A town south of London is facing a bombardment of bird poop brought on by a “growing” influx of winged interlopers that officials just don’t have an answer for.
“You walk around and they are cooing above you. All the babies are squawking, and then they could poo on you,” Ashford business owner Vince Monticelli told South West News Service.
“Our town has been taken over by seagulls and pigeons.”
The Ashford Borough Council has been gliding around the issue after walking back April’s plans to get a hawk that would ward off the unwanted new residents in the Kent nabe.
“We have researched carefully, and following consultation with relevant stakeholders and local businesses, we believe at this time there is an insufficient need for a hawk service to be introduced to the town center,” a government spokesperson said.
The situation is “under review” and could include a four-month trial with the predatory bird, though the idea has reportedly been dropped for now.
Initially, the locale also felt that a hawk being walked around by a professional caretaker also would make for an especially appealing “attraction.”
Monticelli, also, stood firm: “I think they are an issue and the council probably should’ve got the hawk.”
Other locals, like Russell Green, doubled down on the problems pigeons are causing, too.
Troves of pigeons and seagulls are pooping all over an English town.KM / SWNS
“I don’t see why they couldn’t get [a hawk] in for a couple of days a month,” he said. “Once pigeons and seagulls know there is a hawk here, they won’t bother coming back.”
Another man who works in the town, Connor Moon, suggested the winged visitors “don’t do us any harm” and blamed the poop-apalooza on bird brains who feed the avians, inadvertently inviting them to come back — with friends.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
I think that’s the first time I’ve ever used the word “poop” in a blog title, but I digress…
The infamous “Bird Poop Building” on Yonge Street has been vacant for 25 years, and surprise, surprise – it’s going to be turned into a condo…
If you know me, you know that I have a serious man-love for old, historic, Toronto buildings.
I’m fascinated by our city’s history, and while we simply can’t compete with the thousand-year-old structures in Europe, we do have our own little slice of history here in Toronto.
One of the most fun blog features I ever worked on was The Buildings of The St. Lawrence Market, back in 2009. I did a three-part series on all the historic buildings in the area; a must-read for many of you who missed it! You can read Part One HERE.
I’ve always admired the Bank of Commerce on Yonge Street, in between Queen & Shuter, but it’s a little…..ummmm……dirty, shall we say?
Over the years, this building has been used and abused by some of the most carefree and unpoliced members of our society: pigeons.
For some reason, pigeons love to empty their bowels (if birds have bowels…..any bird enthusiasts among my readers who can shed some light??) on this building and the neighbouring building immediately north. Over time, these two buildings have simply become known as “the bird poop buildings.”
And seeing the photos I took below, can you argue?
Wow. I don’t know what to say…
I’ve walked by these buildings many, many times over the years, and I’ve always thought, “I really wish somebody would do something with those buildings!” It’s such a shame that a great piece of Toronto’s history is just sitting there getting crapped on by these guys:
Damn pigeons!
Well, time hasn’t been kind to the Bank of Commerce at 197-199 Yonge Street, but the future is bright!
I suppose it’s a bit of a double-edged sword, however. I had always hoped that this beautiful building would be restored and turned into a library, museum, or event hall, but in actual fact, it’s going to be turned into yet another condo. I suppose it’s the lesser of two evils; that is, it would be worse to see the building torn down or have it fall into even worse disrepair, although I’m not sure that’s possible…
Built in 1905, the Bank of Commerce has actually been abandoned since 1987! It’s had many different uses over the years, and you can actually still see the words “DENTIST” on the second floor of the building where somebody probably practiced in the 60’s or 70’s:
Little-known developer, MOD Developments will be turning the historical building into a 60-storey condominium called “Massey Towers,” which already has a large advertisement up at the current site. MOD Development’s only other project to date is FIVE Condos at St. Joseph’s & Yonge Street, but Massey Towers will be designed by renowned firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, whose projects are too many to name, but include One City Hall, Minto775, ART, Shangri-La, and my current residence, Vu Condos.
Like I said – it’s cliche that this site will become “yet, another condo,” but it’s better than letting it sit there and rot.
The article in this past week’s Globe & Mail, quoted the owner of MOD Developments, Gary Switzer, as saying, “What does it say about our city to have a building like this empty right on the main street?”
I couldn’t possibly agree more.
Yonge Street is famous! It’s the best-known street in Toronto, and one of the most well-known streets in our entire country!
How could we let this happen?
Yet we have a poo-covered building sitting there, rotting away.
It reminds me of this:
Those of you that read my blog during its infancy in 2007 will recall the photos and blog posts from my trip to Serbia.
These buildings are on the Belgrade’s equivalent of Yonge Street, and the city doesn’t have the money to fix them, so they don’t. These buildings have been sitting here in this condition for almost twenty years, and they’ll likely remain as such indefinitely.
Toronto is not Serbia, but yet the Bank of Commerce and its sister building at 205 Yonge Street, the Bank of Toronto, draw some eerie similarities to the photo above:
Two buildings, both beautiful and historic, and both ruined by time. And poo…
The crazy thing is – the Bank of Toronto is an even more impressive structure! I wonder what will become of that building? Perhaps, phase two of the condominium development at Massey Towers?
Dare to dream…
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
BOCA RATON — In a community proud of its well-off residents, fancy shops and upscale resorts, pigeon droppings outside City Hall are taken seriously.
City workers have used pressure sprayers to wash the droppings away and tried electricity and a recording of a hawk screeching to scare off the pigeons, but the birds — and their mess — remain.
“The pigeons hang out on the light fixtures and the droppings get on the sidewalk right in front of the front door,” Assistant City Manager George Brown said.
In their first attempt to get rid of the birds, workers rigged 12-volt wires around the City Hall’s windows, where the pigeons like to roost. That’s not enough electricity to kill the birds, but workers hoped it would make them uncomfortable enough to move, which they did — a few feet away to some light fixtures.
This month, workers installed a speaker on the roof, hoping that recordings of screeching hawks would drive them away. The pigeons, in their own way, just laughed.
“They just decided they like it here for some reason,” Brown said.
Tim Brown, the education director at a nearby wildlife hospital, said the common pigeon — which is actually the African rock dove — lives on stone outcroppings in the wild, making them perfect city dwellers.
“Architecturally, we build all these wonderful habitats for pigeons,” he said. To get rid of the birds, he suggests chicken wire, which would be unsightly, or installing strips studded with needles.
But city officials have other ideas.
“Poison corn,” said Bob DiChristopher, deputy director of municipal services. After a moment’s pause, he added: “That’s just a joke.”
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Solar panels are an excellent investment—but they also attract unwanted tenants: pigeons. Birds love to nest underneath panels because they provide warmth, shade, and protection from predators.
If left unchecked, bird activity can lead to clogged gutters, wiring damage, reduced energy efficiency, and thousands in repairs. The good news? With proper solar panel bird proofing, you can protect your solar system and prevent infestations—all without harming the birds.
Why Do Birds Nest Under Solar Panels?
Warm, Sheltered Space Solar panels create the perfect microclimate—warm, dry, and shaded.
Safety from Predators Being under panels keeps pigeons out of reach of cats, hawks, and raccoons.
Easy Access to Nesting Materials Nearby trees, garbage, or roof gardens provide ample nesting material.
Dangers of Bird Nesting Under Solar Panels
Wiring Damage – Birds chew and pull on cables
Fire Risk – Nesting materials are flammable
Reduced Efficiency – Debris and droppings cause panel shading
Roof Damage – Moisture and droppings cause corrosion and leakage
Health Hazards – Pigeon droppings carry histoplasmosis and salmonella
Solar Panel Bird Proofing Products
1. Bird Netting and Solar Mesh Guards
The most effective solution is to install UV-stabilized mesh or netting around the perimeter of the solar array. Shop Bird Netting Here: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/
Benefits:
Keeps birds from entering underneath panels
Blends with roof aesthetics
Weatherproof and long-lasting
Can be DIY-installed or professionally fitted
2. Bird Spikes for Edges and Frames
Install spikes along the outer edge of solar panels to prevent birds from landing or walking around the system. Explore Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Best for:
Lower panel edges
Surrounding rooftop ledges
Gutter edges below panels
3. Ultrasonic Bird Repellers
Ultrasonic bird repellers emit high-frequency sound that’s unpleasant for birds but inaudible to humans. Browse Ultrasonic Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
Use alongside netting for added protection.
How to Install Bird Proofing for Solar Panels
Step 1: Clean the Area Remove all bird nests, droppings, and debris. Disinfect the area thoroughly.
Step 2: Install Mesh or Netting Use solar mesh clips or roof-friendly fasteners to secure netting around the perimeter of the solar panel system.
Step 3: Add Bird Spikes or Repellers Install spikes on exposed edges or install a repeller unit to deter future roosting attempts.
Step 4: Regular Maintenance Inspect the proofing system every 6–12 months for wear and tear, especially after heavy storms.
Who Needs Solar Panel Bird Proofing?
Homeowners with Rooftop Solar Especially in urban or suburban areas with high pigeon populations.
Commercial Properties with Solar Arrays Warehouses, retail plazas, schools, or hospitals with rooftop solar systems.
Solar Panel Installers & Property Managers Protect client investments and reduce callbacks for bird-related service issues.
Yes. Birds can damage wiring, reduce efficiency, and cause expensive roof damage.
What is the best way to bird-proof solar panels?
The most effective method is mesh or netting around the perimeter, combined with bird spikes and ultrasonic deterrents.
How long does solar panel bird proofing last?
Pigeon Patrol’s mesh and netting systems are rated for 5–10 years or longer.
Will this hurt the birds?
No. All products are humane, non-toxic, and environmentally safe.
Bird-proofing your solar panels is a small investment that protects your energy system, roof, and health. Whether you’re a homeowner or a building manager, the best time to act is before pigeons move in.
If you live in a condo or apartment, you know how frustrating it is when pigeons take over your balcony. They leave droppings, feathers, and nesting materials, turning your relaxing outdoor space into a dirty, unsanitary mess.
Fortunately, pigeon control for balconies is not only possible—it’s easy, affordable, and completely humane. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best ways to deter pigeons from your balcony, using proven products from Pigeon Patrol.
Why Pigeons Love Balconies
Balconies are perfect roosting spots for pigeons because they offer:
Shelter from wind and rain
Proximity to food sources
Ideal nesting areas behind furniture, BBQs, and planters
Quiet, undisturbed locations
Problems Pigeons Cause on Balconies
Health Hazards Pigeon droppings carry fungi, bacteria, and parasites that can cause:
Histoplasmosis
E. coli
Salmonella
Structural Damage Their acidic waste corrodes concrete, railings, and balcony furniture.
Mess and Odor Feathers, nesting materials, and droppings smell bad and look worse.
Best Pigeon Control Products for Balconies
1. Bird Spikes for Railings and Ledges
Bird spikes are an effective physical barrier to keep pigeons from landing or perching on your railing. Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
Magnetic bird repellers have proven successful in preventing birds from flying into specific areas. A strong magnetic force interferes with birds sense of direction which confuses and disorientates pest birds, causing them to leave the area effected. These are excellent pigeon deterrents. Check Out Magnetic Bird Defender: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/product/magnetic-bird-defender/
How to Pigeon-Proof Your Balcony – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clean the Area Remove all droppings, nesting materials, and debris. Sanitize thoroughly.
Step 2: Install Barriers Apply spikes to railings and ledges, or install netting across the open areas.
Step 3: Use a Repeller Place an ultrasonic device or sound deterrent to add another layer of defense.
Step 4: Remove Attractants Eliminate open food, water, or cozy nooks where pigeons may try to nest.
Bonus Tips for Pigeon-Free Balconies
Avoid feeding other birds—it attracts pigeons
Remove cushions or cover furniture when not in use
Use motion-activated deterrents if spikes and netting aren’t enough
Don’t use fake owls unless you move them regularly (pigeons will learn they’re fake)
Why Choose Pigeon Patrol for Balcony Pigeon Control?
Serving BC’s Lower Mainland for 15+ years
All products are safe, humane, and discreet
Trusted by property managers, homeowners, and condo associations
Fast shipping and professional advice
FAQs
Are bird spikes legal to use on balconies?
Yes. They’re completely legal, humane, and used on buildings worldwide.
Can I install pigeon netting myself?
Yes, but if you’re unsure, a professional installer will ensure full coverage with no gaps.
Will the deterrents harm birds?
No. All solutions are non-lethal and environmentally safe.
How quickly do pigeons leave after deterrents are installed?
Often within days—but it depends on how long they’ve nested. Older infestations may take longer.
If pigeons have made your balcony their home, it’s time to take it back. With a combination of spikes, netting, and ultrasonic repellers, you can enjoy your outdoor space again—clean, quiet, and bird-free.
