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!\

Relaterd Articles:
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-pigeons-from-your-storefront

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 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.

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.

"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.