Hawkeye Bird Control Inc. uses two types of netting to stop birds, such as pigeons, gulls, sparrows, and starlings, from nesting on, or occupying balconies. The netting is available in:

STANDARD WEIGHT
(Two year warranty), plastic with a heavy UV coat. Square ¾ inch to 4 inch holes to keep birds out;

HEAVY-DUTY WEIGHT
(Five year warranty) each hole individually knotted and heat set with an extreme coat of UV & water/ice protection. This netting is more suited for unit owners and/or long term use. A huge advantage of the heavy duty weight netting is its upside down large U-shaped zipper (exclusive to Hawkeye; we started this in the late 80’s), which can be installed at an additional cost. It enables the user to roll up the flap on the net when requiring full usage of the balcony.

Please click image(s) to enlarge:

ON BOTH STYLES OF NETTING:

Visibility
Slightly reduced, but it is very easy to focus through the nets.

Method
After cleaning and depending on the size of the balcony, very little hardware is needed. Installation requires attaching a galvanized (rust inhibited) steel cable to the structure, as well as to the net. Installation can be done from the banister, or the floor, depending on the size of the holes (within the banister).

INFORMATION REQUIRED WHEN CALLING FOR A QUOTE:

Please have length, width, and height measurements from floor and banister in feet available.
The extent of dirt and/or damage; in other words, how long would it take you to clean, if you ever dared to.
Do you have any bulky or heavy or a large volume of items on your balcony? Most balconies from start to finish should not require more than 2 hours to clean and then install the netting. Any more time than this will impact pricing.
Your full address and phone number in front of you.
Your payment option: We accept credit cards, Paypal, or company cheques (sorry, no personal cheques).

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Backyard Ponds and Local Water Features

Did you know that raccoons love water and are excellent swimmers? And, did you know that raccoons have a habit of "washing" their food before consumption? Perhaps this explains why raccoons are so drawn to all kinds of water features - from backyard pools and DIY garden ponds to park retention ponds and ornamental fountains in courtyards and public parks.

While watching a raccoon or two going for a leisurely swim in your backyard may sound entertaining, our nimble little trash pandas actually cause a slew of damage, including pool and pond liner damage, ecological disruption, leave a big mess, and pose disease risks. The biggest risk is water contamination from raccoons infected with rabies. This would put your pets and other wildlife at great risk. In this article, we'll explore some of the issues, answer common questions from pond owners and provide both practical and legal solutions for protecting your backyard pond and/or remove raccoons from your GTA property.

What Types of Ponds and Water Features Are at Risk?

Residential Ponds – Decorative garden ponds, backyard fish ponds, and small man-made water features.

Commercial Water Features – Fountains found in plazas, hotel landscapes, golf courses, and public parks.

Natural Ponds & Local Lakes – Community parks, forest edges, and rural properties.

Municipal Stormwater Ponds – These bodies of water are often located near residential complexes.

Why Do Raccoons Target Ponds & Water Features?

Ponds typically offer a variety of foods for raccoons (fish, frogs, and aquatic insects).

Ponds allow easy access to drinking water and for washing food.

Shelter and cover often accompany water features (trees, shrubs, and sheds).

Seasonal patterns – ponds or pools are particularly popular in warmer months.

DIY Raccoon Control for Your Ponds and Water Features

Wondering how to keep raccoons out of backyard ponds, fountains, and other water features? The bad news is that there are no truly effective barriers or deterrents. Trapping and relocation or permanent raccoon removal are really the only option.

Physical Barriers

Low-Voltage Electric Fencing: A low-cost, low-voltage electric fence, placed a few inches above the ground, can acts as deterrent. Consult with your local hardware or feed store.

Sensory Deterrents

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: The sudden spray and noise can be effective for a few days - until raccoons have gotten used to them and realize that sprinklers are harmless.

Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons prefer the dark and a sudden, bright light can disorient and scare them away. Again, this is temporary at best. Raccoons are highly intelligent and quickly learn that there is no actual danger.

High-Frequency Sonic Repellents: Devices that emit sounds inaudible to humans may be irritating to pests. And again, raccoons will learn to studiously ignore such sounds.

Habitat and Food Management

The Don't Feed Rule: IIf you want to get rid of raccoons around pools or any outside area, it is of utmost importance that you do not leave pet food outside and ensure that garbage cans are securely sealed. Consider a fence around your vegetable garden and pick up any fallen fruit from your orchard.

For Public Areas: Community members are encouraged to coordinate with park authorities, condo boards, or commercial property managers to ensure a consistent "no feeding" policy.

Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control has been synonymous with Excellence in Humane Pest Bird Control and Animal & Wildlife Removal for over 35 years. Call us today at 416.429.5393