A shopping centre in Candiac, on the South Shore of Montreal, was confronted with a recurring problem of rock pigeons that colonized the flat roofs, the awnings of the shops and the columns of the main entrance. Shopkeepers complained about droppings on the storefronts and customers avoided certain soiled accesses. The management of the commercial building called on our team in Candiac to implement a complete and sustainable exclusion program, adapted to the constraints of a commercial space in continuous operation.
Diagnosis of the infestation on the commercial site
The inspection began in the evening, when the birds return to their roosting sites, which made it possible to accurately identify the areas of accumulation. On the main flat roof, we counted dozens of pigeons perched along the roof lifts and around the air conditioning equipment. The decorative columns at the entrance to the centre had significant deposits of droppings, and the canvas canopies of several businesses housed active nests in the metal frames.
The analysis of the situation also highlighted an aggravating factor: the presence of a nearby restaurant whose open-air waste containers provided an abundant source of food for the birds. This link between food availability and colonization intensity is well documented. Any effective pest bird control program must take into account these environmental factors to achieve sustainable results.
Installation of deterrents
On the flat roof, a combination of stainless steel tensioned cables and wide-base spikes was deployed across the entire roof elevations and around the air conditioning units. The cables were anchored to galvanized steel poles fixed in the roof membrane with waterproof plates so as not to compromise the impermeability of the roof. This technique is particularly suitable for commercial flat roofs because it covers large areas effectively.
For the entrance columns, strips of polybutylene repellent gel were applied to the capitals and horizontal cornices. On the canvas awnings, the inner metal frames were protected by 19mm polyethylene netting stretched under the structures, preventing birds from accessing the interior space of the awnings.
We also recommended and coordinated the closure of the spaces under the cladding panels of the façade, where starlings were trying to nest. This additional caulking work was carried out with materials compatible with the existing façade cladding. Our port of entry caulking department provided the materials and labour for this step.
Cleaning and restoration of facades
Once the devices were installed, our teams proceeded to the intensive cleaning of all soiled areas. The facades and columns were treated with a hot water jet under moderate pressure to loosen the encrusted droppings deposits. An enzyme product was then applied to neutralize residual odors that, if left untreated, can continue to attract new birds to previously colonized areas.
The flat roof was also cleared of all accumulated organic matter, which made it possible to check the condition of the waterproofing membranes. Some areas showed a slight deterioration due to the acidity of the droppings, which we reported to the manager for regular maintenance of the building.
Results and maintenance program
From the first week after the work, shopkeepers reported a marked decrease in the presence of pigeons in front of their shops. After a month, the roofs and entrance columns were virtually bird-free. The building’s management has received positive feedback from customers on the cleanliness of the accesses.
We have set up a biannual inspection program to check the condition of the installed devices and intervene quickly if new colonization attempts are detected. Achievements such as our exclusion intervention in a commercial building on the South Shore and our mandate against starlings in a commercial environment illustrate our know-how in this type of environment. Nova Extermination offers service contracts tailored to shopping malls and multi-property managers.