Food and beverage facilities have a strong focus on maintaining cleanliness, yet bird contamination is sometimes underestimated.
Pest birds like pigeons and sparrows can lead to operational disruptions and property damage. If bird activity or nesting has become more frequent around your facility, reach out to Gregory Pest Solutions for expert bird control and prevention strategies.
Health risks associated with birds
Though they may seem harmless, birds can carry pathogens, fungal spores, and ectoparasites. These hazards can spread through their feathers, nests, or droppings. Birds have been linked to more than 60 diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and West Nile virus.
Business risks associated with birds
Even a single bird, or signs of bird activity, in a food processing facility can disrupt operations. If noted during a health or regulatory inspection, it could result in shutdowns or plant closures. A bird presence during third-party audits may also strain business relationships and lead to costly fines for violations.
Managing a bird issue isn’t as simple as applying a quick fix. Many species are protected under federal, state, and local laws, making actions like relocation or nest disturbance subject to legal and financial penalties. Consulting with experts before taking action helps your business comply with these regulations.
Common pest birds
Different bird species can create challenges for food processing facilities, but some are more problematic than others.
Smaller birds can easily slip inside, including:
- English house sparrows
- Common European starlings
- Swallows
Larger birds typically stay outside, but they can still cause damage to rooftops and building structures, including:
- Pigeons
- Seagulls
Factors birds look for in a property
The environment around a food processing facility plays a significant role in bird activity. Locations near water, landfills, or feed mills often attract larger bird populations and may require extra control efforts.
Within the facility, certain conditions and areas can make it more inviting. Birds are commonly drawn to:
- Unsecured dumpsters and outdoor spills which offer birds an easy meal.
- Overhangs that provide sheltered nesting spots, making them a prime location for birds to settle.
- Structural gaps in corrugated siding, soffits, and weep holes which create additional nesting opportunities.
- Worn dock door bumpers that have collected food debris, drawing in birds looking for a place to nest.
- Open windows and doors used for ventilation or accessibility and provide birds with direct entry.
- Even small gaps around doors that allow birds to walk right inside.
Causes of bird contamination
Birds can contribute to contamination in food processing facilities by gaining entry or gathering on rooftops.
Open doors create an easy access point, and some bird species quickly learn to exploit these opportunities. Once inside, they may fly through the facility or perch on rafters and other elevated surfaces, where droppings can land on production lines or stored products, increasing the risk of contamination.
Rooftops also attract birds, offering them a high vantage point to search for food and shelter. HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and air circulation units generate warmth, which encourages birds to huddle around them. As these systems run, they can pull in feathers and droppings, potentially spreading contaminants throughout the facility.
5 ways to keep birds away from your business
Reducing the risk of bird contamination is crucial for any food processing facility. Working with a bird control specialist can help identify the most effective strategies tailored to your facility’s layout and surroundings.
Before receiving a consultation, you can take the following steps:
- Keep doors and windows closed.
Birds can easily enter through doors, commonly left open for ventilation or convenience. Installing screen doors maintains airflow while keeping birds out, and strip doors act as a flexible barrier that allows people to pass through but discourages birds. Reinforcing the habit of keeping doors and windows closed when not in use also helps reduce the risk of birds getting inside.
- Seek expert solutions for bird exclusion.
Installing netting under overhangs can deter birds from nesting or roosting in these sheltered areas. This method also helps minimize bird activity near entry points, weakening their ability to find a way inside.
- Set up perch deterrents in outdoor areas where birds commonly gather.
Devices like spikes and electric tracks make surfaces less inviting without causing harm, encouraging birds to roost elsewhere and decreasing their presence around the facility.
- Seal gaps at dock doors when trucks are present and check the building for small openings.
Even tiny gaps can serve as entry points for birds, so it’s best to conduct routine inspections. Focus on delivery and pickup areas, as these locations often attract birds and provide opportunities for them to enter.
- Educate staff on bird prevention strategies.
Employees may not always be aware of the problems birds can cause. It’s important to regularly train employees about the risks, and how to prevent them. Reinforce the importance of prompt cleanup, proper product storage, and effective waste management to reduce bird interest. Assigning a team member to monitor garbage and dumpster areas can further minimize food sources and nesting materials.
Other bird control methods, such as hazing techniques or vegetation management, may also be beneficial. The most effective approach will depend on the facility’s layout, the bird species involved, and the nearby environment.
Protect your property with professional bird control
Only one bird is needed to cause unexpected disruptions, so addressing the issue before it begins is the most effective strategy.
If bird activity around your facility is increasing or birds are finding their way indoors, contact the specialists at Gregory Pest Solutions. Schedule a consultation at the first sign of a problem to help your operations stay smooth.