Pigeons, also known as rock doves, are very common in Texas.  Once these birds were domesticated and raised for food but have since become feral and are now the most common bird pest.  Pigeons home range is normally about a mile but they will travel up to 10 miles to find food and travel about 15 - 35 mph.

Pigeon nests are most commonly found in high protected areas such as soffits, ledges, attics, vents, any high nook and cranny area will make then happy. 

While Pigeons seem to be lovely birds and many enjoy feeding them and watching them fly they leave behind fecal matter that deteriorate some forms of metal and concrete/masonry.  Their droppings can make a surface slick and dangerous to walk on as well as being smelly and hazardous to your health.  Even when pigeons are outside of your home or business, droppings, nest paraphernalia and feathers can get sucked into vents and drain pipes and create a fire hazard, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. Gutters can also be blocked, causing water to seep indoors and cause flooding. A blocked chimney can lead to a fire hazard and high levels of carbon monoxide can be forced back into the home or business if a vent is blocked with pigeon nesting material.

Pigeons poop and dead pigeons do carry diseases.  Ornithosis, encephalitis, Newcastle disease, cryptococcosis, hisoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis and salmonella to name a few.  

Cryptococcosis, one of the commonly carried pigeon diseases, infects the lungs of humans.  It is transmitted by inhaling the yeast-like cells of the organism.  Cryptococcosis can also cause acne-like ulcers onthe skin.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease contracted through airborne airborne spores in pigeon droppins.  If pigeons have been on your roof for awhile, these spoors can even infect the soil in your garden.  It's sypmtoms may be anything from a mild influenza to blood abnormalities, fever even death. 

Toxoplasmosis is an infections that invades human tissue and can damage the central nervous system, especially in babies and pregnant women. 

Ornithosis causes fever, chills, fatigue, rash and lung problems such as shortness of breath and a cough.

Bird mites, ticks, fleas and other biting insects will also move into your home or building when pigeons roost and leave.  It is imperative that after removing the pigeons that a clean up be performed to remove nests and droppings.