Anyone living in a major city knows that pigeons can be quite the pests. The amount of excrement that they produce is almost insurmountable at a whopping two tons per year for a flock of only a hundred birds. Think about the number of pigeons we see in a city like Toronto, Ontario. That amount of pigeons and the fecal matter they produce could cause serious problems for commercial infrastructure and properties through increased maintenance, but can also be a real health risk as well.

Health Risks Associated with Pigeons

The main form of disease transmission from pigeons to humans is through their droppings. Most people think, “Okay, well then I just won’t touch the droppings…” But the problem with this is that as the excrement dries, a powder is released into the air which can then be inhaled by humans unknowingly. The pathogens contained in these excrements can cause disease or unwanted symptoms in humans. This is one of the reasons why a high population of pigeons in such a tight nit area can be such an unwelcome presence.

Conventional Pigeon Control Methods

In an attempt to solve pigeon control problems, techniques such as relocation and bird spikes have been used. Relocation involves capturing all pigeons in traps with the use of a one-way door and some bait and then releasing them elsewhere. This process unfortunately is futile as pigeons can find their way back to their original location with ease. Bird spikes are exactly what they sound like, spikes to prevent birds from landing in certain areas. These can be dangerous if installed incorrectly, and can also be flat out ineffective as pigeons are quite smart, and will just choose to move to a neighbouring area. With the repeated failure of these techniques, a company in California came up with an interesting alternative; “birth control” for birds.

"Birth Control" for Pigeons

“The Pigeon Control Company” in California calls this “A better approach to pigeon control” with their product OvoControl: “birth control” for birds. This may not be the best solution for every pigeon situation, but this company was looking to create an alternative long-term solution that did not involve euthanasia. The product is fed to the pigeons in a pellet-like form throughout their reproductive season. The pigeons will still attempt to breed as usual, but their eggs will not be able to develop. On average, one breeding pair of pigeons can produce 40 babies annually. But with this method, population increase can be decreased by 90-95%. This product is said to be safe for the consumption of birds and its only function is to stop the eggs from fertilizing; the effects of this birth control wear off after a few days. This may not be the best option for you, but it may be a suitable option for some people.

To find out more about pigeon control and methods that can be used, check out our pigeons control and removal solutions in Toronto. We offer many alternatives including euthanasia and would be happy to assist you with any of your pest bird or wildlife problems.

Hawkeye is the ONLY Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area licensed Pest Bird Control Specialist offering PERMANENT REMOVAL & GUARANTEED RESULTS. We are uniquely qualified under permits and licenses to PERMANENTLY REMOVE AND CONTROL Pest Birds such as Cormorants, Crows, Ducks, Doves, Geese, Grackels, Seagulls, Pigeons, Robins, Sparrows, Swallowsand Starlings.

Hawkeye gets rid of pest birds such as pigeons, seagulls, geese, starlings, and swallows using a variety of methods including Birds of Prey.  Additionally, we offer cleaning and disinfecting of affected areas and facilitate the future exclusion of birds.

CALL 416-HAWKEYE (416-429-5393) TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR PEST BIRD PROBLEM TODAY!\

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As a leader in the commercial bird control industry, we have developed a wide variety of services & products to meet your needs.

This web site has been designed to help you make informed decisions about appropriate solutions. We also offer a variety of information for prevention and maintenance.

Bird control is very rarely achieved with one product or treatment. 

Birds are very much creatures of habit. Many bird infestations develop on signs, homes or rooftops, because owners fail to take action immediately. Once the birds are established, it may take mechanical alterations, repellents and ultimately trapping to resolve conflicts. Our control methods progress from passive to aggressive.

Over the years, we have learned which combinations of control methods will work and how to implement solutions successfully.

Birds of Prey: Falconry

Falconry is the age old sport of hunting with birds of prey, with its roots in medieval times. We provide a proactive falconry program that is humane. This means actual free flying of live birds of prey to relocate the problem birds. This art is well over two thousand years old, and the way nature intended bird populations to be regulated.

Bird-Coil

Bird Coil is North America's most innovative, versatile, easy-to-use anti-perching system. Made of high-grade stainless steel, Bird Coil is perfect for long, narrow, exposed ledges. It is also adaptable to most architectural details. -- Based on the simple premise that birds like a solid landing platform, Bird Coil de-stabilizes the ledge, causing unwanted pigeons and gulls to take their mess elsewhere. Primarily used for Pigeons and Gulls.

Bird-Flite - Bird Spike

Bird-Flite is installed on thousands of buildings with an incredible success rate, even under heavy bird pressure. Its thin, stainless steel rods and U.V.-resistant polycarbonate base are extremely durable and it is also the least conspicuous spike product on the market. Unlike similar products, Bird-Flite's spikes are blunted, preventing injury to birds or unsuspecting workmen.

Bird-Shock Flex-Track

Bird-Shock Flex-Track is a low-profile ledge deterrent system that is effective against all species of pest birds utilizing the principle of fear and flight, conditioning birds to stay away. The intermittent shock is painful, but does not injure the birds; it simply teaches them to stay away, long-term.

BirdSlide

As most bird control experts know, there are ledges where heavy pressure (nesting birds) demands an exclusion system, and netting may be visually unacceptable. BirdSlide completely protects the ledge against all bird species; they simply can’t get a grip and “slide” right off the ledge. Made from UV stabilized polycarbonate, this product will be in service far longer than its five-year warranty.

Birdwire

Birdwire is a spring-tensioned wire system designed to create an unstable landing area that is widely used throughout Canada and the US because of its very low profile. It carries GSA approval for historic buildings and is one of the least visible of all ledge products, and is frequently used on high-visibility ledges where aesthetics are important.

Cleaning & Disinfecting

Cleaning of bird feces and nest materials is much more than an esthetic issue, it is a health and safety concern. We offer a full service cleaning package that includes removal of feces and nest materials, power washing and disinfecting... 

Custom Services & Solutions

Sometimes, we have to get creative when dealing with delicate or unique situations. Call us to learn more!

Daddi Long Legs

The Daddi Long Legs is in a class by itself. It's unique design deters gulls, pigeons, and other large birds, from landing in open spaces such as flat roofs or air conditioning units, as well as on street lights and other hard-to-protect areas. Thin, stainless steel rods rotate in the breeze and wave menacingly, interfering with birds as they attempt to land.

Geese Removal & Relocation

We use legal, Ministry of the Environment (MOE) authorized humane methods to contain geese population on sites where they are not wanted (such as golf courses, country clubs, play grounds, townhouse complexes and county parks). How does it work? Hawkeye Bird Control Inc. begins with using specially trained dogs. These dogs are guided by a handler at all times to patrol the designated areas. The handler's responsibility is to ensure the safety of the dogs, the geese and the public.

Gutter Point

Rain gutters have always been a problem bird area. For years installers have adapted other bird deterrents for the task. We have simplified the installation thanks to the introduction of Gutter-Point. Thin stainless steel spikes protrude upwards from a plastic base, making it difficult for birds to gain a foothold. Gutter-Point's specially designed clips make it easy to install and the spike configuration protects not only the edge of the gutter, but the inside as well.

NETTING / EXCLUSION

HVAC Netting System
The protective net is net ringed to the supporting perimeter cable and down the corner seams. The weighted line is also net ringed securely to the bottom of the net to insure a clean and tight installation. A zipper can be installed in the net to allow access to the interior of the protection system. In the second example described here a 6' zipper is installed that allows easy access for maintenance.

Pest Bird Balcony Netting 
Used for Pigeons, Gulls, Sparrows, Starlings 
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... 

Balcony Netting Details »

Pest Bird Capture Netting™
Used for Pigeons, Geese, Gulls, Sparrows, Starlings
Functioning much like a badminton net, Capture pest bird control/removal netting is the version for real birds and captures them in flight..

Capture Netting ™ Details »

Pest Bird Netting & Exclusion
Usually used to exclude or restrict access or remove nesting and roosting den and hibernation areas used by pest birds as well as pest animals/wildlife...

Netting & Exclusion Details »

StealthNet
StealthNet is the strongest and most versatile bird exclusion system in the world.StealthNet denies pest birds access to literally any architectural configuration, including courtyards, roof tops, overhangs, parking garages, etc. 

Warehouse Doors & Dock Seals
Flexon’s screen doors are light weight, and generally allow light and air-flow. They are a great alternative to simply closing the heavy steel doors present at most warehouses. Because they are light, they can be opened and closed easily. They can also be installed with electric openers that are electric-eye or push-button operated. Their tracks and mesh come in various tolerances for different degrees of exclusion.

Pest Bird Nest Removal

The idea of nest removal is to not only physically remove the nest and eggs, but to also inhibit habitual imprinting, thus preventing the return of the young ones and their parents to your site... 

Pigeon Trapping

The trapping and relocation of pigeons is a humane and effective method of permanently dealing with pigeon populations. This program reduces the number of hatchlings and consequently the number of adult birds. We install custom traps, designed by and for Hawkeye only, in high traffic pigeon areas, capturing the birds without injuries. Food and water in the traps ensures their survival until our trained technicians remove them weekly. 

SPIKE: Polly Spike

The new polycarbonate bird spike comes in two-foot lengths for faster application. Polly-Spike is warrantied for five years but should perform for many more years, especially in areas of less sunlight (inside, northern hemispheres). Pigeons and larger birds are not able to gain a foothold on the protected surface and are forced to take their mess elsewhere.

Pyro Technics

Any firecracker or banger that can be directed towards birds will have some sort of an effect on the birds and is usually fired out of a starter pistol, 12 gauge shot gun or a similar propellant. 

Sound & Visual

Most sound devices are ineffective against birds. We have yet to find any sound related device that can be guaranteed to perform the job. The only exception to that rule are digitally recorded screams of birds of prey as well as cries of target birds.

Advantages
Can be used in conjunction with secondary bird control option such as falconry.

Disadvantages
Any of these systems have a fundamental problem constantly, crying "Wolf". At some point the birds learn to dismiss the cries unless there is a physical appearance of an actual bird of prey.

Hawkeye Advisory

The following list of products have proven to be ineffective and are neither recommended nor employed by Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control:

Business owners throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experience pigeon 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.

Pigeon populations can become difficult to manage in busy GTA public parks because of the ample availability of food, shelter, and water.

Effective pigeon control and removal for public parks requires addressing both the birds and the conditions that attract them. It also requires the public to participate in reducing those conditions.

Attic spaces are one of the most attractive nesting locations for feral pigeons. However, a pigeon infestation in an attic can go undetected for some time. Many homeowners don't realize that pigeons are living above their ceiling until significant damage has occurred.

This two-part article will help you understand attic infestations, prevention, and pigeon control methods. We'll discuss some DIY methods in part one and part two will deal with professional pigeon removal solutions.

As we have discussed in part one of "How to get rid of pigeons in your attic", DIY methods may discourage occasional visitors, but they rarely solve an established pigeon infestation in an attic. In this second part, we'll focus on how and why professional pigeon removal and exclusion provide more long-term solutions.

Professional Attic Inspection: Finding Every Entry Point

Whether it's a residential home or a large commercial space, identifying the root cause of pigeons nesting and roosting in the attic is the first step in resolving the problem. Here's what professionals will do:

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.

Wildlife including birds like pigeons are drawn to airports across the globe because of ample green spaces, retention ponds, and food leftovers at hangars and terminals. And then there's the landfill connection. Landfills are often found in close proximity to airports and can be home to huge flocks of seagulls and pigeons.

Given the enormous risk to human life and equipment in a bird strike incident, proactive pigeon control at airports is of utmost importance. Hawkeye's airport pigeon control program combines several strategies based on facility type and pigeon activity.

Aside from the ugly mess pigeon poop makes on balconies, solar panels, sidewalks, cars, and buildings, the composition of the poop can cause serious health conditions in humans, domesticated animals, and other wildlife. Left on premises, and other objects, pigeon poop can damage and destroy paint, bricks, concrete, and your roof.

If you notice an excess amount of pigeon poop on your property, you may want to invest in a professional company to remove it.

What Are the Diseases Associated with Pigeon Poop?

Pigeon poop is considered one of the more hazardous substances naturally produced. While the bird itself usually does not transfer disease to humans, we are still susceptible to diseases found in pigeon poop.

In areas of the city where pigeons tend to roost, the large number of droppings can produce airborne disease we can easily inhale. Most illnesses associated with pigeon poop require little to no medical intervention, except for those with immunocompromised systems. Pneumonia and meningitis have been connected to pigeon poop exposure.

Direct and indirect exposure to the droppings can also cause several diseases. While it is rare for humans to fall fatally ill from these diseases, they can produce serious health effects.

Below are some common diseases linked to pigeon poop:

• Salmonellosis: Salmonellosis develops from salmonella bacteria, like what is found in food poisoning cases. Symptoms of severe cramping, fever, and diarrhoea usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of inhaling pigeon poop and can last up to seven days for mild cases.
  
  

• Psittacosis:Psittacosis is sometimes referred to as parrot fever. The bacteria responsible causes flu-like symptoms over a two-week period of development.
  
  

• Histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis is linked to a fungus found in pigeon droppings. Inhalation can trigger symptoms of fever, coughing, chest pain, sweats, nausea, and weakness in those diagnosed with respiratory conditions.
  
  

• Cryptococcosis: Cryptococcosis is another fungus related disease seen with inhalation exposure to pigeon poop. This disease can travel from the lungs to the brain, leading to meningitis.

Pest Bird Pigeon: Proofing your home, condo or building

Here are some suggestions to help proof your home, structure, or business form problem pest pigeons:

Home/Residence/Single family dwelling

Pigeon Food: Remove all food sources, including all bird feeders. Cover grass seed when reseeding your lawn with string, or consider mixing in blood/bone meal or pelletized chicken manure fertilizer to deter them. Do not add these if you have a pet dog with access to the seeded area.  If you would like to continue to feed other birds, look for feeders covered in a cage/wire with access holes too small for pigeons to fit through. Make sure you are collecting any fallen seeds from the ground with a fitted tray that will prevent any seeds from falling to the ground for pigeons to eat.

Gutters, Downspouts: Clean out any clogged eaves, gutters or downspouts. Not only will this will protect your home from water damage, it will eliminate areas for pigeons to roost or nest.

Vents and Chimneys: Find all access holes and close them off. If you cannot safely access these areas to check, or cover, please call us to help.

Flat Roof Areas: Identify any flat, or nearly flat areas that pigeons are roosting or nesting on. These areas can be fitted with special bird deterrents to keep pigeons off of them. Visit our bird ledge protection section or call us for more information on what will work for you.

Pigeon Pest Bird proofing: High rise condo

Eliminate Pigeon Food Sources: Remove as many food sources that you can identify as possible. This includes bird feeders, areas being seeded with grass seed and open garbages. Discourage any direct pigeon feeding with bread or other food by residents or neighbours.

Water: Try and remove all water sources where possible. Pay attentions to any areas of standing water. This will help with your pigeon problems and also help protect against West Nile Virus.

Air conditioning: HVAC systems on the roof are at risk for damage by pigeons either roosting or nesting on top. Close up the underside, open filters and any other areas where pigeons can roost or seek shelter on/in.

Balconies: Remove all debris and junk that encourages pigeons nesting. Consider properly installed balcony bird netting to prevent pigeons from landing on balconies.

Industrial, Corporate, Government:

Industries, commercial and government agencies often have serious problems with pigeons. Factories and other large buildings can produce a lot of heat that attracts pigeons, and raised, flat roof areas provide the perfect areas for roosting and nesting, safe from most predators. Municipal infrastructure such as bridges, public statues, park structures etc. can all become pigeon habitat, with the accumulation of feces causing serious health, safety and aesthetic concerns for property managers and the public.

The solutions for industrial, corporate and government property are not always straight forward and require a professional to assess and prescribe a complex solution for a complex problem. Hawkeye is the expert in Toronto for pest bird control, with decades of experience with pigeon control and removal from every types of property.

Please contact us for more information.

Related Articles:
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-pigeons-in-your-attic-part-1

"Feeding pigeons" may invoke visions of Julie Andrews and 'Tuppence a bag' but in the City of Toronto that may well become a thing of the past. In July 2021 a motion was passed to consider a ban of feeding pigeons in the City of Toronto. The reasons given included piegons gathering in large flocks interfering with the enjoyment of public as well as private spaces, significant property damage, attraction of rats and health risks to humans. 

Toronto Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam brought forth the motion which is set to explore the feasibility of implementing such a ban with a report back expected next March. 

To put things into perspective, the City of Toronto spends a small fortune each year on pigeon control and associated clean-up. Property Management Compnaies spend millions more. Pigeon droppings are more than just unsightly; they do pose health risks and due to their acidic nature they do cause a fair bit of damage to structures such as buildings (especially, historic ones), monuments, and perhaps most importantly bridges and overpasses. Steel structures in particular fall vicitm to corosion from bird droppings.

Pigeons might seem harmless, but they can be a real nuisance if they decide to make your property their home.

The reasons for their return are often rooted in their natural behavior and the environment we provide for them. Understanding pigeon behavior is crucial for effective control and prevention. By knowing what attracts them and how they live, you can implement strategies to deter them from returning.

So if you’re wondering "Why do pigeons keep coming back to my house?" you're not alone, but there are solutions!

Understanding Pigeon Behavior

To effectively deal with pigeon problems, and answer “How do I keep pigeons away from my house?” it's essential to understand their natural habits and instincts.

Pigeons are highly adaptable birds that thrive in urban environments. They are attracted to areas that provide easy access to food and shelter, which is why they are often found in cities and towns.