Key Takeaways:
- Clean up spills right away and use self-closing trash containers so birds do not begin to see the facility as a dependable food source.
- Close off gaps and openings along the exterior, including around loading docks and door frames, to keep birds from getting inside to seek warmth or build nests.
- Clear away outdoor items such as pallets and storage racks that give birds sheltered places to hide and nest.
- Notify bird control professionals as soon as activity is noticed so they can respond before birds claim the area or raise young, which makes removal more difficult.
- In Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows are among the birds most often responsible for facility-related problems.
How Can You Prevent Birds Around Your Facility
When birds see a facility like yours, they see a great place to nest and roost. They know that food production plants, distribution centers, and other types of processing facilities offer all the resources and amenities they need.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can prevent birds from gathering around your facility by making it less attractive to them. Let’s start with some actionable prevention tips, followed by the risks of having birds around, and some additional information on three of the most common nuisance birds that show up around facilities.
Tips for Keeping Birds Away From the Facility Exterior
A large bird infestation should be handled by a trained professional as soon as possible. Commercial bird control experts have the tools and knowledge to manage the problem and create lasting solutions.
If bird activity is occasional, you can often prevent it with basic prevention efforts. The following measures will help discourage birds from settling around your facility and help avoid bigger problems later:
- Clean Food Spills Without Delay
Promptly remove any food debris around dumpsters, employee break areas, and trash containers. Birds have excellent vision and constantly search for feeding opportunities. Even a small crumb or torn garbage bag can attract a scout bird. Once food is discovered, that bird may bring others with it. Fast cleanup prevents your facility from being identified as a dependable food source.
- Use Trash Bins With Self-Closing Lids
Choose waste containers that close automatically and make sure garbage is removed often. This reduces the chance of birds gaining access to food waste around your facility. Self-closing lids prevent problems caused by someone forgetting to shut the container. Even a slightly open lid can allow birds to get inside. Once inside, they may pull trash out and spread it around, creating sanitation concerns.
- Remove Outdoor Racks and Pallets
Do not leave racks and pallets stored outside your facility, as they create ideal hiding places for birds. The open spaces between materials provide excellent nesting locations. These gaps protect birds from wind and predators. Over time, this can allow bird activity to increase. Keeping these items indoors or properly enclosed helps reduce nesting opportunities.
- Seal All Doors and Openings
Inspect doors and other exterior openings to make your facility pest-proof. Any gaps larger than ½ inch should be sealed with materials strong enough to resist bird pecking. Birds are highly skilled at locating warm air escaping from a building and will use even tiny gaps in door frames or missing vent covers to gain entry. Proper sealing helps keep birds out and protects your facility from nesting and infestation.
- Ensure Automatic Doors Close Properly
Check the timing on all automatic doors and confirm that they seal completely when closed. Doors should close roughly six seconds after a person passes the sensor. If a door lingers open or moves slowly, it provides an easy entry point for birds. A proper seal against the threshold is equally important, as even a small gap can allow birds to enter the building.
- Maintain Door Seals to Prevent Bird Entry
Always keep dock and personnel doors closed when they aren’t actively in use. Check the bumper seals around dock doors and confirm they press firmly against trailers. Birds commonly enter buildings through open doors, with dock doors being the most vulnerable. Small gaps in side bumpers or header seals can provide access. Tight seals form an effective barrier, preserving the facility’s interior from bird activity.
- Call Your Pest Control Provider at the First Sign of Birds
Always report bird sightings to your pest management provider. Acting early helps reduce long-term costs and prevents infestations from becoming entrenched. Birds instinctively return to areas where they have previously nested. Experienced pest management providers can apply deterrents before birds “imprint” on your facility as their home. Quick reporting ensures your facility remains bird-free.
The Dangers of Having Birds at Your Facility
Birds create sanitation issues, cause damage, and generate noise. The larger the population around your facility, the higher the chance that some will make their way indoors, increasing these risks. Both inside and outside, bird infestations can lead to the following problems:
- Health Hazards: Birds can carry and transmit diseases like Salmonella, which may contaminate food and surfaces that come into contact with food.
- Structural Damage: Their acidic droppings can eat away at metal surfaces, causing deterioration and costly structural repairs.
- Property Loss: Birds can harm stored goods and materials, sometimes requiring that affected items be discarded.
- Safety Concerns: Droppings on walkways and other surfaces create slip hazards and unsightly conditions.
- Fire Risk: Materials used for nesting, such as twigs and debris, can become a fire hazard if left unchecked.
Which Birds Are Most Common Around the Exterior of a Facility?
Birds of all kinds are known to make nests near food production and other commercial facilities, yet three species are especially common. The most frequent pest birds are:
Pigeons
Pigeons naturally evolved to live on cliffs, so they often see building ledges, rooftops, and HVAC units as ideal substitutes. Look for these signs of pigeons around your facility:
- Droppings: Large, white, and acidic deposits (guano) found on ledges, sidewalks, and beneath roosting areas.
- Nests and Nesting Material: Thin, flat nests made from a few sticks, often bound together with dried droppings.
- Sounds: Continuous, low-pitched “cooing” accompanied by the noise of heavy flapping or scraping on metal surfaces such as ductwork.
European Starlings
European starlings are aggressive birds that nest in cavities and often choose your facility’s infrastructure for shelter. Look for these signs of European starlings around your property:
- Frequent Entry/Exit: Observing birds repeatedly entering and leaving small openings in siding, eaves, or vents.
- Huge Flocks: Also called “murmurations,” these synchronized groups can fill trees or rooflines, especially around dusk when activity peaks.
- Nesting Material: Large, untidy “cup” nests placed in cavities, typically constructed from grass, pine needles, and feathers.
House Sparrows
House sparrows are small, resourceful birds that often invade facilities, taking advantage of the smallest openings. Signs that house sparrows are around your facility include:
- Hopping behavior: Sparrows have a distinctive “hop.” It’s how they get around on the ground rather than walking.
- Nests in elevated corners: They love rafters, especially near heaters or lights for warmth.
- Insulation damage: Sparrows like to peck and gather fiberglass or foam insulation to use as nesting material.
What to Do When Birds Enter Your Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky Facility
If your facility is dealing with a large bird population or persistent bird problems, it’s time to call in professionals. Birds that have found consistent sources of food, water, and shelter can be extremely difficult to remove. Many species are also protected by state and federal laws, which can limit the options available for removal.
In Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, Action Pest Control offers expert commercial bird control services. Our team will inspect your facility, assess the full extent of the issue, and design a tailored bird management plan to protect your property and prevent future infestations.
Want to schedule your free inspection? Contact Action Pest Control today for expert bird and pest control services.
