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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
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.
Read more: 10 Tell-Tale Signs You Have a Raccoon in Your Home
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.
Read more: Keep Raccoons at Bay: Effective Ways to Raccoon-Proof Your Home
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.
Read more: How to Safely Remove Pigeon Nests from Your Property in Mississauga
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
- Written by: Dan Frankian
With raccoon removal in Toronto, it is best to leave it to the professionals! Those cute, furry little “rascals” are interesting to watch but only from a safe distance. Raccoons that reside under patios, in garages, and near public areas are still considered wild animals and should be treated as such. They can quickly become accustomed to people and domestic pets but are by no means domesticated themselves.
If you notice raccoons on your property, your best option is to hire a professional wildlife trapping service to remove them safely and permanently from your home, business, and property. Don’t attempt to remove them yourself!
Below are seven reasons why you should hire a professional raccoon removal company.
Read more: 7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Removing a Raccoon Yourself
What Should You Do if There Is a Dead Raccoon in Your Attic?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If you have a dead raccoon in your attic, there are a few things you can do to remove it. With the high numbers of raccoons in the city, knowing what to do if you suspect one or more have died in your attic can protect the safety and health of your family.
Since raccoons are often carriers of disease, it is important to take precautions when handling them. In most cases, the best way to remove a dead raccoon is to hire a professional wildlife removal company.
Read more: What Should You Do if There Is a Dead Raccoon in Your Attic?
8 Key Reasons to Hire a Professional Animal Trapping Service Provider
- Written by: Dan Frankian
If your home or property has unwanted wildlife visitors, consider contacting a local animal trapping service. Do not try to handle the situation yourself unless you are a trained wildlife expert with the knowledge and proper tools for the job!
Whether they crawl or fly, wild animals can be dangerous and lead to scary situations that can put you and your family in harm’s way. Below are some of the reasons you should consider contacting professional animal trappers.
Read more: 8 Key Reasons to Hire a Professional Animal Trapping Service Provider
Why Should I Hire a Licensed Trapper to Trap Raccoons?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Have you noticed raccoons nesting on your property? These masked bandits may be cute, but they cause a lot of property damage, make a lot of noise, and can be destructive and dangerous to household pets and children.
Your best option is to remove them from your property before the situation gets worse. That said, Ontario laws prohibit trapping and relocating raccoons in the province without a proper license. Chances are you do not have a license. For this reason alone, you should not attempt to trap a raccoon yourself. In addition, trapping can be a risky endeavour, and in many cases, serious injuries can occur.
Keep reading to learn why you need to hire a professional trapper for your sake and the sake of the animal.
Read more: Why Should I Hire a Licensed Trapper to Trap Raccoons?