The Village of Haliburton is the heart of the Municipality of Dysart et al—home to businesses and non-profit organizations that provide shopping and services to our permanent and seasonal residents, and our visitors and tourists. Unfortunately, Haliburton is also home to a growing flock of pigeons.
While pigeon droppings are not necessarily harmful to humans, pigeons create an unsightly mess that detracts from the charm and beauty of our village.
Why are there pigeons in the Village of Haliburton?
Pigeons love living in the village because there’s generally plenty of food, accessible places to nest, and few predators. When roosting and nesting, pigeons seek out flat spots like rooftops and window ledges, and sneak into open spots in buildings like soffits and fascia.
| What can I do to deter pigeons? |
- Reduce food attractants. Clean up spills and messes as quickly as possible.
- Don’t feed the birds. Don’t feed pigeons.
- Up on the rooftop. Check your rooftop to ensure there’s nothing there that would encourage pigeons.
- Close it up. Inspect your building for any openings where pigeons could be nesting or roosting. Use bird netting, or other construction techniques, to close any holes or gaps.
- Get spikey. Install pigeon spikes to prevent pigeons from sitting on windowsills or ledges.
- Gel it. Install “optical gels” that discourage pigeons from landing on roofs (pigeons mistake these gels for flames).
- Manage your waste. Ensure the lids of any outdoor waste and recycling bins are closed when not in use. Arrange for weekly pickup of your garbage by a private hauler, or take your garbage weekly to a Dysart waste disposal site.
- Ask the experts. Ask local businesses for their recommendations on managing pigeons:
- Work together. Work with nearby businesses and organizations to ensure everyone is doing their part to prevent pigeons.
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| What has the Municipality done to deter pigeons? |
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The Municipality of Dysart et al has used a number of techniques to deter pigeons on municipal property:
- Head Lake Park: Worked with a local business to install optical gels and pigeon spikes at the Bandshell. Additionally, installed netting, and closed-off open nesting areas at the Bandshell.
- Municipal Offices: We plan to install optical gels, netting, and spikes, on the bell tower.
- AJ LaRue Arena: We will be installing optical gels in areas frequented by pigeons.
- Haliburton Landfill: Worked with a local business to repair openings in the walls and roof of the maintenance building, and humanely trapped pigeons.
The Municipality cannot deploy pigeon deterrents on private property.
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| Why isn’t poison used? |
| There are more humane ways of deterring pigeons.
In addition, other birds could ingest the poison. Your pets—or even people—could ingest the poison. Pigeons and other birds that die from poison could be ingested by other animals.
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