Unwanted Birds in Gatineau & Ottawa: Safe and Humane Removal Solutions

The cheerful chirps of birds are a welcome sound in Gatineau and Ottawa.  However, their enthusiasm for nesting can sometimes lead them to unwelcome locations – your home!  This can create a mess, potential damage, and health concerns. Aspen Wildlife Control prioritizes safe and humane bird removal methods that comply with local regulations.

Common Problem Birds:

• House Sparrows: These adaptable birds readily build nests near human dwellings, including attics, eaves, and behind siding. Their nests can block vents and soffits, causing moisture problems and potential fire hazards.
• European Starlings: Aggressive and competitive, starlings favor cavities in buildings for nesting, causing blockages and ventilation issues. Their droppings can be corrosive and damage surfaces.
• Rock Pigeons: Familiar urban residents, pigeons roost and nest on ledges, roofs, and balconies, creating sanitation concerns and potential damage. Their droppings can harbor diseases and their constant cooing can be a nuisance.
• House Finches: Beloved songbirds, house finches can cause problems when they nest near vents, eaves, or shutters, potentially clogging them with nesting materials.
• Woodpeckers: While beneficial insectivores, woodpeckers can damage siding and shingles as they drill for food and create nesting cavities. Their drumming can also be a nuisance.

Signs of a Bird Problem:

• Unusual chirping, hooting, or fluttering noises, particularly near eaves, vents, or chimneys during the day.
• Birds perched on rooftops, ledges, or nesting under eaves.
• Droppings and feathers near potential nesting sites.
• Signs of pecking damage to vents, soffits, and eaves.

Humane Bird Removal Techniques:

• Adhering to Regulations: We prioritize methods that comply with guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Forests, Fauna and Parks (MFFP) in Quebec and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) in Ontario.
• Exclusion Techniques: These methods allow birds to leave your property on their own but prevent them from re-entering:
• One-Way Doors: Strategically installed at entry points, these doors allow trapped birds to exit but prevent them from returning.
• Habitat Corridors: When feasible, temporary corridors can guide birds away from nesting sites towards more suitable locations.
• Habitat Modification: Minor modifications, like sealing small gaps or removing nesting materials, can deter birds from establishing nests in unwanted locations (following provincial wildlife regulations).
• Live Trapping (Last Resort): Only used as a last resort, adhering to provincial guidelines, live traps are placed strategically and monitored regularly. Captured birds are then relocated to suitable habitats away from human residences.

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 birds. We address the underlying reasons – like potential entry points – and implement strategies to prevent future problems.

Keeping Birds Out for Good:

Once birds are removed, we’ll identify and seal all entry points using durable materials.  We can also provide recommendations on minimizing attractants around your property, such as bird feeders or accessible food sources.

Contact Aspen Wildlife Control:

Let our experienced technicians handle the bird removal process humanely and effectively.  Restore your peace of mind and keep unwanted birds out of your Gatineau or Ottawa home!