--- title: "Pigeon Control and Removal for GTA Storefronts" description: "Learn how to get rid of pigeons from your storefront with effective pigeon control solutions for Toronto area businesses. Effective pigeon removal for your stores." url: "https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-pigeons-from-your-storefront" date: "2026-09-10T13:57:39+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- ## Breadcrumbs [Home](https://www.hawkeye.ca/) > [Blog](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog) > How to Get Rid of Pigeons From Your Storefront # How to Get Rid of Pigeons From Your Storefront Written by: Dan Frankian Published: 10 September 2026 - [pigeons](https://www.hawkeye.ca/component/tags/tag/pigeons) - [pigeon control](https://www.hawkeye.ca/component/tags/tag/pigeon-control) - [pigeon trapping](https://www.hawkeye.ca/component/tags/tag/pigeon-trapping) - [pigeon removal](https://www.hawkeye.ca/component/tags/tag/pigeon-removal) - [pigeon nest removal](https://www.hawkeye.ca/component/tags/tag/pigeon-nest-removal) Business owners throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experience [pigeon](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/toronto-bird-control-pest-birds/pigeons) problems at their storefronts. Unsightly pigeon droppings (guano) not only affects customer experience and the reputation or image of the company, but also leads to substantial increase in maintenance cost.  This article explores why and how pigeon control must be based on an individual building's design and the birds' behaviour. ## Why GTA Storefronts Attract Pigeons There are many reasons why your business may attract pigeons. Often, the very architecture of the building provides a perfect environment that encourages the birds. - Store signage provides elevated perching areas. - Awnings and entrance canopies create sheltered nesting spots. - Decorative ledges above display windows may become perches. - HVAC units above storefront entrances are a draw for pigeons. - Nearby dumpsters and food scraps around restaurants, cafés and plazas provide easy food access. Pigeons are quite bold and have grown accustomed to humans, so constant foot traffic doesn't discourage them. ## Signs Your Storefront Needs Professional Pigeon Control Pigeon numbers quickly escalate and early intervention is a must. Here are some signs to look for: - [Pigeon droppings](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/blog/pigeon-poop-removal-in-toronto) around customer entrances - Pigeons roosting every morning or evening - Nesting materials appearing above signage - Blocked gutters over storefronts - Feathers collecting around entrances - Customers avoiding certain entrances - Employees constantly cleaning droppings Once [pigeons begin nesting above a storefront](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/blog/i-found-a-pigeon-nest-what-do-i-do), they return repeatedly unless the nesting area is properly excluded. This is the time to speak to a [pigeon removal](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/toronto-pigeon-control-removal)professional. ## Why DIY Pigeon Control Rarely Works for Storefronts Pigeons (like most birds) aren't impressed by deterrents for long, if at all. You will need a way to prevent the birds from landing and roosting around your storefront. - Plastic owls lose effectiveness quickly - Reflective tape has limited impact - Homemade deterrents don't protect elevated nesting areas - Daily cleaning doesn't stop birds from returning - Businesses often cannot access roofs or upper façades safely ## How to Get Rid of a Pigeons Nest Above Your Storefront Wondering how to remove pigeon nests above storefronts? It’s important to remember that while pigeons are not protected under the [Migratory Bird Treaty Act](https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/international-affairs/partnerships-countries-regions/north-america/canada-united-states-protecting-migratory-birds.html) and control efforts don't require permits, work around pigeons (and their droppings!) requires strict safety protocols. Here are some methods that professional pigeon removal companies may suggest: - Professional nest removal - Safe timing during breeding season - Cleaning nesting debris - Sanitizing contaminated areas [Pigeon nest removal](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/blog/how-to-safely-remove-pigeon-nests-from-your-property-in-mississauga) must always be followed up with efforts to prevent pigeons from simply rebuilding their nests. Remember that pigeons are homing birds and will always return to the area they consider home. Active nests with eggs or chicks must be handled in accordance with applicable wildlife regulations (also check with your municipality and SPCA). ## Effective Pigeon Control and Removal for Storefronts ### Bird Netting for Storefronts: Long-Term Pigeon Control Netting is an effective way to exclude pigeons, **so long as it is installed correctly**. Suitable applications include: - Storefront signs - Entrance canopies - Decorative façades - Ceiling voids under awnings - Loading entrances attached to retail units - Covered walkways Bird netting is nearly invisible and won't interfere with customers or business operations. This is an excellent solution for businesses with recurring pigeon problems, as it can protect signage and reduce maintenance costs and efforts while preventing future nesting. ### Bird Spikes for Storefront Signs, Ledges and Window Features [Bird spikes](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/ledge-protection-bird-spikes-bird-flite) can prevent roosting and nesting around your storefront. They can be an effective pigeondeterrent for storefronts when the right product is selected and installed properly. Incorrect installation can actually support nesting rather than deter pigeons. Here's where spikes can work well: - Signage - Narrow ledges - Window trims - Decorative mouldings - Light fixtures Bird spikes are not suitable for wide nesting areas. ### Falconry for Shopping Plazas, Retail Centres and Large Commercial Storefronts Birds of prey are natural predators and will disperse large number of pigeons and other birds quickly. Falconry is most effective for: - Retail plazas - Shopping centres - Outdoor malls - Big-box retail developments - Automotive dealerships - Commercial strips with multiple businesses [Falconry](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/falconry-bird-control-toronto)is best suited for properties seeking to manage pigeons across multiple storefronts, including pigeon control for shopping centres, rather than a single small retail unit. It works exceedingly well when combined with other exclusion methods. Additional Pigeon Control Solutions for Storefronts - [Shock track systems](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/electrical-bird-shock-flex-track) for architectural ledges Shock tracks work very well throughout 3 seasons. Snow in the Toronto area can render them useless until spring. - [Wire systems](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/ledge-protection-birdwire) for decorative edges - Custom exclusion for signs and letters Hawkeye does NOT recommend optical gel products due to their short-term usability and general unpleasant aesthetics for retail buildings. ## How Early Pigeon Removal Saves Storefront Owners Money When assessing the cost of professional pigeon control, one must take into consideration the cost to a business's image and reputation, not just physical repair costs. Here are some of the costs associated with allowing pigeons to linger around your storefront: - Frequent cleaning expenses - Sign maintenance - Customer complaints - Property management issues - Potential lease compliance concerns - Reduced curb appeal ## Why Choose Hawkeye for Storefront Pigeon Control in the GTA [Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control](https://www.hawkeye.ca) is Toronto's most trusted pigeon control company, combining 35+ years of experience with custom, proprietary pigeon removal solutions to protect your business. Our commercial p;igeon control services include humane pigeon removal methods, expert commercially licensed falconers, and safe access equipment. We coordinate with property managers and landlords to help achieve successful and long-term pigeon control. ### Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control If you need to get rid of pigeons from storefront areas, Hawkeye can recommend a tailored solution. [Call us today](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/index.php?Itemid=1168)and schedule a site assessment for your storefront in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our highly skilled falconers and pigeon control technicians are available all across Southern Ontario, including [T](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/toronto-geese-removal-control)[oronto](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/toronto-geese-removal-control), [Scarborough](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-scarborough-ontario), [Brampton](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-brampton-ontario), [Vaughan](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-vaughan-concord-woodbridge-ontario), [Markham](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/markham-bird-animal-control), [Ajax](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-ajax-ontario), [Newmarket](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-newmarket-ontario), [Etobicoke](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-etobicoke-ontario), [Oshawa](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/bird-animal-control-services-in-oshawa-ontario), and [Mississauga.](https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/blog/top-tips-for-preventing-goose-invasions-in-mississauga) ## JSON-LD Schema ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/#/schema/Organization/base", "name": "Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control & Falconry Experience: Canada's Pest Bird & Wildlife/Animal Removal Specialist", "url": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/#/schema/WebSite/base", "url": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/", "name": "Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control & Falconry Experience: Canada's Pest Bird & Wildlife/Animal Removal Specialist", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/#/schema/Organization/base" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/#/schema/WebPage/base", "url": "https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-pigeons-from-your-storefront", "name": "Pigeon Control and Removal for GTA Storefronts", "description": "Learn how to get rid of pigeons from your storefront with effective pigeon control solutions for Toronto area businesses. 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