Why do bird populations and the issues they cause around facilities vary so widely throughout the calendar year? There are many factors that affect pest bird management. To get a better understanding of the basics, we need to examine the two main factors; the nature of the birds causing the problems and the time of year.
Nature
Birds fall into two basic categories; transient and resident. Otherwise known as Migratory and Non-migratory. Transient birds frequent an area for nesting and roosting during a specific time of year.
Good examples of these birds would be the Mourning Dove and the House Finch. Transient birds are primary headaches for facility managers during the spring due to the feeding and fledging of their young.
Transient birds often get inside facilities by accident and actively search for a way out. These types of pest bird management problems commonly resolve themselves within 24 to 48 hours. By encouraging associates to apply some simple flushing techniques, these transients often find their way back outside quickly and safely.
Resident birds live in one area year-round. They do not migrate. A few good examples of these birds would be the English House Sparrow, the Cardinal, and the Pigeon.
Some common resident birds, unlike many transient birds, want to be inside. They have learned how to enter and leave the facility at will. The objective is usually food and/or warmth or shelter. The issues caused by resident birds can be cumulative and exponential. A single pair of English House Sparrows (an invasive species in the U.S.) can produce up to 18 breeding offspring within one calendar year. If not managed properly, the problems trend upward until the pain of “dealing” with it reaches a breaking point.
Time of Year
Spring – This is the time of year most people notice and appreciate the beauty of birds in our environment. Bird activity is high and the melodious sounds of courtship are synonymous with the end of winter and the renewal of our natural surroundings. It is also the time when birds cause the most problems for facility managers, generally speaking. Nest building, incubating eggs, then feeding and fledging their young is a very busy and unsanitary business. Anyone who has examined a recently vacated nest will note the huge number of tiny bird mites and generally filthy living conditions most birds tolerate. This is a major pest bird management issue that must be addressed.
Summer – the natural availability of food for birds is abundant and at its peak. This, coupled with the warm temperatures, enables birds to live comfortably in their natural outdoor environment. The birds seem to nearly disappear and problems around facilities drop dramatically. Do not be lulled into complacency. This is when strategic plans and accountabilities should be reviewed and updated. Taking this time to examine the past year’s performance objectives will pay big dividends. It is also the recommended time to institute training programs designed to heighten awareness and increase preventative behaviors for facility associates.
Fall – This is actually the beginning of the new year with respect to pest bird management. Bird populations are at the highest levels. Natural food sources start to dwindle. Falling temperatures lead to a decline in insect levels. The growing season is coming to a close. The comfort level of the birds is declining along with all of the above. Transient birds respond by packing up and migrating to warmer climates. The survival instincts of resident birds are guiding them to seek better sources of food, water, and shelter in their immediate area.
Winter – resident pest birds, such as the English House Sparrow, frequently show up inside of facilities where food and warmth are readily available. As winter progresses, the number of interior interlopers increases in many instances. Birds can “learn” from each other with respect to beneficial behaviors. If there are holes in the facility or open doors, it does not take long for other birds to observe and follow one of their feathered friends flying inside cold and hungry and coming out warm, fat, and happy.
Pest Bird Management is about knowing what to expect
Why is this information important to know? You get to go on offense rather than constantly playing defense. Since you know what to expect and when you can look for key bird behaviors that indicate a change is coming and adapt your pest control and prevention strategies accordingly.
Meridian Bird Removal specializes in solving the nuisance bird problem for commercial facilities in the U.S. Contact Meridian today so we can help you formulate an effective pest bird management plan that will offer year-round relief from pest bird problems.