A pigeon loose in your warehouse isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a potential hazard to operations, product quality, and compliance. Warehouses are appealing to pigeons due to their high rafters, open loading bays, and access to food or water. But once inside, a pigeon can be difficult to remove without creating safety issues or risking contamination. Here’s a practical guide on how to get a pigeon out of a warehouse quickly and safely.
Why Pigeons Enter Warehouses
Pigeons are opportunistic and often seek indoor shelter when food, nesting areas, or safe roosting locations are available. Loading docks and open doors are typical entry points, and once inside, pigeons tend to roost in high, hard-to-reach places like beams and rafters. These areas provide security, warmth, and protection from predators.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Pigeon Out of a Warehouse
- Isolate the Area (If Possible)
Start by isolating the pigeon’s location to limit its movement. Close off nearby access points to other areas of the facility. This keeps the bird from flying deeper into the building and helps contain the situation. - Create an Exit Path
Open any available loading dock doors or windows that lead outside, preferably near where the pigeon is currently located. Birds naturally fly toward light and open air. Turning off interior lights can help guide the pigeon toward the open exit. - Remove Food and Water Sources
Eliminate any accessible food, water, or nesting materials in the vicinity. If there’s nothing attracting the bird, it may be more inclined to leave. - Minimize Noise and Movement
If possible, pause nearby activity temporarily. Loud machinery or employee movement may spook the pigeon and cause it to fly erratically or seek refuge in high areas, making the situation harder to manage. - Use Controlled Guidance (If Trained)
In some cases, trained personnel may attempt to guide the bird toward an exit using slow, deliberate movements or tools like extendable poles or boards. This should only be done if safe and with minimal disruption to operations.
Why DIY Solutions Often Fall Short
Warehouses present unique challenges. High ceilings, complex layouts, and ongoing operations can make self-directed efforts time-consuming and ineffective. It’s not uncommon for a pigeon to remain in a facility for days or even weeks if not properly handled. During that time, droppings can accumulate on inventory or machinery, raising sanitation concerns and the risk of violations during inspections.
Prevent Future Incidents
After removing the pigeon, it’s important to assess how it entered the facility in the first place. Common vulnerabilities include loading dock doors left open too long, broken windows, or gaps near the roofline. Routine facility checks and staff training can go a long way in preventing repeat visits.
If a pigeon is causing disruptions in your facility, swift action is essential to minimize risk and maintain operational flow. While basic steps may help in isolated cases, persistent issues require a proactive approach tailored to your facility’s layout and operational needs.
Additional Resources:
- Does Your Facility Need Pigeon Removal?
- Meridian Helps Store Reduce and Remove Pigeons and Nests
- Meridian’s First California Service Call Addresses Extreme Pigeon Problem
- Meridian Removes Pigeons Causing Health Risks to Distribution Center
- Meridian Clears Elevator Shaft of Pigeons and Nests in Puerto Rico