Forget the gym. Here are five easy steps you can take to start the year off bird-free.
Now that the holiday crunch is behind us, retailers and facility managers are taking a breath. During this winter lull, why not make a list of Bird Prevention Resolutions? There are some very easy steps you can take to stem the flow of birds into your building, thus sparing you expensive maintenance and time-consuming cleaning. Here are five easy steps we recommend—steps you can take right now:
- Quickly dispose of Christmas goods. Do you have trees and wreaths lingering in your garden center or by your trash? Birds find those great nesting and perching spots, and once a bird is planted near your building, it increases the chance she’ll get inside. Also, make sure your waste disposal containers are secure and all doors and lids work properly. That expired holiday candy is a very attractive food source for birds and other animals.
- Check for repairs. While retail and fulfillment operations are quiet(er), why not take the opportunity to look around your building for potential points of access from the exterior? Torn-out insulation, cracks in pipes, or worn gaskets are easy entry points for birds. Do you have a door or window that won’t close properly? Repairing it may end up being cheaper than inventory you may lose to birds. Screens over vents can become rusted or otherwise compromised by snow, ice, or general bad weather. Replace those as soon as it’s needed—we’ve seen a lot of birds get in through unobstructed vents.
- Watch that bird seed. In the winter, many people like to set out bird feeders, so of course you will be stocking bird seed. (Meridian bird expert note: We encourage homes to put out bird feeders for fun and the enjoyment of watching our feathered friends. But wild birds will not starve during the winter months, and we highly discourage bird feeders around businesses!) Whether you display bird seed outside or inside, check regularly for broken or open bags. Snow and ice can damage packaging, and snow may hide openings in bags. But birds will find them!
- Clean up water from wet shoes and boots. Wet floors, whether in retail stores or on a loading dock, are a safety hazard. They’re also water sources for birds! Birds are attracted to standing water anywhere they can find it—especially in a warm, sheltered environment. Lay mats in high-traffic areas and keep a mop nearby.
- Close your doors. We beat this drum often because it’s the #1 way to keep birds out of your building! Customer doors should close properly. Service doors should never be propped open. Securing doors to loading areas before and after receiving is an easy way to cut down drastically on bird incursions. Plus, keeping doors closed helps your heating bill. You weren’t raised in a barn, were you?
Bonus: Call Meridian for a full facility inspection. Take advantage of any slow periods to have Meridian inspect your buildings. We will advise on any additional steps you can take to cut back losses due to birds and remove standing nests. We will get your building ready for spring, when nesting season brings eager birds looking for a sheltered place to set up shop. We now service the entire USA, including Hawaii, Alaska, and the territories!
Making bird prevention and removal easy is our mission at Meridian Bird Removal. Follow these steps, and keeping your facility bird-free will be even easier. If you want more ideas or have a question, contact Meridian Bird Removal today.