Cancún hotels use hawks to keep pigeons away
Updated | By The Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp/Udesha Moodley-Judhoo
People living in the city centres will probably agree that even pigeons can be pests.
People often share clever life hacks to keep rodents and pests away from their homes and gardens.
From growing specific plants to using natural ingredients to prepare sprays that keep flies and mosquitoes away, the ideas are endless.
But none of these methods quite match the entertaining approach used in Cancún, Mexico, where hawks are employed to scare away pesky pigeons from hotels.
While not everyone may consider pigeons a nuisance, especially if you haven't yet encountered their mess, those living in city centres are often the ones most familiar with the problem.
READ MORE: Plants that help keep flies and mosquitoes away
In Cancún, Mexico, hotels use trained hawks to keep the pigeons at bay.
According to an Instagram post, "Pigeons can be a nuisance, leaving droppings on balconies, pool areas, and outdoor dining spaces. Instead of using nets or other deterrents, hotels hire falconers to fly hawks around the premises. The presence of a predator naturally scares the pigeons, encouraging them to stay away without harming them."
Pigeons can cause a range of issues for properties. Their acidic droppings can damage surfaces, clog gutters, and even cause roof damage.
The accumulation of their droppings can lead to structural concerns, while health risks arise from exposure.
And, let's be honest, it’s never a great experience visiting a hotel covered in pigeon droppings.
READ MORE: Mzansi up in arms over chained dog being threatened by snake
Check out this video courtesy of Instagram that shows how this falconer gets rid of the pigeons around the pool area of a hotel in Cancún.
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Image courtesy of iStock
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