Calgary Bird Control and IPM for Pigeons
Bird Control – Feral pigeons (Columba livia), also called city doves, city pigeons or street pigeons, are derived from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild Rock Pigeon, which naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains. All three types readily interbreed. Feral pigeons find the ledges of buildings to be a substitute for sea cliffs, and have become adapted to urban life and are abundant in towns and cities throughout much of the world.
Many city squares are famous for their large pigeon populations, for example, the Piazza San Marco in Venice, and Trafalgar Square in London. Pigeons breed when the food supply is good.
Pigeons not only make themselves a nuisance by their roosting and nesting activity and their noisy behavior, but they also carry and transmit a variety of human and avian diseases. Pigeon droppings deface buildings and statues and their acidity can hasten the deterioration of these structures. Droppings that accumulate on stairs, fire escapes, or other walking surfaces make these areas slippery and dangerous. Pigeons are known to carry and transmit diseases to humans through their droppings, especially when the feces dry and particles become airborne. Diseases spread by pigeons include aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, encephalitis, histoplasmosis, Newcastle disease, ornithosis, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis.
Detection and Monitoring of Birds in Calgary
Absolute Pest Control will complete a detailed and accurate survey of the problem site, before designing a management plan.
Public Relations
When birds are managed, it is important to remember that the “pest” might be regarded fondly by nature enthusiasts. Good public relations are an essential element in the success of a school IPM program, but particularly where birds are concerned.
Management Options
A number of management options are available, including habitat modification, exclusion, and physical controls.
Eliminating Water Sources
Determine where pigeons are drinking and deny them these sources. Repair outside water leaks. Exclusion With all exclusion devices, it is essential to treat each roosting, nesting, and loafing area on the building to completely exclude pigeons from the structure. Otherwise, pigeons will simply move to any untreated areas. Piano-type Wire, Monofilament Line Protect narrow beams, roof edges, cables, and pipes by installing a tightly stretched 16 to 18 gauge wire or 80-lb. test monofilament line one to two inches above the surface. This wire interferes with birds perching and takes off.
Electrified Wires or Tracks
These wires can be used on rooftops and other areas where people will not encounter them. Electrified wires are an expensive, but permanent exclusion device.
45º Angle Ramps
Pigeons cannot land or roost on surfaces with a 45º or steeper angle. Use sheet metal, concrete, stone, wood, styrofoam blocks, or other materials to retrofit ledges with a ramp of the desired angle.
Bird Spikes
Pigeons cannot use a ledge that has Bird Spikes applied.
Netting
Excluding a protected area that pigeons are using with netting is efficient, cost-effective and permanent. Trapping programs for the control of pigeons is a “moderate to excellent” way to control the birds.
– Absolute Pest Control Company
Contact our low-cost pest control if you’re in need for exterminators for mice and birds today!
Solar Panels
Did you install solar panels on your house or business? It’s a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint but may bring a new pest problem to your property. With the increased installation of solar panels on private properties, pigeons have been found to be attracted to them. The gap located under the panel is the perfect height for pigeons to lay eggs and make nests. It’s the ideal environment as the panels provide protection from weather and predators. As well, pigeons create a large amount of bird waste which is highly acidic and can cause extensive damage to not only the solar panel but your roof and property. This can lead to expensive repairs and also health concerns.
We highly recommend installing a solar panel guard around the open gap to prevent pigeons from creating nests and resting. It’s best to have the guard installed at the time of installation of your solar panel or shortly after. If pigeons have already started to create a mess and lay eggs, we can also help with the cleaning process prior to installing the guard to prevent further damage. Call us today to have your free estimate!
