A Proud Canadian Company 
Pigeons on a London roof, balcony or loading dock bring droppings, noise and damage to building surfaces. Toodaloo Pest Control installs non-lethal deterrents such as spikes, netting and track systems that stop pigeons landing and nesting, for homes, apartment buildings and commercial properties across London, Ontario. Request a quote online or call 519-914-0478.
Health Canada says pigeon droppings may pose a health hazard to the general public. It names two fungal diseases linked to droppings: histoplasmosis, which can cause fatigue, fever and chest pains, and cryptococcosis. Both are a greater risk for people with weakened immune systems, and Health Canada notes that people may breathe in the fungus when removing droppings, so heavy accumulations should be handled with care.
Droppings also stain and build up on ledges, balconies, signs, solar panels and rooftop equipment, and nests block gutters and vents.
Feeding is often what keeps a flock in one spot. The City of London’s Public Nuisance By-law (PH-18) prohibits “nuisance feeding of wildlife”, which includes feeding that leads to an excessive accumulation of food such as bird seed and seed casings, or of wildlife feces, on public or private property. The City’s own guidance notes that heavy bird feeding builds up hardier species such as pigeons, starlings and sparrows. Complaints go to the City at 519-661-4660 or [email protected], and the maximum penalty is $10,000.
Health Canada says the way to control pigeons is to change their environment so a site stops being attractive:
Not every bird on a ledge is a pigeon, and the rules differ. Ontario says most birds, nests and eggs are protected under the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and migratory birds under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. The province lists a short set of exceptions whose nests and eggs can be removed without approval, including the house sparrow and the European starling. Before any nest is touched, the species needs to be identified so nothing protected is disturbed.
Pigeons stay where they find three things together: food, water and a sheltered ledge. Flat roofs with rooftop units, parking structures, signs, gaps under solar panels and balconies with stored items give them shelter, and Health Canada points to rooftop air conditioners as a common water source. Remove one of the three and the site becomes much less attractive; remove all three and add deterrents and the flock usually moves on.
On commercial and multi-unit buildings, pigeons gather on parapets, signage, loading bay canopies and rooftop equipment. The work is usually planned in sections: clean the area, close openings into the building, then fit the right deterrent to each surface so birds are not simply pushed from one ledge to the next.
On a balcony the usual fix is netting across the open front, which Health Canada lists as an option, plus removing anything that offers shelter or food. In a rental or condominium, check with the landlord or condominium board before anything is attached to the building.
Toodaloo is a licensed pest control company with $5 million in liability insurance, and each visit is covered by our satisfaction guarantee.
Yes. We install non-lethal deterrents such as spikes, netting and track systems on homes, apartment buildings and commercial properties so pigeons stop landing and nesting.
Health Canada says they may pose a health hazard and links them to histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, mainly a risk for people with weakened immune systems. Avoid stirring up dry droppings when cleaning.
The City’s Public Nuisance By-law PH-18 prohibits nuisance feeding of wildlife, including feeding that causes an excessive build-up of bird seed or droppings. The maximum penalty is $10,000.
Talk to them first. If the feeding causes excessive seed or droppings, you can report nuisance feeding to the City of London at 519-661-4660 or [email protected].
Remove food, water and clutter, and hang fine netting across the front of the balcony, as Health Canada suggests. Ask your landlord or condo board before attaching anything.
Make sure it really is a pigeon nest first. Ontario protects most birds, nests and eggs, with a short list of exceptions such as house sparrows and European starlings. Wear gloves and a mask and avoid stirring up dry droppings.
They may test the site for a while. Removing food and water sources at the same time, as Health Canada advises, is what makes the change stick.
Their droppings build up and stain ledges, signs and rooftop equipment, and nests can block gutters and vents. Cleaning and deterrents together stop the build-up.
It depends on the size of the area, the deterrent that suits each surface and how much clean-up is needed. Request a quote and we will look at the site.
