What to Do to Prevent Birds from Making a Nest at Your Home

by Sos Wildlife Control | May 23, 2018 | Bird Control

It is true that birds can easily capture your attention with their beautiful songs, but when they start taking over your homes, it’s another story. Once you notice that birds are starting to build nests in your outdoor area, you have to take action. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Not only will they block your ventilation system, they will also transmit harmful diseases.

Don’t worry because there is something you can do to keep birds from nesting in your homes. We’ve compiled a few ideas below.

1. Consider using scare tactics.

One effective way to keep birds from nesting and roosting in your homes is to scare them away. That way, they won’t feel welcome. Below are some scare tactics you can use:

Plastic Owls and Fake Coyotes – Predators are among the many reasons why birds won’t make a nest in a certain place. So, why not create fake predators to prevent them from making a home in your own? Install plastic owls and fake coyotes within your area. Do not forget to move them around frequently so that birds will not think they are fake.
Noise Machines – A noisy environment doesn’t favor birds. For them, it makes them feel uncomfortable. But before you decide to install noisy machines around your home, make sure your neighbors are okay with it. In addition, you need to set it low enough so as not to disturb them.

2. Consider installing physical barriers.

One of the easiest ways to keep birds from building a nest at your roof or ledges is to install a physical barrier. Here are some physical bird barriers available today:

Bird Wires – Bird wires are like typical netting installations that utilize several poles to position wires along the ledges. The poles used often have varying height, which creates an uneven roosting place for birds.
Bird Netting – Bird nets are readily available in the hardware or in the local market. They are used to keep birds from certain areas that should be off limit to birds, such as the garden. These nets are not only effective at keeping birds at bay, they also repel other pesky critters, too!
Bird Spikes – Ideal for flat surfaces and building ledges, bird spikes can deter large bird species from building nests. Although they require regular cleaning once in a while, they are still opted by many homeowners.

3. Hang reflective bird diverters.

To keep birds from roosting in your perches, hang reflective bird diverters. If possible, these reflectors should mimic the eyes of any predator, such as owls and coyotes. As these diverters move and sway, birds should be scared, keeping them away from your porch.

Final Thoughts

Now, if you think you have done everything you can to keep birds from making a nest in your home, but they insist on building a nest, just be responsible. Never use poisons or sticky gels. These methods are inhumane and will only result in injuries.

The best thing you can do is to contact experts like SOS Wildlife Control. These experts can handle the problem in the best possible and humane way.

Watch Home a Raccoon Easily Opened Up the New 2018 Toronto Garbage Bins with Their Hands

by Sos Wildlife Control | May 23, 2018 | Uncategorized

In the past few days, a video has been making rounds online that showed a raccoon opening a raccoon-proof garbage bin in Toronto, Canada. This garbage bin has a circular lid on top that has to be turned to unlatch.

A local from Scarborough posted the video. According to him, he was alerted about the presence of the critter, hence the video. In less than 30 seconds, the raccoon had already successfully opened the bin, which is manufactured by Rehrig Pacific Company.

It was said that the raccoon might have been carefully observing a human on how to open the garbage bin. That is what makes raccoon cool. They learn and then adapt.

You can watch the video here:

Of course, you can do something to keep these annoying critters from invading your garbage bins. We’ve listed a few handy tips below:

1. Keep your garbage cans secure.

You have to do everything to keep your garbage bins secure until they will be picked up. If you have organic waste for disposal, keep them in the freezer first to somehow reduce the smell.
If the garbage can has to be placed outside, make sure you store it in a closed area, such as the garage, shed, or a wooden lock-box. Although bungee cords can be used to hold the can, just make sure you remove the cords in the morning so garbage collectors won’t think twice about picking it up.

2. Do not keep the cans outside overnight.

Because raccoons are nocturnal, it is not a good idea to put the garbage can outside overnight. You have to wait until the morning before you put out the can and prevent those raccoons from getting in.

3. Keep the garbage can clean.

In some cities that have a compost program, food wastes are often segregated in green bins. If you reside in a city that has this program, observe the rules.
It would also be great if you rinse all recyclable garbage before you put them in the bin. Unwashed garbage may only entice wildlife. Plus, it can hurt them. Raccoons and other wildlife may get their paws and heads stuck in broken bottles or pointed cans.

4. Put garbage bins off the ground.

If garbage bins are placed on the ground, raccoons can easily get into them. All they have to do is tip them over and then knock open the lid. If your bins have handles, you can simply hang them from a wall using a bungee cord or a bicycle hook.

Important Reminders

Raccoons are great climbers. As a matter of fact, they rarely get trapped inside garbage cans. However, if a raccoon is injured, there are chances when it gets trapped inside the bin. If you suspect a raccoon is in the garbage bin, leave it alone and call for help. SOS Wildlife Control is a reliable name to call.

On a Final Note

Yes, a raccoon can easily open a garbage bin. But, you can do something to keep it away from it. Be a responsible homeowner and observe humane ways to prevent raccoons from attacking the garbage can.