Bird activity in a commercial facility isn’t just an eyesore—it can disrupt operations, damage infrastructure, and introduce serious health risks. When businesses attempt to solve the problem using DIY bird control methods, they often find that their efforts fall short—and the problem returns, often worse than before.
If you’re dealing with persistent bird activity, here’s why DIY bird control doesn’t work in commercial facilities—and what you should be doing instead.
The Illusion of Control: Why Popular Methods Fall Short
DIY solutions are often marketed as quick fixes. Facility managers may invest in flashy products like fake owls, “scary eyes” balls, lasers, or recorded raptor noises. These products promise to scare birds away—but birds are quick learners. Over time, they realize these threats aren’t real and simply return.
In some cases, businesses will install exclusion netting or other barriers without addressing the actual cause of the issue. Unfortunately, these products only mask the symptoms. If birds are already inside or actively nesting, the problem can’t be netted away.
READ: The True Cost of Bird Deterrents
Things That Attract Birds—and Why They Matter
DIY approaches often ignore the root of the problem: understanding what is attracting birds to your facility in the first place. Common attractants include:
- Open entry points like loading docks or broken vents
- Accessible food sources, including nearby dumpsters or employee eating areas
- Standing water on rooftops or around HVAC units
- Nesting materials or shelter from weather and predators
If these issues aren’t addressed first, no visual or auditory tactic will keep birds away for long.
READ: What to Do If You Find a Bird Nest in Your Commercial Facility
Risk to People, Property, and Compliance
DIY efforts can lead to serious consequences. Untrained personnel may unknowingly violate federal laws that protect certain bird species, especially if nests or eggs are involved. Improper installation of control devices can also cause damage to the facility or interfere with HVAC, electrical, or safety systems.
Even worse, failing to manage bird issues properly can expose businesses to health risks and liabilities. Droppings can corrode surfaces, harbor bacteria and fungi, and impact indoor air quality—especially near air intake systems.
READ: What Attracts Birds to Your Facility – and How to Fix It
Removal Must Come First
Any long-term strategy must begin with proper removal. If you’re putting up netting or other exclusion tools while birds are still present, you’re locking the problem in—not out.
The most effective approach starts with identifying the root cause, removing active birds, and sealing up entry points after the issue is fully resolved. Only then should long-term exclusion strategies be implemented—and even those must be tailored to the specific facility and bird behavior.
Why Professional Help Is Essential
Bird issues in commercial facilities are rarely simple. They require trained technicians who understand bird behavior, federal and state regulations, and how to operate safely in complex environments like warehouses, retail centers, and manufacturing plants.
DIY solutions might promise to save money upfront, but the long-term costs—damaged infrastructure, lost productivity, and liability exposure—can quickly outweigh those savings.
If you’ve tried a do-it-yourself solution and birds keep coming back, it’s time to rethink the strategy. Effective bird control in a commercial facility isn’t about tricks—it’s about results.