Birds can enter your store in various ways, most commonly through open doorways. They are drawn to food, shelter, and water, and once they find comfort inside, they may decide to stay— especially non-migratory species like house sparrows. So, when is it necessary to remove a bird from your facility? If your business isn’t at risk of health issues, scaring away customers or associates, or if you view birds as merely a nuisance, action might not be necessary. However, if these concerns are present, it’s worth investing in proper removal.
Here are the three biggest mistakes people make when trying to remove birds from buildings:
1. Waiting Too Long: When a bird first enters your building, it actively tries to find a way out, often flying toward lights, windows, and skylights. However, after 3-5 days, the bird acclimates, finds ways to survive inside, and discovers safe roosting spots, food, and water sources. This makes the bird less visible and harder to catch. Since its energy level is highest shortly after entry, prompt action is crucial.
2. Using Ineffective and Stressful Methods: Ineffective removal methods, such as chasing or throwing objects, can stress the bird, making it wary and harder to capture. Birds quickly recognize when they are being watched and will avoid areas where they feel threatened, prolonging the capture process and increasing the difficulty.
3. Frightening the Bird: Frightening the bird can lead to undesirable outcomes for your store. A stressed bird may try to escape at high speeds, risking injury or death, which could draw unwanted attention from customers and create a PR issue due to the bird’s distress.
As an organization that has worked with hundreds of businesses to remove birds humanely and safely, we know that by avoiding these mistakes, you can successfully eliminate or dramatically reduce the presence of birds in your building. This not only keeps your customers coming back but also ensures a safe environment for your associates, while preventing property damage and health issues.