‘Not real animals’: Coyote decoys to be used outside Halifax clinic to deter geese

A Halifax health centre and community college share innovative pest control methods to keep birds at bay.

Nova Scotia Health is letting the public know about its efforts to get rid of pests outside a clinic.

Two coyote decoys and reflective materials will be placed at the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre site in Halifax.

The health authority says the routine and humane efforts are an attempt to discourage geese from gathering in the area.

“Please note the decoys are not real animals,” it said in a post on Facebook.

“They are temporary deterrents and part of standard site maintenance. We thank you for your cooperation.”

Canada geese can attack people or cars, especially if a nest is nearby.

Geese are most aggressive at the beginning of the nesting season, according to the Toronto Wildlife Centre.

Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

A community college campus across the harbour is also struggling with pests.

The principal of NSCC’s Akerley Campus in Dartmouth says it is dealing with a seagull problem.

Seagulls are reportedly nesting on the campus and housing roofs, as well as in and around critical mechanical building systems.

A pest control provider is currently using loud bangs and whistling sounds to move them away and back to seaside areas.

The technique is being used Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Principal Jason Sharpe says three loud bangs and two whistles will happen within that time frame on those days.

“The last couple of weeks, we’ve noticed an increase in activity from seagulls,” Sharpe said. “So, during this period, as I mentioned, it’s a critical time for for them nesting. We’re trying to prevent that from happening up on a roof so we can perform the work that we need to do up there on a routine basis.”

The process is expected to go on for another two to three weeks.

Sean Rollo with Orkin Canada said when bird droppings dry, their particles can get into the HVAC systems of buildings.

“We could be breathing those in, which could be harmful to people in addition to just their corrosive nature,” Rollo said.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Callum Smith

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