Food and beverage facilities perform frequent cleanliness routines, yet bird contamination is a concern that often goes unnoticed.
Pigeons, sparrows, and other pest birds can cause disruptions and structural damage. If you’re seeing more birds gathering or nesting around your facility, reach out to Schendel Pest Services for expert bird control options and strategies to deter them.
Health concerns associated with birds
Although some birds may seem innocent, they can carry pathogens, fungal spores, and ectoparasites. Their feathers, nests, and droppings can contribute to the spread of these risks. Birds have been linked to more than 60 diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and West Nile virus.
Business concerns associated with birds
In a food processing facility, even a single bird can disrupt operations. If spotted during a health or regulatory inspection, your business could face shutdowns or even plant closures. Third-party audits may also be affected, potentially straining business relationships and resulting in expensive fines for health violations.
Addressing a bird problem isn’t as straightforward as removing them on your own. Many species are legally protected at federal, state, and local levels, meaning actions like relocating birds or disturbing nests can bring legal and financial consequences. Consulting with professionals before taking any steps can help navigate these regulations.
Bird species to watch out for
Various bird species can create issues for food processing facilities, though some are encountered more frequently than others.
Smaller birds, in particular, are more likely to make their way inside, including:
- English house sparrows
- Common European starlings
- Swallows
While larger birds tend to stay outside, they can still cause damage to rooftops and building structures, including:
- Pigeons
- Seagulls
Properties that birds are interested in
The environment around a food processing facility plays a significant role in bird activity. Locations near water, landfills, or feed mills often attract larger bird populations, which may require extra control strategies.
Within the facility, certain conditions and areas can make the space more inviting to birds. Consider these key factors:
- Uncovered dumpsters and spilled food outside can attract birds looking for an easy meal.
- Overhangs provide sheltered spots that birds often use for nesting.
- Openings in structures, such as gaps in corrugated siding, soffits, and weep holes, create additional nesting sites.
- Damaged dock door bumpers can collect food debris, drawing in birds that are seeking nesting areas.
- Open windows and doors used for ventilation or access make it easy for birds to enter the facility.
- Even small gaps around doors can be wide enough for birds to walk inside.
Risks of hidden bird contamination
Birds can become a source of contamination in food processing facilities by entering the building or gathering on rooftops.
Open doors create easy entry points, and some bird species quickly adapt to using them. Once inside, they may fly through the facility or perch on rafters and other high surfaces, where droppings can land on production lines or stored goods, increasing the risk of contamination.
Rooftops also attract birds, offering a high point for nesting and access to food and shelter. The warmth from HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and air circulation units makes these areas even more inviting. As these systems run, they can pull in feathers and droppings, potentially circulating contaminants throughout the facility.
5 ways to discourage birds from entering your facility
Reducing bird contamination is a concern for every food processing facility. Working with a bird control specialist can help identify the best strategies tailored to your facility’s specific layout and surroundings.
To stay ahead of potential bird issues, consider these preventive measures:
- 1. Secure doors and windows.
- 2. Seek expert guidance for long-term bird exclusion.
- 3. Place deterrents in outdoor areas where birds frequently gather.
- 4. Seal gaps at dock doors when trucks are present and check for small openings throughout the building.
- 5. Educate staff on bird prevention methods.
Birds frequently enter through open doors, which are often left ajar for airflow or convenience. To maintain ventilation while keeping birds out, consider installing screen doors. Strip doors can also serve as a flexible barrier, allowing people to pass through while discouraging bird entry. Encouraging staff to keep doors and windows closed when not in use adds another layer of protection against unwanted birds.
Placing netting under overhangs can block birds from roosting or nesting in these sheltered spots. This not only keeps them from settling in high-traffic areas but also decreases the likelihood of them entering the building.
Devices such as spikes and electric tracks make surfaces less inviting without harming birds, prompting them to relocate and decreasing their presence around the facility.
Even the smallest gaps can serve as entry points for birds, making routine facility inspections essential. Focus on delivery and pickup zones, as these areas often attract birds and provide opportunities for them to get inside.
Employees may not always be aware of the issues birds can cause. Regular training on potential risks and deterrent strategies can make a significant difference. Reinforcing the importance of quick cleanup, proper product storage, and efficient waste management can help reduce the facility’s appeal to birds. Designating a team member to monitor garbage and dumpster areas can further minimize available food and nesting materials.
Additional tactics, such as hazing techniques or landscape adjustments, could also benefit your property. The most effective approach will depend on the facility’s layout, the types of birds in the area, and the surrounding environment.
Professional bird management for your business
It only takes one bird to create significant disruptions. Early action is always the best approach.
If bird activity around your facility is on the rise or birds have started getting indoors, contact the experts at Schendel Pest Services. Scheduling a consultation at the first sign of a problem can help keep your operations running smoothly.
How to Address Bird Activity in Food Manufacturing in Kansas, Missouri and Arizona
Serving Kansas, Missouri and Arizona
