Ottawa affordable damage-free balcony bird netting, deep cleaning & sanitizing
Ottawa Affordable Pigeon Control, Damage Free Balcony Bird Netting & Clean Up
Condo Board & Management Information
Here is more information about the pros & cons of balcony netting
Whether you are a renter or a property manager or condo owner a scene like this one (photo left) will probably inspire the same emotions in anyone if they were dealing with a similar situation of their own... feelings of disbelief, anger, frustration or helplessness, just to name a few. If you are not the one dealing with a pigeon balcony infestation I believe we can each still find compassion for someone that is.
This problem may arise during periods when you don't use the balcony over the winter, it may occur while you are away on holiday or, it may be an 'inherited' problem that someone else got fed up with & now it's your problem. Once pigeons have set up home on your balcony they are very difficult to get rid of without a permanent physical barrier to prevent them from returning. Pigeons have a fantastic memory for navigation, for physical landmarks & a strong sense of smell. They are attracted to the scent of their own droppings. So, you can clean & disinfect the balcony as regularly as you like or need to but they will keep returning because to them it's home. I've been told about companies that 'relocate' pigeons to rid their building of the problem. This may sound like a solution in theory but alas, pigeons aren't rabbits or mice. Even if you take them to Toronto, they will still find their way home. They are called 'homing pigeons' for a reason. To be fair humans are largely to blame. We've been training & domesticating them for thousands of years for messaging & communication, to remember their way 'back home'.
Pros of Bird Netting...
In Ottawa, management & condo boards have varying policies when it comes to pigeon cleanup & netting. Some management will tell the tenant/owner that it's all your problem to deal with. Some will handle the first professional cleaning but after that (and there will be an 'after that'!) it's up to the tenant/owner to sort out the rest.
Some management companies allow for permanent affixed bird netting that is installed with concrete anchors to eradicate the problem. Indeed, many new highrise complexes in large cities like Toronto & Van factor in full building facade bird netting for every unit, even before it's built. Especially if the new hi-rise is near water.
Still, other management teams in Ottawa will only allow 'no-screws', 'no-damage' netting on their balconies. This is such a prevalent policy here. It is the reason that I have developed my 'no-screws removable' bird netting. At least the tenants/owners have options & don't end up like this man (photo right) & like many people in Ottawa that live in 'no netting, period!' buildings. I've spoken with a few & this really is how they feel. With bird netting it is always a good idea to check with your building management/lease or condo board/bylaws to see what is allowed.
Most of the reasons given for not allowing netting are somewhat erroneous. I understand that a new hi-rise building wouldn't want their new balconies damaged by large holes. Proper netting installation doesn't require large holes. Depending on the size of the balcony & shape, an affixed netting can have as little as 4-6 1/4 inch holes that work as the main supports & another dozen or so smaller ones as wire guides, that's it! Still, I get it. It's a newer building & you want to keep it looking that way as long as possible. I also understand the reason of not wanting holes in the protective waterproofing seal on the balcony floor so as to not void the building's warranty. Again, I developed my no-screws method of installation to not require any screws, in the floor or otherwise.
And, I can also appreciate not wanting your building to look like a free-for-all with different variations of plastic owls, plastic bags & CD's or shower curtains, interior curtains, duct tape, velco, window screen, etc. hanging off or over every other balcony. The beauty of our bird netting is that it's almost undetectable from the street. In most cases, it only really needs to cover the upper half/open air portion of the balcony. By using the same contractor consistently you can achieve a low profile but highly effective pigeon control without disturbing your building's aesthetic. If there's one thing I know, if one balcony on a building has a pigeon problem, many do!
As you can see, there are some arguments for not allowing an owner/tenant to install professional bird netting & there are good arguments to rebut them. What many management teams may not be aware of are the negative impacts to their property by having pigeon infestations on their balconies. Firstly, pigeon poop is highly acidic & corrosive & will destroy a cement floor along with its protective finish, especially in any sort of quantity. It is also harmful to metal railings or flashings around windows & doors for the same reason. This, in addition to the health hazards, as it is considered a hazardous waste material & should be handled & disposed of safely. The dried pigeon dropping dust is dangerous when inhaled.
I have spoken with condo owners & building rental offices. They are keenly aware of how difficult it is to rent out an apartment or condo or to sell a condo with that sort of in depth mess & infestation. Potential renters/buyers only need to do some light internet sleuthing to discover that 'once a pigeon problem, always a pigeon problem' unless it's dealt with permanently & effectively.
Cons of Bird Netting...
So, what are the Cons of bird netting you ask? Well, aside from it not being free, there are very few drawbacks to a properly installed commercial bird netting. As far as price goes, most average size balconies cost around $295 to end the pigeon problem. One & Done! That is an investment of about $25 a month if you are planning to live there for 1 year only. Spread over many years, it amounts to about a Starbucks coffee a month. Small investment, large return.
If your management is willing to do a first cleaning why not ask if they would pay for the bird netting instead & you clean it yourself. As I mentioned already. One in depth cleaning does not rid you of pigeons!
As far as cleaning goes, we are very affordable. Most balconies come in at around $225 for cleaning, floor only. If you have had furniture on the balcony during the pigeon problem, you will be looking at around $350 instead because the cleaning will probably require walls, windows, railings, doors, etc. But, we can handle the big stuff if you want to putter away at the walls , etc. . For cleaning &/or bird netting we prefer that the balcony is free of furniture or obstructions as much as possible. It is difficult to navigate commercial shop vans when there are too many obstacles plus it prevents us froming cleaning in & around all walls & corners. We are not a moving company so we do ask that furniture be removed. Depending on what you have, we can discuss options. As far as netting installation goes, we need a safe corridor on the balcony to navigate a large ladder safely
M. Brule, Sandy Hill
I was seriously considering moving apartment because of the pigeon mess & smell. So glad I tried the netting first. Now I can stay where I am for the next 2 years. Thanks!
5/5
Client Feedback
C. Smeathers, Center Town
My pigeon problem is finally a thing of the past and I am so looking forward to relaxing and entertaining on my balcony again. Thank- you PPB ...you did a great job restoring my space and sending those pigeons packing! You were friendly, effective, and affordable
5/5
P. Lambert
Well worth the small investment. Highly recommend. Merci
5/5