With our helpful tips and tricks, we can help you learn how to get rid of birds for good and prevent them from returning. From deterrents like noisemakers and fake predators to DIY bird removal techniques, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you want to protect your home from bird damage or simply want to enjoy your outdoor space without being bothered by feathered friends, our blog is here to provide the information you need to successfully control bird populations in your area.
If you’re a homeowner, you know that birds can be both beautiful and troublesome creatures. While they may seem harmless, their nesting habits can cause a number of issues, such as droppings on your property, damage to structures, and even the spread of disease.
At Skedaddle, we know how to get rid of birds in a safe and humane way. In this blog post, we’ll share some expert tips and tricks on how to keep birds away from your property and prevent them from coming back. Whether you’re dealing with a current bird problem, or just want to be proactive in protecting your home, our guide to bird removal in Niagara will give you the tools you need for success.
Common Birds that Nest in Niagara Homes
Niagara is home to many unique and beautiful bird species. Some of the birds you’ll often find nesting in your Niagara properties include:
- European Starlings: Despite their name, European Starlings are quite common in Niagara. They build their nests in cavities, which can include holes in buildings or trees.
- House Sparrows: Handy and adaptive, House Sparrows are known to nest in various locations including crevices, building exteriors, and trees.
- Pigeons: Widely recognized city-dwellers, Pigeons often build nests on building ledges, balconies, or any flat surfaces that are out of reach of predators.
- Swallows: With their distinctive mud nests, Swallows can often be seen nesting on the sides of buildings, under the eaves, or on window ledges.
Being familiar with these species and their nesting habits can be helpful in preventing a potential bird problem. It’s imperative to note that these birds are protected under Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. It is illegal to remove or disturb a nest while it is in use or contains eggs. It is recommended to use preventative measures to deter birds from nesting and to call professionals for safe and legal removal if nesting does occur.
Signs of Birds Nesting in Your Home
It’s important to remain vigilant and heed the warning signs of bird nesting. The sooner you identify the problem, the faster you can act to prevent potential damage and maintain the integrity of your home. Let’s take a look at some tell-tale signs you should be on the lookout for:
- Noises: Hearing strange sounds, particularly in your roof or walls, can be a sign of bird activity. Listen for chirping, scratching, or fluttering sounds, especially during the early morning and late evening.
- Droppings: Birds can leave a mess behind, and the frequent presence of bird droppings around your property may indicate a nesting situation. Attics, balconies, ledges, and exterior walls are common places for birds to settle in, so keep an eye on these areas.
- Feathers and Nest Materials: If you find discarded feathers or nest-building materials around your property, it might be a sign of recent bird activity. These materials can include twigs, leaves, grass, and feathers.
- Damaged Plants or Crops: Birds, like sparrows or starlings, can wreak havoc on your garden or crops as they feed and gather materials for their nest. Evidence of destructed plants can be indicative of a bird’s presence.
The Damage Caused by Bird Nesting
The charming chirping isn’t the only sound birds bring along. They can generate an array of issues that might be damaging to your property.
Structural Damage
Birds, especially those liking to nest in cavities, like European Starlings and House Sparrows, can cause structural damage to your property. They can make existing holes bigger, leave droppings, and even bring in nesting materials which might block gutters and drains, leading to water damage.
Disease Risks
Birds can carry a range of pests and diseases. Their droppings not only soil your property but can also pose health risks, including potentially severe diseases like salmonella and histoplasmosis. In addition, nests can harbour mites, lice, and ticks, which pose their own set of health concerns.
Garden Damage
Birds could prove to be a gardener’s nightmare. They feed on fruits and vegetables, damage plants, and can spread weeds through the seeds found in their droppings. While some birds can actually help control pests, others can wreak havoc in your outdoor spaces.
Fire Hazard
As surprising as it sounds, birds nesting on your property can even pose a fire hazard. Nesting materials are usually dry and flammable, and if built near electrical installations or lighting fixtures, they can pose a serious fire risk.
Deterrents and Scare Tactics for Bird Control
Birds are intelligent, adaptable creatures and outwitting them takes a carefully considered approach. Before you find yourself knee-deep in bird proofing expenses, here are some simple, cost-effective bird control tactics you can employ to ward off these feathered guests.
Make Your Property Undesirable for Bird Nesting
Simply put, if birds don’t find your property attractive, they’re more likely to look for nest sites elsewhere. Here’s what you can do:
- Seal Entry Points: Birds like sparrows and starlings often make themselves at home in small openings, cracks, and crevices around your home. Sealing these entry points can minimize the chances of them turning your premises into a nesting site.
- Minimize Food Sources: Remember, birds won’t nest where there’s not enough food. Keep your property clean by covering trash bins, cleaning up spilled food, and ensuring that compost piles are inaccessible
- Limit Water Access: Birds need water just as much as they need food. Remove or relocate bird baths and cover pools when not in use to discourage them from making your property their home.
Use Bird Netting and Spikes
These bird deterrent methods keep birds from landing and discourage them from attempting to nest on your property. Bird netting and spikes are highly effective and non-harmful methods for keeping troublesome birds at bay:
- Bird Netting: This is a versatile deterrent that can be installed in many areas including eaves, roofs, and gardens. The netting acts as a physical barrier, preventing birds from accessing their preferred spots.
- Spikes: Installing bird spikes on prominent landing or nesting sites, such as rooftops or window ledges, can prevent birds from perching and nesting. While they may look intimidating, bird spikes are designed to be uncomfortable for birds to land on, rather than causing them harm.
Employ Audio or Visual Deterrents
If physical barriers are a no-go in your situation, consider using audio or visual scare tactics instead:
- Scare Devices: Scare devices like faux predatory birds (owls, eagles), shiny objects, or wind chimes can create an unpleasant environment and effectively deter nesting birds.
- Sound Deterrents: Specially designed audio systems mimic predator calls or distress signals of specific bird species, making your area seem hazardous for potential nesters.
While these methods can discourage birds from nesting around your home, please remember some bird species are legally protected. Use deterrents responsibly, and if in doubt, contact a professional like Skedaddle for expert advice. Bird control can be a tricky matter – what might discourage one species could attract another. So, be observant, adjust tactics as necessary, and always prioritize the welfare of the animals.
When to Seek Expert Help for Bird Removal in Niagara
It’s not always realistic or possible to handle bird control on your own. Certain circumstances may require expert help to humanely and effectively handle bird removal. So when do you know it’s time to bring in the professionals?
Dangers or Threats to Human Health
Some birds, like pigeons and starlings, can carry diseases or harbour parasites. If you suspect these birds are nesting in your home, it’s critical to reach out for professional help. In cases like these, removing the birds without proper protection or know-how could pose serious health risks. Call in experts who have the right training and equipment to safely handle the situation.
Persistent Nesting Attempts
Trying out different deterrents without success can be frustrating and time-consuming. Perhaps you’ve employed several methods, and yet the birds continue to come back. If you’re struggling with persistent nesting attempts, it’s a sign you need support from bird control specialists. These professionals will have more advanced tactics, backed by experience and knowledge, to ensure swift and effective removal.
Protected or Endangered Species
Niagara region houses a variety of bird species, including some that are protected by law. If you believe you’re dealing with birds that are protected or endangered, do not attempt to remove them yourself. Disturbing the nest or birds without proper authorization can lead to heavy fines or legal repercussions. Reach out to wildlife control experts who understand the laws and have the appropriate licenses to handle these birds.
Securing Services for Bird Control
Don’t let your home bear the brunt of unwanted bird nesting. Get in touch with our skilled professionals at Skedaddle. We’re trained to handle such situations with care, ensuring both your peace of mind and the safety of our feathered friends.
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