Reduce Bird Disruptions in Your Food Processing Facility
Food and beverage processing facilities take careful measures to maintain clean environments daily, but the risks posed by birds can still be overlooked.
Pest birds like pigeons and sparrows can cause disruptions and damage to property. If you’ve noticed increased bird activity or nesting around your facility, contact Terminix Anderson to learn more about commercial bird control and prevention solutions.
Health concerns linked to birds
Although you may be tempted to welcome any birds, you must stay wary of the fact that they can harbor pathogens, fungal spores, and ectoparasites. These may be present on their feathers, in their nests, or within their droppings. Birds have been associated with the spread of more than 60 diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and West Nile virus.
Businesses risks linked to birds
Even one lone bird or signs of bird activity within a food processing facility can interfere with operations, potentially leading to shutdowns or plant closures during health and regulatory inspections. If noted in third-party audits, bird presence may jeopardize business relationships, and companies could incur significant fines for related violations.
Addressing a bird problem isn’t as simple as handling it with one simple fix. Many species are protected under federal, state, and local laws, making actions like relocation, nest disruption, or removal subject to legal and financial consequences. Seeking expert guidance before taking action helps ensure adherence to these regulations.
Frequently troublesome birds
Various bird species can pose challenges for food processing facilities, but some species are much more common to find.
Smaller birds, in particular, can easily find their way inside, including:
- English house sparrows
- Common European starlings
- Swallows
Larger birds tend to remain outdoors, but they can still cause damage to rooftops and buildings, including:
- Pigeons
- Seagulls
Reasons birds could be interested in your property
The surroundings of a food processing facility can influence bird activity. Sites near water, landfills, or feed mills often draw more birds and may require additional control strategies.
Inside the facility, specific conditions and locations can make the space more appealing to birds. Contributing factors include:
- Uncovered dumpsters and spilled products outside provide birds with an easy meal.
- Overhangs offer sheltered spaces that serve as ideal nesting spots.
- Gaps in structures, such as those in corrugated siding, soffits, and weep holes, create additional nesting opportunities.
- Worn dock door bumpers can trap food debris, attracting birds seeking nesting areas.
- Propped-open windows and doors, often used for ventilation or accessibility, give birds a direct way inside.
- Even minor gaps around doors can allow birds to enter simply by walking in.
Potential contamination sources
Birds can contribute to contamination in food processing facilities by entering the building or gathering on rooftops.
Propped-open doors provide an easy way inside, and some bird species quickly learn to take advantage of these access points. Once indoors, they may fly through the facility or settle on rafters and other high surfaces, where droppings can fall onto production lines or stored products, increasing the risk of contamination.
Rooftops also attract birds, offering them a vantage point to find food and shelter. HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and air circulation units create warm spots that birds tend to frequent. As these systems operate, they can draw in feathers and droppings, potentially spreading contaminants throughout the facility.
5 steps to keep birds away from your business
Preventing bird contamination is essential for any food processing facility. Partnering with a bird control specialist can help determine the most effective strategies based on your facility’s unique layout and location.
To tackle a nuisance bird problem, consider the following steps:
- Keep doors and windows secured.
- Consult a professional for bird exclusion solutions.
- Implement perch deterrents in outdoor areas where birds tend to gather.
- Close gaps at dock doors when trucks are stationed and check the building for small openings.
Birds often find their way inside through doors left open for airflow or convenience. Adding screen doors allows ventilation while blocking entry, and strip doors create a flexible barrier that permits movement while deterring birds. Enforcing the habit of closing doors and windows when not actively in use further reduces the chances of unwanted bird entry.
Installing netting beneath overhangs can deter birds from nesting or roosting in these protected areas. This approach minimizes nesting opportunities while also preventing birds from gathering near entry points, lowering the chances of them finding their way inside.
Tools like spikes and electric tracks create unwelcoming surfaces without causing harm, discouraging birds from settling and reducing their activity around the facility.
Even tiny gaps can provide access for birds, so regular exterior inspections are crucial. Monitoring deliveries and product pickups can also reveal spots where birds may be entering or congregating.
Employees may not always recognize the risks posed by birds, so it’s important to explain the risks and precautions to take. Educating staff about these concerns, enforcing prompt cleanup, and keeping products stored indoors can help reduce attraction. Assigning a team member to routinely check garbage and dumpster areas can further limit food sources and nesting materials.
Additional bird control methods, such as hazing techniques or vegetation treatments, may also be effective. The best approach will depend on the facility’s operations, the bird species involved, and the surrounding environment.
Feel at ease with expert bird control
A single bird can lead to unexpected disruptions, so staying proactive is key.
If you’ve noticed increased bird activity around your facility or had trouble with them getting inside, reach out to the specialists at Terminix Anderson. Schedule a consultation at the first sign of an issue to prevent a problematic infestation.
