As a company that is recognized as experts in bird removal, one of the most common questions we get is, “What are we doing that causes these birds to want to invade our facility?”
Effective bird control requires a comprehensive approach, beginning with the removal of birds from your facility and extending to preventive measures that address the factors attracting them in the first place.
Understanding when removal is necessary is key— If your business is at risk of health hazards, deterring customers or associates, or if birds are more than just a nuisance, not taking action could be costing you money.
But, before you make that investment, be sure that the birds are not just a nuisance. In this guide, we’ll explore three key categories that are easy to overlook, and could make a facility attractive to birds. We also share possible long-term solutions to making your facility less likely to attract birds.
1. Operational Practices
· Open doors: Open doors provide easy access for birds to enter the store.
· Storing bird seed outside: This invites birds to roost in outdoor spaces due to easy access to food.
· Feeding birds: Providing food can influence the birds behavior in ways that may become problematic over time
2. Sanitation Issues
· Manage Spillage – Adjust sanitation for increased traffic, especially for areas that store bird seed, pet food, and rice. Focus on cleaning within 200 feet of doorways, inspect for torn packaging, and clean under shelves weekly.
· Improper trash management: Open trash cans attract birds to the area. Ensure lids are kept closed.
· Unclean dining areas: Maintaining a clean outdoor dining area discourages birds, creating a more pleasant dining experience for your customer
· Dirty parking lots: Litter and debris can attract birds searching for food or nesting materials.
· Building gaps: Gaps in the structure can allow birds to enter, especially in late fall when they seek warmer climates. Birds exploit structural vulnerabilities to get inside.
Exclusion Techniques
Once we remove birds that have taken up residence in a facility, the next question we get asked is how to decrease the chance that they will return. This is a term referred to as an “exclusion system.” Incorporating exclusion systems into your bird control program addresses the architectural appeal of your building to birds. Using modifications like sheet metal, cement patches, hardware cloth, and netting systems can make your facility less attractive to birds without harming them.
Regular monitoring is crucial. Check the integrity of the exclusion system shortly after installation, then at 30 days, 90 days, and 6 months. Increased monitoring is necessary during spring (due to harsh winds), colder weather, and peak retail times like the holiday season.
Selecting the correct exclusion system for the species is vital. For instance, bird spikes may deter some species, but house sparrows may roost between the spikes. Knowing the specific species you’re dealing with is essential for choosing the right exclusion technology.
Effective bird deterrence and exclusion systems are essential components of a comprehensive bird control strategy. By addressing the operational, sanitation, and structural factors that attract birds, and implementing appropriate exclusion techniques, you can create a bird-free environment that protects the health of your business and maintains a welcoming atmosphere for customers and associates. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these strategies will ensure long-term success, keeping your facility bird-free and safeguarding your operations from the risks associated with bird infestations.
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