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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
How Do I Get Rid of Pigeons Under My Solar Panels?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you have noticed pigeons gathering and nesting under the solar panels on your commercial property, there are a few steps you can take to successfully remove the birds and/or prevent further nesting and congregating.
Why Is It a Problem to Have Pigeons Under My Solar Panels?
While it may not seem all that terrible to have pigeons residing under your solar panels, there are several reasons why this can actually become a problem. One of the main concerns is the potential damage that these birds can cause with their nesting habits and droppings.
Birds can cause significant damage and destruction to solar panels simply from perching on the panels, wiring, and brackets. Their talons and beaks can scratch the surface, reducing the longevity of the panels. Pigeons are also known to build their nests with materials that can be harmful to the panels, such as twigs and debris and their droppings can corrode the panels over time, leading to a decrease in efficiency and increased maintenance costs.
How do I prevent Pigeons from nesting under my Solar Panels?
Professional wildlife experts recommend using wire mesh around the solar panels to prevent pigeons from building nests. Ledge Protection Systems such as roof spikes may offer some success as well. Contrary to what you may read on the Internet, fake plastic or stone predators are NOT a viable option for deterring pigeons - they no not work.
Additionally, having your solar panels regularly inspected and maintained can help decrease the likelihood of pigeons roosting or nesting on or near the panels. Maintenance should include keeping the glass and surrounding area clean and free of debris.
How do I remove Pigeons if they have already settled?
Reputable companies will use humane trapping methods to capture the pigeons without harm and remove them from the area. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control deploys proprietary traps - designed by and for us exclusively. Falconry is a bit more difficult (read: costly), but could be useful, if used in combination with other control methods.
Benefits of Preventive Raccoon Control: How Can Hawkeye Help Protect Your Property?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Preventive raccoon control begins with you. Look past the cute little faces and remember that raccoons can bring potential damage and health risks to you and your family. Next time you notice these pests nesting on your property or trying to make their way into your home, contact a reliable raccoon control company in Toronto, such as Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
Benefits of Preventive Raccoon Control
There are many steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your family, as well as protect your property from damage. Consider these preventive measures.
Avoid Damage to Your Property
From drywall to wires, raccoons can claw and chew their way through most materials found in and around the structure. They can remove roofing and vinyl siding to gain access to a building. Once inside, a raccoon will use insulation and fabric materials to build a cozy nest. Yards are also no match for the critters as they will destroy a garden and lawn to obtain food, such as vegetables or insects. By taking preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of having to make costly repairs to your home and garden.
Health and Safety Concerns
Taking raccoon control methods now can protect people from the risk of becoming infected by disease. Aside from receiving a scratch or bite from a rabid raccoon, you are at risk of roundworm, giardiasis, and salmonellosis, among others. As with all wildlife, raccoons are territorial and will attack if they feel threatened. If any pets or humans get too close, they will lash out and become defensive by biting and scratching.
Maintain a Comfortable Living Environment
When raccoons settle into a home, there can be a great deal of noise erupting as they move throughout the attic or destroy the walls. Raccoons will also growl, hiss, and whimper loudly. Due to their wide options of diet, raccoons can cause unpleasant odours in many different ways, including their urine and feces.
Protecting Wildlife and Improving Public Safety: Toronto's New Bylaw to Curb Wildlife Feeding
- Written by: Dan Frankian
A wildlife feeding ban has been introduced by the City of Toronto as of April 1, 2023.
Recently, there have been numerous reports of wildlife coming in close contact with residences and businesses. As a result, city officials are taking steps to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to Toronto. The simple act of feeding ducks, birds, squirrels, and small wildlife might seem harmless, but it encourages dangerous human-to-animal confrontations.
The amendment to the city’s Animal Bylaw under Chapter 349 prohibits feeding wild animals or leaving food out to attract animals on all private and public properties, beginning April 1st. It should be noted that these new rules do not apply to private property owners who feed songbirds as long as the bird feeders are kept above grade, in a sanitary condition, and do not attract other wildlife.
Why Was the New Regulation Introduced?
This new regulation is another step of the wild animal control law to protect both people and animals while providing a safe environment within the city.
With the increase of construction and urban sprawl, more animal habitats are being displaced or destroyed. Essentially the homeless animals must then search for shelter, food, and water near their old habitats, which have now become city dwellings. This has created a series of adverse interactions with wildlife by pets, children, and even adults.
Why Do Pigeons Keep Coming Back to My Property?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Pigeon removal in Mississauga has been a concern for local businesses for many years. As the birds are notorious for their innate homing ability—meaning they will usually always return to their nesting location—most attempts to get rid of the pigeons last a short time.
Property owners and management teams do have a responsibility to their buildings’ occupants and to the public to control the pigeon population. Aside from the mess created, pigeons carry bacterial diseases such as Salmonella and Chlamydophila psittaci within their droppings. The uric acid within their feces can also cause corrosive damage to buildings.
Why Are There Pigeons on My Property?
In addition to their innate homing ability, pigeons often flock to a particular site or area due to several factors.
Trash or Pet Food
Industrial and commercial properties often have trash or garbage tossed or scattered throughout the landscape. Shops and buildings that cater to pets can also be an attraction if food is left outside.
Safe Areas
Pigeons are not exempt from the circle of life. They are often prey of crows, hawks, and seagulls. As flying is their only defence, they seek safe havens under eaves, on balconies, and roof ledges to evade their natural predators.
Gardens
More local businesses are becoming environmentally conscious by growing vegetables, fruits, and flowering plants. They too can attract pigeons. Gardens are an endless source of food and can encourage pigeons to take up residence nearby.
Bird Netting on Balconies
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you’ve noticed an abundance of birds flocking to your balcony, not only can it be an eyesore, but it can also be a safety hazard for occupants, visitors, and nearby pedestrians. Before the problem gets any worse, talk to the team at Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control. We will assess your particular situation and provide you with effective pest bird control and removal solution options that meet your needs.
Why should I install Bird Netting on my Balcony?
While there are a number of different bird prevention measures available such as spikes, screening, wire, and other methods, Bird Netting ranks as one of the best solutions. Bird netting is a cost-effective and animal-friendly pest control measure that helps to prevent toxic fecal droppings, structural damage, and aggressive behaviour from our fine-feathered friends.
Installing balcony bird netting in Mississauga and the surrounding areas can deter birds from creating nests and habitually flying around your property. Whether you are a condominium owner or a property manager, there are significant reasons to install bird netting. Here are just a few of them:
New Toronto Bylaw prohibits feeding Wildlife
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Starting April 1st, 2023 a new bylaw will come into effect in the city of Toronto. While feeding wildlife was never permitted, the city will be clamping down harder on residents or visitors still insisting to feed urban wildlife, whether in parks or on private property.
Currently, anyone convicted of the offence of feeding wildlife can be fined up to $365. Stiffer fines may be expected after the new bylaw take effect, although they have yet to be announced.
10 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Home
- Written by: Dan Frankian
It’s never a pleasant surprise to discover you have uninvited guests living in your house - especially when those guests happen to be wild animals like raccoons!
Raccoons may look cute, but they can cause some serious damage if left unchecked in or around your home. In addition, they could also be harmful to your health. Not only will raccoons attack if provoked and defend themselves, especially during mating and nesting season, but they can also be carriers of serious diseases.
If you’ve noticed these tell-tale signs of an unwelcome intruder, read on for 10 key indicators that you may have a raccoon living nearby!
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Visible Raccoon Tracks
If the property has mud or snow, check for visible raccoon tracks on the ground that may lead to a newly built den. These may be seen along a fence line, near a garage or house, at the bottom of trees, around garbage cans, or other areas of the property.
Look for asymmetrical tracks measuring two to three inches in diameter in the shape of a handprint. It will have five finger-like toes on the back and front feet with small claw markings in the ground.
Keep Raccoons at Bay: Effective Ways to Raccoon-Proof Your Home
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Do you have a raccoon problem? If so, you are not alone—raccoons are notoriously clever and agile creatures who can quickly make their way into seemingly inaccessible areas of your home. Whether it’s the roof or a window that has been left open, they know how to get in.
But instead of resigning yourself to months of trying to remove them after they already got access, why not focus on preventing them from entering in the first place? In this blog post, we'll be going over some effective ways for you to raccoon-proof your home and keep those pesky critters out for good.
How to Safely Remove Pigeon Nests from Your Property in Mississauga
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Pigeon nests can be a nuisance for commercial and industrial businesses, disrupting operations, clogging gutters, or hindering productivity. In order to protect your property and ensure the safety of customers and employees, it is important that you safely remove any pigeon nests from your premises as soon as possible. But before you do, there are a few things you should know.
Birds of Prey: A Natural Way of Bird Control
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Did you know that falconry is an environmentally friendly, humane, and effective way to prevent pest birds from nesting and gathering on piers, warehouses, and other commercial, industrial, or residential buildings?
When it comes to effective bird control methods in Toronto, here is what you need to know about using birds of prey to deter birds from roosting on your property.
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Removing a Raccoon Yourself
- What Should You Do if There Is a Dead Raccoon in Your Attic?
- 8 Key Reasons to Hire a Professional Animal Trapping Service Provider
- Why Should I Hire a Licensed Trapper to Trap Raccoons?
- Pigeon Poop Removal in Toronto
- What Attracts Raccoons to My Property?
- Falconry FAQs
