South Australian town's pigeon plague costs farmers hundreds a week
Pinnaroo's pigeon population is breeding up to nine times a year, costing local businesses hundreds weekly in machinery cleaning.
Pinnaroo in South Australia has a serious pigeon problem. Local business owner Roydn Bailey spends hundreds of dollars each week cleaning pigeon droppings off his machinery.
Pigeon droppings also block his gutters, causing water damage when it rains heavily. At the local primary school, pigeons have contaminated rainwater tanks.
The education department had to truck in drinking water twice. Adelaide Pigeon Control says feral pigeons breed up to nine times per year.
A small flock can grow into dozens quickly. The Southern Mallee Council has been culling pigeons for 18 months and will keep going.
But culling only works for a short time before pigeons return.
- Hundreds of dollars
- Weekly cost
- Up to nine times per year
- Breeding frequency
- Two occasions
- Water truck visits
- 18 months
- Culling duration
Why it mattersUnchecked pigeon populations damage property, contaminate water supplies, and cost businesses thousands monthly, turning public spaces into health hazards.
AustraliaLocal South Australian communities, schools, and farms face mounting costs and water safety risks from feral pigeon infestations that councils are struggling to control.
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