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Birds may be a symbol of peace and nature, but when they find their way into your home or business, they quickly become a health hazard, a fire risk, and a source of structural damage. In Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), bird infestations are an increasingly common problem for both residential and commercial property owners.
Whether it’s sparrows nesting inside dryer vents, starlings roosting in bathroom fan exhausts, or pigeons contaminating flat rooftops with droppings, the challenges posed by birds are serious and multifaceted. TSR Pest Control and Wildlife Removal specializes in the humane removal of birds from homes and businesses, while also providing industry-grade bird-proofing solutions to ensure the problem doesn’t return. Urban expansion, habitat loss, and warmer indoor conditions make buildings a perfect substitute for the natural nesting sites birds have historically used. Birds are opportunistic creatures that look for small gaps, uncovered vents, and broken soffits to access the warm, sheltered interiors of man-made structures. These areas provide protection from predators and the elements, creating a nearly ideal place to lay eggs and raise their young. Unfortunately, what is beneficial to the birds becomes disastrous for the human occupants. Once inside, birds bring in twigs, hay, garbage, and other flammable nesting materials. They clog vital systems like exhausts and vents, potentially triggering appliance failure or causing air to back up into the home. Dryer vents are especially susceptible to nesting, and arguably the most dangerous. When a bird builds a nest inside a dryer vent, it not only blocks the flow of hot air, it creates a severe fire hazard. Most homeowners are unaware of a blockage until they notice clothes not drying properly or the appliance overheating. Unlike other vents, a dryer duct can cause a fire without any spark—simply by trapping heat. In homes with gas dryers, this situation is even more alarming. A blocked vent can lead to the buildup of carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas that is lethal in high concentrations. In this sense, bird nests become a silent and hidden danger. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are also common targets for birds seeking a warm, enclosed nesting space. These systems often connect directly to the outdoors via a thin duct, which birds can easily access if no protective cage or mesh is installed. Once inside, the birds are dangerously close to fast-moving fan blades and electrical components. Adult birds may get trapped and killed by rotating fans, while chicks often fall deeper into the duct, dying of starvation or being fatally injured when the homeowner unknowingly turns on the system. The consequences are traumatic—for both the birds and the people living there. The smell of decay, the buzzing of flies, and the emotional distress of finding dead animals in your home all highlight the importance of preventing bird access in the first place. In addition to the physical dangers, there are serious health risks associated with bird infestations. Birds defecate where they nest, and their droppings accumulate rapidly in enclosed spaces like ducts and attic voids. These droppings are known to harbor a range of disease-causing organisms, including Salmonella and the fungus responsible for Histoplasmosis, a potentially severe lung infection. Spores can become airborne and enter the living space, especially if the HVAC or fan system is operating. Children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. In multi-unit dwellings or commercial settings, this health hazard can affect dozens of occupants simultaneously. One of the most insidious problems linked to bird nests is the infestation of bird mites. These tiny parasitic insects feed on the blood of birds, but once their host dies or leaves the nest, they quickly begin searching for a new food source. In a home or office setting, that source becomes the humans living or working nearby. Bird mites can enter living spaces through ductwork, wall gaps, or even directly through vents. They bite aggressively, causing itchy, painful welts and severe allergic reactions. Worse still, they reproduce at an alarming rate and are notoriously hard to eliminate without professional pest control intervention. At TSR Pest Control, we frequently receive calls from customers who’ve removed a bird nest themselves, only to end up with a full-blown bird mite infestation. Another less obvious but equally destructive problem involves birds damaging stucco exteriors. Stucco is a popular cladding material in the GTA due to its cost-effectiveness and insulation benefits, but it’s surprisingly vulnerable to bird activity. Certain birds peck through the outer layers of stucco to create cavities for nesting. Over time, this compromises the insulation, allows moisture intrusion, and creates unsightly damage that affects both the appearance and energy efficiency of the building. At TSR, we don’t just remove the birds—we also repair the damage using specialized patching materials that blend in with the existing finish and prevent birds from reopening the site. Given these wide-ranging problems, many property owners are tempted to try DIY bird removal. Unfortunately, this approach often backfires. Birds are protected under federal and provincial wildlife laws, and disturbing an active nest with eggs or chicks can result in legal consequences. More importantly, most DIY methods fail to address the root of the problem. Temporary fixes, such as stuffing the vent with mesh or blocking it with foam, may trap birds inside or create new airflow problems. Without proper removal and exclusion, birds almost always return—and they often do more damage the second time around. TSR Pest Control and Wildlife Removal follows a proven, humane process for bird removal and long-term prevention. We begin with a detailed inspection of the property to identify all entry points and assess the level of infestation. Next, we remove live birds using specialized one-way exclusion devices or humane traps, ensuring that no eggs or chicks are left behind to die. We then remove all nesting material, sanitize the affected area with commercial-grade disinfectants, and thoroughly clean the duct or vent. In some cases, this involves replacing damaged or contaminated ductwork entirely. Finally, we install permanent bird-proof covers—made of galvanized steel or high-grade aluminum—over all vents and access points. These covers are designed to withstand weather, tampering, and decades of exposure without allowing animals back in. Our bird-proofing services extend to both residential and commercial properties. For homes, we secure every vulnerable area including dryer vents, bathroom exhausts, kitchen range hoods, soffits, attic vents, and even roof returns. For businesses, especially those with flat rooftops and open HVAC systems, we provide custom netting, anti-roost spikes, and solar panel exclusions. In commercial kitchens, we also address food safety by preventing birds from nesting near air intake systems or ventilation fans. At TSR, we prioritize not only the protection of your property but also the ethical treatment of wildlife. All of our bird removal practices are compliant with the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and federal migratory bird regulations. We understand that birds are just trying to survive—but that survival should not come at the expense of your safety, health, or comfort. That’s why we offer educational resources to help property owners understand the importance of prevention and schedule seasonal inspections before nesting season begins. Bird problems don’t go away on their own. The longer a bird nest is allowed to remain, the more damage it will cause and the higher the risk of contamination or fire. If you’re hearing chirping from your walls, seeing birds flying into a vent, or noticing bird droppings around your exterior walls, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact TSR Pest Control and Wildlife Removal for fast, professional service backed by years of experience and hundreds of satisfied clients across the Greater Toronto Area. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule an inspection and get a no-obligation quote for bird removal and prevention. Your safety—and the safety of the birds—depends on it. 1. Introduction to Bird Infestations in the GTA Toronto and the GTA are home to a wide range of urban bird species. As cities grow and natural habitats shrink, birds adapt by seeking nesting sites inside buildings. This can lead to serious consequences for homeowners, business owners, and the birds themselves. In recent years, TSR Pest Control and Wildlife Removal has seen a sharp rise in service calls related to:
2. Common Bird Species That Invade Buildings In Southern Ontario, the most common nuisance birds include:
3. Where Birds Nest in Homes and Businesses Birds commonly exploit the following entry points:
4. Why Birds Nest Inside Buildings Urban birds are opportunistic. They enter man-made structures because:
5. Health Risks Associated with Bird Infestations Bird infestations aren't just annoying—they can be hazardous. The biggest health concerns include:
These risks are especially concerning for children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals. 6. Property Damage Caused by Birds Birds cause significant and costly damage to buildings, including:
7. Bird Nesting and Fire Hazards The most dangerous risk from bird nests is fire. How?
8. Bird Mites: A Hidden Insect Infestation When birds leave the nest or die inside a vent, their mites don’t go with them. Bird mites:
9. Bird Removal: Why DIY Doesn’t Work Trying to remove birds yourself can:
10. Our Bird Removal Process at TSR We follow a multi-step process designed for safety and long-term results:
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