The Dos and Donts of Bird Nest Removal, Birds can be enchanting with their melodious songs and striking feathers. However, when they decide to nest in small spaces around your home, they can create problems. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to remove the nests. Although, it should always be done with care and consideratio n for the birds’ well-being. In our blog, we’ll dig into the do’s and don’ts of bird nest removal. Thus, ensuring you understand how to proceed wisely and responsibly. From obtaining valid Mississauga permits to preventing harm to humans, we’ll cover all the essential aspects. Eventually, guiding you through this process safely and legally.
1. Consider Legal Permits
When it comes to bird removal, it’s vital to follow the law. Moreover, make sure a valid permit issued before taking any action. In Canada, the Migratory Birds Regulations protect nests of all migratory bird species when they are occupied. Thus, meaning they cannot be disturbed while birds or eggs are present. These laws are in place to safeguard birds during their breeding and nesting seasons. Thus, ensuring their populations remain healthy.
Attempting to move a nest without proper authorization not only carries legal consequences but also risks ecological imbalances and harm to delicate bird populations. So, before considering any removal, it’s essential to check for a valid permit.
2. Inspect the nest(The Dos and Don’ts of Bird Nest Removal)
Before taking any action, it’s vital to inspect the nest closely. Safety comes first, so ensure the birds are away before examining it. If it’s in a hard-to-reach spot, avoid risking injury by climbing. Instead, consider hiring pest control professionals to inspect it for you. If the nest contains eggs or baby birds, it’s best to leave it be until after the nesting season to avoid disturbing the birds. Even if the nest seems unoccupied, remember that adult birds may just be momentarily away. It is advised to clean the nest only long after the birds have left.
3. Timing Matters
Timing is crucial when it comes to removing a bird nest. It’s important to ensure that the nest is inactive before attempting to remove it. While most bird species produce one clutch of eggs annually, some can produce multiple clutches in a year. In Canada, birds typically build a nest and mate between mid-March and late August. Although, this varies among species. Determining the best time to move or remove a bird nest can be challenging due to this variation. Seeking advice from a pest control professional can help determine the optimal timing for your specific situation.
4. Nest Prevention
Prevent bird nests from being built in unwanted areas. It is the key to minimizing conflicts between birds and human activities. One effective strategy is to disturb the construction process by regularly inspecting areas where birds might build nests. If you notice birds frequenting a specific location on your property. Take action to remove any materials they’ve gathered, such as sticks and debris. By staying proactive, you can create an environment less conducive to nest-building. Thus, reduce the risk of potential hazards like clogged gutters and drains. However, it’s important to remember that prevention is most effective when implemented before nests are established. As removing nests once they’re built can pose challenges and may not always be possible.
Tarzan Wildlife
At Tarzan Wildlife Inc, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting both our clients and wildlife across Canada for years. Also, offering our services at nominal charges. Removing birds and their nests from homes is a task requiring great care and responsibility. Surely, our skilled workers are well-equipped for the job and remove any activity harmful to humans. Trained and experienced, they approach bird removal with a humane touch, ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. Rest assured, we strictly adhere to all rules and regulations governing wildlife removal.
Contact us today for compassionate and effective bird nest removal services.
prevent birds from nesting, nest removal dos and donts, bird nest removal dos, Bird removal Service, Bird nest removal, Nest removal birds, Bird nest,Squirrel nest removal.
The Dos and Don’ts of Bird Nest Removal in Ontario: A Complete Guide
Bird nest removal is a task that many property owners in Ontario may face, especially during the spring and summer months when birds are most active. While the instinct might be to remove the nest as quickly as possible, there are specific guidelines and legal considerations that you need to follow. In Ontario, bird nests are protected by law, and improper removal can lead to serious consequences, both environmentally and legally.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the dos and don’ts of bird nest removal, including legal regulations, safety tips, and best practices for handling the situation responsibly.
The Legal Considerations for Bird Nest Removal in Ontario
Before diving into the details of how to remove a bird nest, it is crucial to understand the legal aspects of doing so in Ontario.
1. Know the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
In Canada, bird species are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), which is the counterpart to the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This act prohibits the disturbance, destruction, or removal of migratory bird nests and eggs. The MBCA applies to most birds that migrate between Canada and the United States, as well as other migratory species.
During nesting season, which typically spans from April to August, disturbing a bird nest can result in heavy fines or legal action. Some of the birds protected by this act include:
- Canadian Geese
- Sparrows
- Swallows
- Robins
- Pigeons
2. Seasonal Considerations: When is it Safe to Remove a Nest?
The best time to remove a bird nest is before birds have started nesting. In Ontario, nesting typically occurs between late April and August. If you notice a nest being built or you spot eggs in it, you may not be able to remove the nest legally until the young birds have fledged or the nesting season is over.
Birds are also protected by law after they begin incubating eggs. Removing nests that contain eggs or baby birds during this time is illegal unless you have special permission from local wildlife authorities.
The Dos of Bird Nest Removal
Even though removing a bird nest is sometimes necessary, it’s important to handle the situation with care. Here are the key dos of bird nest removal in Ontario:
1. Do Observe and Wait for the Right Time
If you notice a bird nest early in the season, it’s best to wait and observe the situation. Birds generally lay their eggs in early spring and incubate them for a few weeks. Once the eggs hatch, the baby birds will fledge (leave the nest), and only then is it safe to remove the nest.
- Check for Activity: Before removing a nest, check to see if it’s actively being used. Look for birds entering or leaving the nest. If the nest is abandoned and no birds have been seen for a while, you may proceed with removal.
- Allow Birds to Fledge: If the nest contains young birds, allow them to fledge naturally. Disturbing the nest before they leave can cause unnecessary stress or even harm the young birds.
2. Do Call Professional Bird Removal Services
In many cases, it’s best to call a professional pest control or wildlife removal service if you encounter a bird nest in a hard-to-reach location (like in the eaves of your roof, attic, or chimney). Professional technicians are well-versed in the legal and safety aspects of bird nest removal.
Professional services also ensure that the removal is done safely without disturbing the birds or violating any laws. They can help guide you on the best practices for handling the nest, and they may also be able to relocate the nest safely, depending on the species.
3. Do Use Humane Methods
If you are handling bird nest removal on your own, always use humane methods. The goal is not to harm the birds or their habitat. For example:
- Relocate the Nest: If the nest is in a location that poses a risk to the birds (e.g., inside your attic), you might be able to carefully relocate it to a safer location. However, only do this if you are certain the birds have not yet laid eggs.
- Block Entry Points: If birds are nesting in your home (e.g., in your attic, chimney, or eaves), after removing the nest, block off the entry points to prevent future nesting. You can use bird netting, mesh, or seal cracks and gaps around your property.
4. Do Follow Local Regulations
Different municipalities in Ontario may have their own guidelines for handling bird nest removal. Be sure to consult your local wildlife authorities or municipal offices for specific regulations that apply in your area.
You can also check in with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for any species-specific regulations related to bird nest removal.
The Don’ts of Bird Nest Removal
While there are many legal and ethical considerations when removing bird nests, there are also several key don’ts that should be avoided to ensure the process goes smoothly and responsibly.
1. Don’t Remove Nests During the Nesting Season
As mentioned earlier, you should never remove a bird nest during the active nesting season, especially when it contains eggs or baby birds. Doing so is not only unethical but also illegal under the MBCA.
Even if the birds have left the nest, it’s essential to give them time to fledge and leave the nest behind. Disturbing an active or recently used nest can disrupt the birds’ natural life cycle and lead to fines or other legal consequences.
2. Don’t Destroy the Nest or Eggs
It is illegal to destroy a bird nest or its eggs in Ontario. This includes tossing the nest out or destroying the eggs. Doing so may result in penalties and legal action, as it violates wildlife protection laws.
If you come across a nest with eggs or chicks, the best course of action is to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or professional bird removal service. They can help assess the situation and offer a solution that doesn’t harm the birds.
3. Don’t Handle Nests with Bare Hands
Handling bird nests, especially those with eggs or chicks, should always be done with care. Birds have a sensitive sense of smell, and handling a nest with bare hands can transfer human scent to the nest, causing the parents to abandon it. If you need to move a nest, always wear gloves to minimize scent transfer.
Additionally, disturbing a nest too much can cause stress to the adult birds, leading them to abandon the nest or their eggs.
4. Don’t Use Poison or Pesticides
If you are trying to discourage birds from nesting in certain areas of your property, never use poison or pesticides. These chemicals can harm the birds and their environment. Instead, use humane bird deterrents such as reflective tape, bird spikes, or netting to prevent nesting.
5. Don’t Ignore the Source of the Problem
If you find yourself dealing with frequent bird nests in the same location (such as your roof or chimney), don’t ignore the root cause of the problem. There may be an underlying issue, such as easy access points for the birds, that needs to be addressed to prevent future nesting.
By identifying and sealing the entry points, you can ensure that birds will not continue to build nests in the same spot year after year. This can save you the hassle of repeated removals.
Tips for Preventing Bird Nests in the Future
Once you’ve removed a bird nest safely and legally, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are a few tips for bird-proofing your home or property:
- Seal Entry Points: Ensure there are no gaps, cracks, or holes in your roof, attic, windows, or vents that birds can use as entry points.
- Install Bird Netting: Installing bird netting around areas such as eaves, gutters, and rooftops can make it difficult for birds to nest in those locations.
- Use Bird Spikes: Bird spikes can be placed on ledges, window sills, or other flat surfaces to discourage birds from nesting there.
- Install Reflective Tape or Scare Devices: Birds are often deterred by shiny, reflective surfaces. Hanging reflective tape, CDs, or even placing wind chimes around areas where you don’t want birds to nest can keep them away.
Conclusion
Bird nest removal in Ontario requires a careful, considerate approach due to both legal and ethical considerations. It’s essential to respect the laws protecting migratory birds, which include not disturbing nests with eggs or chicks. If you find yourself with a bird nest on your property, the best approach is to wait until the young birds have fledged or contact a professional service to handle the removal safely.
Remember, prevention is always better than removal, and by taking proactive steps to bird-proof your property, you can avoid dealing with nests in the future.
Whether you decide to tackle bird nest removal yourself or enlist the help of experts, always ensure that your actions align with the laws and best practices for humane, legal wildlife management in Ontario.
