This document discusses the top 4 bird pests in Canada: pigeons, starlings, house sparrows, and Canadian geese. It describes how each species can be problematic through their droppings, noise, aggressive behavior, and ability to damage property or spread disease. The document also outlines the health and safety issues posed by bird pests like contamination from droppings or nesting in vents. Finally, it provides recommendations for preventing bird infestations through removing food sources, sealing entry points, and using deterrents like wire mesh or fake predators.

1. Top 4 Bird Pest in Canada
Birds are one of nature’s most magnificent creatures, but they can
become a major nuisance when they invade our homes, gardens, and
farms.
In Canada, several bird species are considered pests due to their
destructive behaviour.
From the notorious Canada geese to the annoying pigeons, these
feathered creatures can cause significant damage to homes and even
pose a health risk to humans.
Today, we will look at the top bird pests you can encounter in Canada,
their habits, and the best strategies for keeping them at bay.
So, get ready to discover the fascinating world of bird pests and learn
how to protect yourself and your property from these feathered
nuisances.
What Are Pest Birds?

2. Understanding these bird pests is the first step to controlling them
The most common Canadian bird pests are the following:
● Pigeons
Pigeons are among the most common birds in urban areas.

3. Despite their seemingly harmless appearance, pigeons have earned
the unflattering nickname of “rats with wings” since they are known
carriers of several diseases.
One of the most significant issues caused by pigeons is their
droppings.
These droppings are unsightly, foul-smelling, and highly acidic, which
can corrode building materials.
Breathing in contaminated pigeon droppings (via dust or water
droplets) can expose you to harmful pathogens like Psittacosis and
Salmonella.
Pigeons can also be extremely noisy and are an atmospheric
nuisance to people living and working in urban areas.
● Starlings
European starlings are an invasive species and one of the most
widespread birds in North America, with a population exceeding 200
million.
Although small, they are known for their ability to gather in enormous
flocks of up to 20,000 birds.

4. The sheer population of these flocks can damage trees and other
vegetation.
Starlings are aggressive birds and can compete with native bird
species for resources, such as nesting sites and food.
They are known to outcompete other bird species, leading to a decline
in native populations, which can have cascading effects on the local
ecosystem.
● House Sparrow
House sparrows have adapted to urban and suburban areas,
especially to human-created environments.
This has granted the species some security from natural predators,
allowing them to thrive in areas where other bird species struggle to
survive.
House sparrows are surprisingly aggressive birds known to oust
native bird species from their nests, taking over nesting sites, and
driving away other birds.
House sparrows are also voracious eaters, consuming large quantities
of food and wildlife, which can lead to resource competition and hurt
the local ecosystem.

5. ● Canadian Geese
Canadian geese have established breeding colonies in urban and
cultivated areas, including parks, where they can be seen grazing on
grassy lawns or swimming in nearby ponds and lakes.
Despite their popularity as a symbol of Canadian wildlife, Canadian
geese are often considered a nuisance.
Canadian geese are known to strip fields of crops and cause
significant problems for farmers.
They are also known to damage property, such as golf courses and
parks.
They have loud honks and calls that can be heard from a distance,
adding to the noise pollution.
They can also be aggressive towards humans and other animals,
particularly during the breeding season when they protect their nests.
What Problems Do Bird Pests
Bring?

6. Bird pests can compromise the safety and security of a community
● Health and Sanitation Risks
Birds like pigeons, starlings, house sparrows, and Canadian geese
pose health and sanitation risks to humans, pets, and the
environment.

7. They can carry diseases such as chlamydiosis, avian flu, and other
parasitic infections like tapeworms.
Additionally, ticks, fleas, and mites frequently attach themselves to
birds, which can become a health hazard when brought onto your
property.
Bird droppings can also make railings, steps, or fire escapes slippery
and hazardous to walk on.
● Property Damage
In addition to posing health and sanitation risks, birds can cause
significant property damage.
Bird waste contains uric acid, which is highly corrosive and can
damage wooden varnish or finish, strip away paint, and compromise
the structural integrity of roofs, decks, and other structures.
Bird debris, such as nesting materials, can also place undue strain on
gutters, downspouts, and vents, potentially causing blockages and
water damage.
In some cases, birds may chew or pick away at housing material to
create nests and build shelters, leading to further property damage.

8. ● Home Interference
Birds can cause significant interference with the operation of your
home or business.
To build their nests, they often choose out-of-the-way locations, such
as vents, gutters, rafters, ledges, or other elevated, sheltered spots.
If a bird nest clogs a vent, it can reduce the air supply to your home or
business.
Birds nesting near electrical installations may also damage the wiring
and cause short circuits, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Bird droppings left behind in these areas can contaminate the air
supply, posing a significant health risk to you and your family or
employees.
Debris left behind in gutters can also cause water to overflow during
storms, damaging your property.
● Psychological Distress
The constant presence of birds, noise, and mess can be incredibly
disruptive to your peace of mind.

9. It’s especially true for geese, which can be incredibly protective of
their young and exhibit aggressive territorial behaviour towards
humans.
Getting attacked by geese protecting their young is intimidating and
downright scary.
The emotional distress and anxiety caused by such an encounter can
linger long after the perpetrator has flown away.
How to Get Rid of Birds
Bird infestations can be prevented and controlled through various
exclusion methods.
These methods are designed to remove any factors that attract birds,
eliminate areas where they can build nests, and discourage them from
returning to your property.
Some of the most common exclusion methods include:
● Eliminating sources of food –

10. Bird feeders intended for other species should be removed as
they may attract bird pests.
Removing other food sources, such as uncovered garbage bins,
can help deter birds from congregating around your property.
● Repairing and sealing damage –
Birds can enter buildings through small cracks or openings.
Identifying and repairing gaps in roofs, walls, and windows that
can serve as an entry point is important.
● Covering vents and other openings –
Vents and other openings in buildings that cannot be sealed
should be covered with wire mesh to prevent entry.
● Placing fake predatory birds –

11. Statuettes of birds of prey, such as hawks or owls, can be placed
near ledges to create the illusion of a threat.
Bird spikes, wires, and slides can also be installed around your
property to eliminate perch points and nesting sites.
Are birds causing damage and health risks to your property and
community?
Don’t let bird pests take over your space any longer! Pro Pest
Corporation is here to help your bird control problems and eliminate
them.
Our team of experts specializes in safe and effective bird removal
methods.
Reach out to Pro Pest Corporation today and call us at 416-487-4179
to schedule a consultation or request animal or wildlife removal at your
Toronto property.