We occasionally get calls regarding birds in homes and residential buildings. Meridian Bird Removal typically doesn’t serve private homes, focusing instead on retail stores, warehouses and distribution centers, airports, shopping centers, and other commercial buildings.
Our patented Bird-N-Free live capture system is specially designed for large interior spaces, and a single bird nest may not always jeopardize the health and safety of the family living inside the house.
The same is not true about birds in commercial spaces. As we’ve covered elsewhere, even a single bird loose in your store, supermarket, or business can cause food safety issues, health problems, and damage to your building and equipment. In addition, large commercial buildings are more attractive to birds, especially as we approach nesting season.
Common Reasons Birds Choose Commercial Buildings
From our long experience removing birds from commercial spaces, the top reasons we find birds love your building are:
1. Protection from Predators
One of the primary reasons birds select commercial buildings for nesting is the protection they offer from predators. Urban areas can provide a safe haven, as the height and structure of buildings often deter natural predators—both ground-based hunters and larger birds of prey. The vertical space allows birds to nest away from ground-level threats, ensuring a safer environment for raising their young.
2. Availability of Nesting Materials
Commercial buildings frequently have an abundance of materials that birds can use to construct their nests. Items like insulation, plastic, and even discarded paper can be found in and around these structures. Birds are resourceful and will utilize whatever materials are readily available to create a secure and comfortable nesting site.
3. Stable Temperature and Shelter
The architecture of commercial buildings often provides a stable microclimate, protecting birds from extreme weather conditions. The insulation and design of roofs and walls help maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for the development of eggs and the comfort of hatchlings. This shelter allows birds to thrive in environments that might otherwise be inhospitable.
4. Access to Food and Water Sources
Commercial properties often have nearby food sources which attract birds. Shopping centers and big box stores will have eateries inside or nearby. If your business sells, makes or processes food, all the better! Additionally, many buildings have water features like retaining ponds or standing puddles—or they may be located near parks and gardens, providing easy access to hydration. This availability of resources makes commercial buildings an attractive option for nesting.
Where Birds Build Nests in Commercial Properties
Once you determine a bird has taken up residence in your building, it’s vital to quickly locate the nest before they lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, local or federal laws may prevent removing the nest, at which point your one or two nuisance birds will have the opportunity to multiply. If you can spot the nest before eggs are laid, you can usually remove it yourself. The most common locations we’ve found for nests are:
1. Rooftops and HVAC Systems
Rooftops are a popular choice for nesting, particularly flat roofs that offer ample space. Birds often take advantage of HVAC systems, which provide both shelter and warmth. The mechanical components can create sheltered areas that are ideal for nesting.
2. Signs, Ledges, and Window Sills
The ledges and signs on commercial buildings offer perfect nesting spots. These areas are often elevated and protected from the elements, making them ideal for birds looking to establish a home. Window sills can also provide a safe perch for nesting.
3. Warehouse Rafters and Beams
Inside warehouses, distribution centers, or big box stores, rafters and beams create a perfect environment for birds to build their nests. The high ceilings and structural elements provide safety from ground-level threats and offer a secluded space for raising young.
4. Inside Gutters and Drainpipes
Some birds will take advantage of gutters and drainpipes. Even though these spaces are more limited, they do offer protection from the elements and are often overlooked by predators.
5. Under Solar Panels and Other Structures
Solar panels have become a popular nesting site for birds. The space beneath these panels provides shelter and protection, while the panels themselves can help regulate temperature, creating a comfortable environment for nesting.
As always, if you have questions about where and when to look for bird nests in your building, please contact Meridian. You can call us 855-362-2200, use our contact page, or fill out a Found A Bird form. We’re ready to help you!