Last Updated: May 2016
Birds are opportunistic animals just like raccoons, squirrels, skunks and other wildlife who seek out their three primary needs – food, shelter and heat. The same needs as humans! This is often the reason you will find wildlife in your home, as you have met these needs and are seen as a resource. Birds being opportunistic will find a gap in your roof and enter your attic where it is also nice and quiet for them to nest. Even though birds are a nice sight, they can be a nuisance when they are nesting in your home or on your property. Not only do they create a lot of noise and leave a mess with their nesting materials, feathers and droppings but their droppings pose health risks and building nests in vents is a fire hazard!
The health risks of having birds on your property are due to the spores and germs in the feces which are released into the air. Inhaling these spores can lead to lung conditions or even meningitis.
Birds build their nests in vents, blocking them. Each year they continue to bring more material into the vent which increases the fire hazard risk. Damage to air conditioning equipment, industrial machines, insulation, roofs, fascia and soffits, and structural issues are often observed as a result of pest-birds, birds in vents in turn requiring bird control or bird removal. Getting the birds out and cleaning the droppings and removing hazard risks is essential. However as birds are a creature of habit, often returning to the same area over and over again, not only do you need bird removal Toronto you need to wildlife proof these areas too.
Before touching the birds or the nest you need to check the law. In Ontario most birds, including their nests and eggs are protected under law – The Migratory Bird Treaty. But depending on the type of bird, different rules apply. You may need approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources before removing a nest or eggs.
There are three birds indigenous to North America that are considered nuisance pests and are not protected under law. They are the Sparrow, Starling and Pigeon. For other bird species you can check the Ministry’s website for more information.
Bird Removal Toronto / Bird Prevention
The most common practice for bird removal Toronto in the wildlife control field is to use deterrents. The most commonly used and effective solutions are deterrents like bird spikes, netting, scare devices shock tracts and trapping. The most common tactic used is bird spikes.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are installed upon flat services where the birds nest like ledges and signs. Spikes are the most common used as they are durable and effective. The spikes don’t hurt the bird but make it impossible for them to land. Even though they may be an eye sore they are better than unsightly and unsanitary bird feces. Bird spikes are attached using a very strong adhesive so they are durable. Each spike strip can range from 3 inches to 7 inches depending on the area to be covered.
Bird Netting
Bird netting is used to exclude birds from much larger areas such as balconies or parking garages. Bird netting is extremely durable and can be expected to last many years. A stainless steel cable is attached around the perimeter of the area to be excluded and the net is attached using small steel rings. It is a permanent solution providing excellent control.
Shock Track
Shock track is a discreet bird deterrent system that has the advantage of deterring all species of birds. It employs an intermittent electric pulse which while unpleasant, does not injure birds in any way. The track is less than an inch in height so it is excellent in areas where aesthetics are important.
Trapping
There is an option to trap the animal and release them elsewhere, however birds are great navigators and can return. Using the one way door is our standard preferred method as trapping and removing is not a permanent solution. Trapping is used usually on larger buildings. One way doors are our preferred method rather than trapping and relocating. One way doors are specially designed doors which allow the animal to exit the property and not reenter.
To bird proof your home, the birds are first removed, the area is cleaned to remove all feces and then either the spikes, shock tracks or netting are attached.
Birds are a creature of habit, often returning to the same area again and again, not only do you remove the birds you need to wildlife proof these areas too
The best solution for your bird problem is a humane, cost effective permanent pest management strategy like any or the above. If you are unsure of the species you have you can call us and we can help you identify the bird. Birds are a nuisance to both businesses and home owners because of their tendency to roost and nest inside buildings. Birds nesting in a stove vent or attic is a significant nuisance and their ability to carry and spread disease is easily equal to that of rats. If you have Starlings, Pigeons or Sparrows, call us for bird removal Toronto on 647-994-9453.
