the same site.

4. Ongoing Monitoring

Birds are intelligent and persistent. Regular inspections ensure your solutions remain effective throughout the year.

Don’t Let Birds Disrupt Your School Year

A pigeon problem might not be top of mind during back-to-school prep, but it should be. Ignoring it now can lead to costly cleanup, health complaints, and facility repairs just as the academic year ramps up.

Want peace of mind this fall? Schedule your site assessment today and keep your school clean, compliant, and bird-free - before the first bell rings.

📞 Call AviAway at 844-247-3373

📩 Or visit aviaway.com to get started.