Educational Articles   Our Problems, Your Concerns : Pigeons: What You Ought To Know... When You Use The Lift Pigeons: What You Ought To Know... Did you know? Pigeons are able to breed from the age of 6 months. One female lays 2 eggs at a time, and can lay up to 8 times a year if well fed. Very soon, this is what you get... 6 months 14 pigeons 12 months 52 pigeons 18 months 190 pigeons 24 months 690 pigeons Health Risks Cryptococcosis Transmitted through pigeon droppings, this disease is an infection of the lungs and brain. About 10 cases are reported each year and the mortality rate is 40%. Psittacosis Transmitted through infected pigeons or their droppings. This disease is an infection of the lungs. Gastroenteritis Transmitted through food and water contaminated with pigeon droppings which carry food poisoning bacteria. This disease is an infection of the stomach and intestines and is commonly known as food poisoning. Nuisance Soiled laundry Dirty walls & floor Dirty cars Damaged roof tiles What can you do about it? Do not feed pigeons Prevent roosting of pigeons Pigeons have a good appetite and can eat anything. They can survive just by drinking water for 2-3 days without any problem. They can fly many kilometres to find food. Feeding pigeons is the root of the problem. When they are well fed, they grow faster and produce more offspring. This population explosion will lead to the problems of disease hazards to human beings. Pigeons like to live in buildings, beneath flyovers, bridges and any easily accessible sheltered place in built up areas. They cause damage to ceilings of houses and soil walls and floors. You can prevent pigeons from roosting in your house by covering the entry passages at the eaves with netting. You can contact your building contractor or pest control company to lay the netting for you.