Pigeon Control News & Blog

We often get questions about the active ingredient in OvoControl, nicarbazin.

Although the chemical has a long history, its use as a contraceptive for pest birds is relatively new. Originally developed by Merck in 1955, nicarbazin has been used as an FDA registered anticoccidial for chickens for more than 60 years.

Texas Parks and Wildlife has reported paramyxovirus, specifically Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1, or PPMV-1 in Eurasian collared doves near El Paso, TX.

Birth control designed for avian species is the more humane alternative to killing pest birds such as pigeons. Yet, what about other species? It turns out that this approach may also pose fewer risks for the overall ecological system, too.

There is a lot of debate about pigeons. Are they good? Are they bad? Ancient societies revered the “rock dove”, a cousin to the modern-day pigeon, as holy. They are pretty, especially in the sunlight. They have been raised through the last two centuries for meat, communications and even for religious/sacrificial purposes.

Pigeons may be appreciated by a lot of birdwatchers but for the vast majority, they are nothing but a nuisance. They are even often called “sky rodents” because they’re just a hassle to have around.

Feral pigeon populations can cause a variety of problems. With their rapid breeding habits, even a small flock of 100 pigeons can do quite a bit of damage to a commercial property. That relatively small population can leave behind over two tons of fecal matter annually.

For hundreds of years, pigeons have been adored....at least by some people. From the messenger in fairy tails to the iconic Sesame Street pigeons Bert and Ernie we were so fond of. Before television they represented a valuable source of food and still are in rural parts of Alaska and around the world. But as the saying goes, "first world problems".

Cases of food borne illnesses have increased by 114% over a 4-year period between 2013 and today. The information comes from a study released, just this month, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that a bacteria called Campylobacter has continued to be the #1 cause of food borne illness.

Based on a growing drumbeat of interest from pigeon impacted facilities, Innolytics, the makers of Ovocontrol have received a registration for OvoControl in Canada. Applicators in Canada are now able to order and use the contraceptive for pigeons, casually known as, "birth control for birds".  

If it is, it’s a good bet pigeons are the culprit. In many places around the world, feral pigeons are considered pests. This is why commercial property owners are hard-pressed to find a solution to their pigeon problem.