Kwik Trip Waging War On Pigeons With New Tech

A few years ago, I was filling up at the gas pump at my local Kwik Trip when I heard terrible screaming. It was like a shrieking animal. It took me a while, but I realized it was an electronic device outside the Kwik Trip pointed towards the gas pumps.

The audio devices use the sounds of predatory birds and animals that prey on pigeons. It's used to scare off pigeons. What did they do?

Related: What's That Green Box For At Kwik Trips?

The problem with pigeons is that they cause extensive damage. Their droppings are corrosive and can damage the paint, roofing material, and clog gutters and drain pipes. With 898 Kwik Trip locations (and counting), the costly repairs are apparently a big enough problem that the company is trying alternative methods to deter birds.

Get our free mobile app

I was at the Kwik Trip on Hammond Avenue in North End Superior, Wisconsin, when I noticed these pyramid things spinning around on top of the gas pumps. It's two golf ball-sized disco balls spinning on top of a pyramid.

I caught the reflective light in the corner of my eye, and was initially puzzled when I saw this strange thing. Have you seen these? I did some research online and found some similar products for pigeon control.

Pigeons can be stubborn. They'll often adapt to fake decoys, like owls or hawks. Noise deterrents tend to only work for so long. Maybe this adaptive technology will spook them away. I will say I didn't notice any pigeons.