— By Sarah J. Carter —
Colder weather is the time to plan for the return of migrating birds next spring.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the November 2024 magazine issue.]
The seasons have changed, the autumn foliage is starting to brown and crisp early mornings greet you as you walk out the door. Every year, with the change of seasons, we make little adjustments, switching from iced coffee to a warm cup of cocoa, exchanging T-shirts for sweaters and jackets. Just as we make these minor changes come fall and winter, you may notice the bird activity changing as well.
In the colder northern climates, bird activity is diminishing, and those that once caused great havoc for your business have decided to migrate to more agreeable weather. Though their clear presence is gone, now is the time to prepare for their return. Do you and your staff have a plan in place? Or deterrents to protect your shoppers come spring?
It is important to be diligent with prepping, as it can be difficult to take the necessary steps to rid your facility of birds once they have already made a home within your store or outdoor coverage. Additionally, there are laws in place to protect certain species of birds, making them impossible to remove from your facility when they begin actively nesting.
Once birds have entered a facility, they tend to build nests and cause unsightly droppings. This leads to customers avoiding certain areas, deterring them from buying products, which causes a decrease in sales. There are small steps you can take even before installing deterrents that can have a significant impact on the bird population in and around your facility.
Often, obvious avian attractions are overlooked with the daily tasks of running a facility, until there is already a problem. Birds seek shelter where there is an abundance of food and access to water. Ensuring items such as grass seed and bird seed are found inside or in locked storage containers removes one temptation. Keeping these products away from entry and exit doors can aid in preventing birds from flying inside, as birds use these automatic and rollup doors to gain access to such attractions. This will help in keeping your facility clean, as well as your product, all the while providing a welcoming environment for your shoppers.
Birds can be humanely trapped, and their nests can be removed; however, there are specific species that are protected by law and can yield hefty fines when managing their nests, by the NABCI (North American Bird Conservation Initiative) and the Fish and Wildlife Department. The following are examples of birds that are federally protected:
• Grackles
• Mourning Doves
• Hawks
• Falcons
• Mallard Ducks
• Owls
• Woodpeckers
Though these species are not common in all areas of the United States, they can cause fear among employees and customers and become a nuisance when present. These birds often return to the same areas each year, resulting in cyclical months of droppings and bird activity. Bird droppings are not only unsightly but also host diseases that can be harmful to your health. It is important to take steps to mitigate and prevent birds from returning to those areas, especially for those that are federally protected, as there are limitations on removal.
While birds migrate during colder weather, it is beneficial to begin installing deterrents for areas where these birds may roost and seek shelter. There are three types of bird pressure: low, medium and high. It is important to see the level of pressure, as well as the types of species there, as not all deterrents will work for every type of bird. Having the right qualified bird specialist will help you decide the best approach for deterrents:
• Optical Gel
• Bird Spikes
• Bird Wire
• Shock Track
• Bird Netting
Though these deterrents can provide coverage for specific areas, it is important to consider bird netting when tackling a larger area or increased bird population. Bird netting provides full coverage and exclusion for all birds, as it creates an invisible ceiling in canopies with bird activity and prevents them from accessing rafters for nesting.
As the seasons change and bird activity diminishes, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to prepare for their return in the spring. By implementing effective deterrents and removing food and water sources, you can protect your facility from the challenges posed by bird infestations. Ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for your customers not only enhances their shopping experience but also safeguards your business from potential health hazards and financial losses. Start your preparations now, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle the return of our feathered friends when the warmer weather arrives.
— Sarah J. Carter is a client account representative at Superior Facility Service Group, Inc., a family owned and operated company specializing in commercial maintenance and repair, bird control and prevention, and disaster restoration. Visit: www.superiorfacilityservice.com.