— By Sarah J. Carter —
As the temperatures drop, nesting birds may seek shelter indoors. How to protect your facility from these unwelcome guests.
Now that we are in the full swing of the holidays, roadways are full of eager shoppers in search of the perfect gift, and homes are abuzz with preparations for family gatherings. The crisp mornings prompt more of an effort to rise, as we quickly transition to layered clothing and begin our mornings with a warm mug in hand.
During this season of comfort, we’re reminded of a familiar challenge: guests who linger a bit too long and overstay their welcome. Hinting at their departure can become a dance of hospitality and the hope grows quietly to reclaim your space after a busy day hosting. Birds are no different in multiple ways. Once they settle in and make a home, they are not easily persuaded to move on and, unfortunately, an uneasy conversation won’t send them on their way.
Their presence, while charming at first, can quickly bring disruption to a business and cause safety and sanitations concerns as they leave a trail of unpleasant droppings — which can quickly deter a customer from continuing with their shopping. It’s important to act quickly, before these lingering guests threaten your business and impact your reputation by moving in full-time. Remember, you want to deter the birds, not the customers!
While many birds flock to warmer climates as the temperature cools, some seek shelter where there is warmth, an offering of food and plentiful water. Completely unafraid, birds will flock through the very doors meant for welcoming guests. While it can be challenging to mitigate their presence, it’s not impossible if you are aware of the appropriate steps to take.
But first, it’s helpful to know what exactly is attracting the birds in the first place:
• Accessible food sources, such as grass seed, bird seed, wholesale grains or open dumpsters with disposed food products.
• Stagnant or puddled water on the property, proximity to a retention pond or waterway.
• Safe and sheltered areas, such as store signs, canopies and awnings which often house pipes and small ledges perfect for building nests.
While a single nest may seem harmless, that number can quickly multiply. An accumulation of droppings below is an unmistakable sign of a significant bird presence. When entry doors are nearby, those nesting birds may soon find their way inside the store.
When determining an effective deterrent, identifying the types of birds present is critical, as well as the areas where they are roosting. As deterrent methods are not a one-size-fits-all solution and are designed for specific birds and types of pressure, they all share a common goal: disrupting comfort and flight patterns.
There are various deterrents to consider when determining an exclusion method, but it is important to understand what is specific to your facility and the areas of activity:
• For high-pressure areas, bird netting or bird spikes should be considered, depending on the area of concern. Netting is ideal for outdoor canopies and covered areas, as it offers an invisible-like ceiling, inaccessible to birds; whereas bird spikes are useful for ledges, signage and landing zones that cannot be netted.
• For low-medium pressure, proactive measures can be taken by treating the hot-spot areas using optical gel, bird spikes, bird-wire, pro-tack applications or daddi-long legs, as these are ideal for ledges, RTUs, light fixtures and above roll-up doorways.
Effective Exclusion Begins with a Clean Slate
These deterrent measures are most effective when paired with trapping. Birds that have already established a home in and around the facility are unlikely to abandon the area on their own. Instead, they’ll relocate to nearby zones and continue their behavior within the same environment.
This is where trapping enters the picture.
Live trapping is ideal for larger populations, offering a gradual and controlled removal process. Mist netting, on the other hand, provides a quicker solution, especially in active zones or inside stores needing immediate relief. Regardless of the method, success hinges on full removal from the site. To ensure they do not come back, the birds must be relocated several miles away. Without this last step, even the most thorough deterrent strategy could fall short in its effectiveness.
As we prepare for the upcoming season, now is the time to evaluate your site for signs of increasing bird activity. Early prevention ensures a smooth transition into the warmer months and helps preserve the welcoming environment you have created for your customers and employees. Let’s keep your space festive, safe and uninterrupted by these lingering feathery guests this holiday season.
— 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.