Bird activity inside a commercial facility can lead to serious operational disruptions. Birds are drawn to large buildings for food, shelter, and nesting—but identifying what attracts them is the first step to solving the problem for good. Here’s a look at the most common things that attract birds to facilities and what you can do to stop it.
1. Openings and Gaps Make Entry Easy
Warehouses, factories, and big-box retailers often leave loading dock doors open for ventilation or logistical needs. Birds exploit these gaps—especially when facilities lack dock seals or have damaged vents, soffits, or eaves. Once inside, rafters and structural beams provide the perfect perch or nesting area.
Fix it: Conduct a full facility inspection to identify openings around vents, HVAC units, skylights, and exterior doors. Work with professionals to secure these gaps using industrial-grade materials that seal access without impacting operations or airflow.
2. Food Sources Are Readily Available
Birds are quick to identify food scraps, garbage, or exposed product in and around commercial facilities. Food processing plants, fulfillment centers, and agricultural warehouses are especially vulnerable.
Fix it: Keep dumpsters closed and serviced regularly. Remove outdoor food waste promptly, and ensure food product storage areas are sealed. Sanitation schedules should be enforced and reviewed for consistency.
3. Water and Shelter Attract Nesting
Birds need water—and your facility may be unintentionally providing it. Puddles from leaky pipes, HVAC drainage, or poor roof drainage can draw birds. They’ll stay longer if they also find protection from the elements or predators.
Fix it: Eliminate standing water, maintain roof drainage systems, and repair any plumbing leaks quickly. Avoid creating secluded areas where birds can nest undisturbed.
4. High-Roof Facilities Provide Safety
High ceilings, trusses, ledges, and beams give birds a bird’s-eye view of everything below. These structures are attractive for perching and nesting because they offer safety from foot traffic and predators.
Fix it: While you can’t lower your roof, you can limit access to overhead structures. Use access-limiting architectural features and keep lighting and utilities maintained to discourage nesting above.
5. Lack of Ongoing Monitoring
One-time cleanups are not enough. Birds are creatures of habit. If a facility previously provided food, water, or shelter, they’ll keep returning—especially during seasonal shifts in migration or breeding.
Fix it: Implement an ongoing monitoring program. Professionals can assess changes in activity and recommend actions based on bird behavior patterns, facility changes, and seasonal needs.
Prevention is the Most Effective Strategy
Addressing things that attract birds to your facility requires more than quick fixes. Long-term success comes from strategic prevention, routine monitoring, and expert input tailored to your facility’s layout and operations. By eliminating the reasons birds come in the first place, you reduce the risk of contamination, equipment damage, and operational disruptions.
If your facility is experiencing persistent bird activity, it’s time to take action before the problem escalates. A proactive strategy focused on fixing the root causes is always the best investment.