The cheerful chirping of birds is a welcome sound in Gatineau and Ottawa. However, their enthusiasm for nesting can sometimes lead them to unwanted places—your home. This can result in damage, potential harm, and health concerns. Aspen Wildlife Control prioritizes safe and humane bird relocation methods that comply with local regulations.
Common problem birds:
- Sparrows : These adaptable birds readily build their nests near human dwellings, particularly in attics, eaves, and behind siding. Their nests can obstruct vents and soffits, causing moisture problems and fire hazards.
- Starlings : Aggressive and competitive, starlings prefer building cavities for nesting, which can lead to blockages and ventilation problems. Their droppings can be corrosive and damage surfaces.
- Pigeons : Familiar urban residents, pigeons perch and nest on ledges, roofs, and balconies, creating hygiene problems and potential damage. Their droppings can carry diseases, and their constant cooing can be a nuisance.
- Finches : Loved by bird lovers for their song, finches can be a problem when they nest near vents, eaves or shutters, risking clogging them with nesting materials.
- Woodpeckers : Although beneficial insectivores, woodpeckers can damage siding and shingles while foraging and creating nesting cavities. Their drumming can also be a nuisance.
Signs of a bird problem:
- Unusual chirping, hooting or flapping sounds, especially near eaves, vents or chimneys during the day.
- Birds perched on roofs, ledges or nesting under eaves.
- Droppings and feathers near potential nesting sites.
- Signs of damage caused by pecking on vents, soffits and eaves.
Techniques for moving birds using human methods:
- Compliance with regulations : We prioritize methods that comply with the guidelines established by the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks ( MFFP ) in Quebec and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry ( OMNRF ) in Ontario.
- Displacement techniques : These methods allow birds to leave your property on their own but prevent them from returning:
- One-way gates : Strategically installed at entry points, these gates allow controlled birds to exit but prevent them from returning.
- Habitat corridors : Where possible, temporary corridors can guide birds away from nesting sites to more suitable locations.
- Habitat modification : In some cases, minor modifications, such as sealing small gaps or removing nesting materials, may discourage birds from establishing themselves in undesirable locations (subject to provincial wildlife regulations).
- Live control : Used only as a last resort, in accordance with provincial guidelines, traps are strategically placed and regularly monitored. Controlled birds are then relocated to suitable habitats away from human dwellings.
Why we avoid certain methods:
- Inhumane techniques : We never use chemical deterrents or poisons. These methods are not only cruel but ineffective and disrupt the ecosystem.
- Focus on long-term solutions : Our approach goes beyond simply removing the birds. We look at the underlying reasons – such as potential entry points – and implement strategies to prevent future problems.
Preventing the birds from returning:
Once the birds have been relocated, we will identify and seal all entry points using durable materials. We can also provide recommendations for minimizing attractants around your property, such as bird feeders or easily accessible food sources.
Contact Aspen Wildlife Control:
Let our experienced technicians handle the bird removal process humanely and efficiently. Regain peace of mind and keep unwanted birds away from your home in Gatineau or Ottawa!
