Although Joanne is not able to respond to additional questions at this time, your concerns may have already been addressed in a previous column. Please check the Ask Joanne! Archive, which contains all the Q&As that have appeared here.

I was wondering if you know of a humane way to evict pigeons off of a balcony. My grandfather is frustrated with these pigeons that are attempting to roost and nest on his balcony and he is getting ready to take a pellet gun to them. What alternatives are there that I might suggest to him?

Shooting a pellet gun at the pigeons is cruel and unnecessary and will only dispense of the birds temporarily -- others will come to take their place. Your grandfather needs to make the balcony an unpleasant space for the pigeons -- then they will not want to return and will seek refuge elsewhere.The horizontal surface and protective confines of the balcony are attractive to the birds. Therefore, a modification to the physical environment will encourage them to go elsewhere. Your grandfather could try attaching large sheets of crumpled silver foil, crumpled brown paper, or a stretched out "Slinky" toy to all the popular areas of the balcony. The uneven surfaces combined with the noise should help to discourage and detract the pigeons. A more visually pleasing alternative would be to place containers filled with flowers or plants on the floor and ledge of the balcony. However, do not put out empty receptacles or the pigeons will consider them enticing nest boxes. Another option is to create a slanted ledge so that the birds will slide off when they try to land. This can be done using a wooden board or aluminum sheeting affixed at a 60 degree or greater angle. Noise is another deflective technique, although neighbors might complain, so this may not be too practical. The Bird Barrier Company specializes in humane bird exclusion devices. For a free catalog, call them at 1-800-503-5444.