By Bird Proofing Townsville · 2026-10-16
Pigeons are creatures of habit
Feral pigeons tend to return to places where they've roosted or nested before. A sheltered spot with easy access, like the gap under a solar array, is exactly what they look for.
Cleaning up doesn't remove the reason they came
Removing nesting material and droppings deals with the mess, but the sheltered cavity is still there and still open. From the bird's point of view, nothing has changed.
Signs they're back
- Cooing or scratching on the roof early in the morning
- Fresh droppings on the roof edge, driveway or outdoor areas
- Twigs and feathers back in the gutters
- Birds landing on the roof and disappearing under the panels
What makes a roof attractive in the first place
- Shelter: a dry, shaded cavity out of the wind and rain, which is exactly what the gap under a solar array provides
- Height and safety: roofs are out of reach of cats and other predators
- Food and water nearby: spilled seed, pet food, bins and outdoor dining areas all help
- Existing nesting: once one pair has nested somewhere, the spot tends to stay in use
You can't change the shelter a solar array creates, but you can make it inaccessible. Reducing easy food around the yard helps too.
Breaking the cycle
The way to stop the return trips is to take away access. A mesh barrier fitted around the whole perimeter of the array closes off the gap. Once any nesting has been assessed and cleared where permitted, the mesh goes on and the birds have to look elsewhere.
Bird and nest management is subject to applicable Queensland wildlife laws. Mesh should never be installed in a way that traps birds underneath.
Read more about pigeons under solar panels, or get a free quote.
Need it sorted? See the service, or get a free quote.