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Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are descendants from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild rock dove, which naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains. Rock, domestic, and feral pigeons are all the same species and will readily (and successfully) interbreed.
Having adapted to urban terrain, pigeons claim roof tops,ledges, and solar panels as nesting grounds and are seen in towns and cities everywhere. In addition to leaving highly unsightly and massively corrosive excrement, pigeons are also carriers of diseases transmittable to humans.
Hawkeye specializes in the removal (abatement) of nuisance birds, or pest birds, such as pigeons. We use a variety of methods to help control the number of pigeons in urban settings.
How do I permanently get rid of pigeons?
Contrary to what you may hear or read, tin foil, plastic owls, or noise makers are temporary, at best. These type of ‘repellents’ may work for a few days but, the birds learn quickly that there is no real threat and ignore them in short succession. A multiple method approach is your best bet for a long term solution. The key to getting rid of pigeons is to make the area unappealing to them. The least invasive and most effective way to do this is with the use of falconry. Birds of prey are highly effective, scaring a large number of pigeons away from any area. Falconry, combined with other methods such as trapping, shooting, and physical changes to their roosting and nesting areas are effective long term solutions. We alter their nesting areas or restrict access to them through the use of ledge protection systems and netting. Coil, spring wire, spikes, bird points and netting are all additional solutions for pigeon control, but it takes an expert to know when, where and how to use them to have an impact and it depends solely on the type of pressure the birds are causing. We are equipped to provide solutions for any type of bird pressure.
Hawkeye is the #1 Pigeon Control & Removal Specialist in the Toronto and Greater Toronto/Golden Horseshoe areas.
Why do pigeons keep coming back to my house?
Pigeons are known for their strong homing sense. That is the ability to find their way back to their roost no matter where they are. That’s why we had carrier pigeons. Studies have shown that pigeons use the Earth’s magnetic fields for orientation. Pigeons also use their keen sense of smell to locate their roost, their mate, and/or food sources.
Once they’ve settled and begun nesting in one location, their biology calls them back over and over.
What is the best way to scare pigeons?
Falconry – Birds of Prey.
Taking advantage of the natural relationship between predator and prey, we are able to scare away large flocks of pigeons by simply releasing a raptor in the area. No birds need to be killed; the pigeons will happily relocate to get as far away from the bird of prey as possible. We do this several times, and a previously suitable nesting spot is no longer safe or attractive and will be abandoned for good.
How do you get rid of pigeons legally?
It very depends on where you live. Generally speaking, in Ontario it is not illegal to kill a feral pigeon. Of course, you may not discharge a firearm in city limits –any city limits. But individual municipalities have their own sets of rules. In Mississauga, for example, IT IS ILLEGAL to kill pigeons or any other wildlife. You could remove pigeon nests and eggs but chances are, the parents would just start all over. To truly take control of your pigeon problem you will need the help of professionals – such as Hawkeye.
Is it illegal to remove a pigeon nest?
In Ontario it is not illegal to remove a pigeon nest or its eggs. Depending on where you live, there may be municipal bylaws concerning further measures, though.
When can you remove a pigeon nest?
The best way to eliminate bird nests from your property is to prevent them from being built in the first place. The best time to remove a nest is when it is still in the building stage. After that, remove the nest before eggs are hatched and again when the nest is inactive.
What do pigeons hate?
Pigeons hate the sight or presence of birds of prey. This is what makes falconry such a successful deterrent in getting rid of pigeon populations. Additionally, pigeons do not like strong smells, such as cinnamon or hot pepper juice or spray. Ledge protection systems that prevent landing or nesting are also disliked by pigeons.
What home remedy gets rid of pigeons?
Again, anything in terms of noise or movement will not have a lasting effect. Once the pigeons realize that there is no real threat, the effect is gone. There are some smells that seem to deter pigeons, at least for a while. Pigeons are thought to dislike anything spicy or sour… you might try something like chili powder or vinegar.
Additionally, make sure you are not unintentionally feeding them. Secure your trash, keep an eye on bird feeders and frequently clean up any spills.
How much does it cost to remove a pigeon?
The cost to remove pigeons very much depends on the bird pressure (how many pigeons), the affected area, and the control methods used. Control methods will be dictated by bird pressure, location, and other environmental factors.
Contact us to determine the most effective way to rid you of your pigeon problem.
Health hazards associated with Pigeons
Pigeons pose a health hazard to humans as they carry Salmonella and Chlamydophila psittaci, a bacteria that causes psittacosis, a serious, although rarely fatal disease for humans.
Physical damage caused by Pigeons
Pigeons cause millions of dollars of damage in urban areas every year. Their feces have uric acid which is extremely corrosive. Pigeon flocks nesting or roosting on a roof will seriously corrode the roofing materials, cutting its life in half. They cause extensive damage to rooftop machinery like air conditioning units. Other economic costs include slip and fall liability, product contamination and risk to company/building reputation as buildings are seen as unclean and dirty.
- Pest birds cause tens of millions of dollars of damage every year to buildings, machinery, automobiles, roofs, ventilation systems and more...
- One of the most publicized examples of pigeon damage was the collapse of the 35W Bride in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the summer of 2007.
Now with 7 Locations (6 In Canada and 1 in the U.S), we are ready to serve you better in Acton, Toronto, Oshawa, Bowmanville, two locations in Mississauga and West Palm Beach in Florida.
Contact us today or Email us at hawkeye@hawkeye.ca if you need help with pest bird control and/or pest bird removal.
Pest Birds like Cormorants, Crows, Ducks, Doves, Geese, Grackels, Seagulls, Pigeons, Robins, Sparrows and Starlings.
