With high ceilings and secluded rafters, warehouses can be a desirable place for birds to take advantage of openings around the perimeter of the building. You might notice more flocks at certain times of the year when birds are migrating to escape colder climates and begin loafing or roosting at your place of business. They can also be a problem in the spring and summer when they are searching for safe places to nest and lay eggs. The top three bird species to watch out for are pigeons, house sparrows and European starlings.
A bird or two flying around your warehouse may not seem like a big deal at first, but like any pest, birds can cause serious damage to your business.
Commercial pest control methods for keeping birds out
Outfitting your warehouse with bird deterrents is a good idea both for eliminating an existing problem and preventing a new one. Depending on the size and layout of your warehouse, Terminix Commercial can use a combination of these methods to help keep birds under control.
- Repellent Gel: Waterproof, virtually colorless and odorless gel that helps repel birds with stickiness.
- Post and Wire Systems: Creates an unstable surface to keep birds from landing on long ledges they would normally be attracted to. Spikes: Prevent birds from landing on edges and signs. More flexible to outfit smaller areas and contoured edges.
- Netting: Rot-proof and waterproof netting keeps birds out of certain areas, so they can't find a secluded spot to nest.
- Hazing: Releases bird repellent into the air to create an inhospitable environment for birds. Only recommended for areas without much foot traffic.
- Thermal Fogging: Material is introduced with specialized equipment into areas that present challenges with other control measures
- Slopes: An angled structure placed on ledges to make it difficult for birds to perch or nest.
- Electric tracks: Delivers a mild shock to birds that land on it.
- Cleaning and disinfecting: It's important to keep your warehouse clean.
- Removing nests: Bird species must be properly identified. Active nests may require postponement if eggs are present. Birds will come back to their nests to lay eggs and cause your bird problem to grow. Removing the nests takes a little bit of planning and forethought but is essential to ensure birds aren't making your warehouse their home.
Have a bird problem? Learn more about our Commercial Bird Control services.
The impact of birds in your warehouse
Birds in a warehouse can be more than a nuisance—they can also affect your bottom line through property damage and impact productivity. Here's why bird prevention should be a top concern if you run a warehouse:
- Birds carry pathogens: From parasites, fleas, and ticks to a variety of transmittable diseases, birds can carry pathogens that may make employees and customers sick.
- Distracting for employees: Active flying, aggressive behavior like swooping, and noises can be distracting for employees.
- Property, merchandise, and equipment damage: Bird droppings are highly acidic and can cause extensive damage.
- Disruptive to operations: Birds can slow down shipping and receiving, making it more difficult to meet deadlines.
- Health code violations: Bird waste and nesting material can contaminate products and attract other pests like rats and mice possibly leading to fines, legal action, unsafe working conditions, and closure of operations.
- More cleaning and repairs: Keeping up with added cleaning protocols can become costly and time consuming.
- Slip and fall hazards: Bird waste and nesting materials can fall from the ceilings and create unsafe working conditions.
Tackling a bird problem can involve several tactics. The professionals at Terminix Commercial can conduct a thorough evaluation, recommend the best course of action, and implement bird prevention and elimination strategies to help ensure birds are deterred from nesting in your warehouse.
Give us a call at 877.837.6464 to schedule a bird control service or request a free estimate.
