Food Processing Facility with apples on conveyor belts

Food and beverage facilities prioritize cleanliness through a number of factors everyday, but birds aren’t always something that comes to mind.

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 Batzner Pest Solutions for professional bird control and prevention strategies.

Birds may cause health risks

While birds may appear harmless, they frequently carry pathogens, fungal spores, and ectoparasites. These risks can spread through their feathers, nests, or droppings. Birds have been associated with over 60 diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and West Nile virus.

Birds also may cause business risks

Even a single bird, or merely signs of bird activity, in a food processing facility can interfere with operations. If discovered during a health or regulatory inspection, a presence of birds could lead to shutdowns or plant closures. Third-party audits may also be impacted, potentially straining business relationships or resulting in costly fines.

Addressing a bird problem isn’t a quick fix. Many species are protected under federal, state, and local laws, meaning actions like relocation or nest disturbance can carry legal and financial consequences. Seeking expert guidance before taking action helps ensure compliance with these regulations.

Birds of all sizes cause problems

Various bird species can pose challenges for food processing facilities, though some are more common than others.

Smaller birds, in particular, can easily find their way indoors, including:

English house sparrows
Common European starlings
Swallows

Larger birds usually remain outdoors, but their presence can still lead to damage on rooftops and building structures, including:

Pigeons
Seagulls

Why do birds prefer some buildings over others?

The surroundings of a food processing facility heavily influence bird activity. Sites near water, landfills, or feed mills tend to attract larger bird populations and may need additional control measures.

Inside the facility, specific conditions and areas can make the space more appealing. Birds often notice the following:

Unsecured dumpsters and spilled materials outdoors provide an easy food source for birds.
Overhangs offer sheltered spaces, making them ideal nesting sites.
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 searching for nesting spots.
Open windows and doors give birds a direct entry point.
Even small gaps around doors can be enough for birds to walk inside.

Hidden contamination

Birds can introduce contamination in food processing facilities by entering the building or congregating on rooftops.

Open doors provide an easy entry point, and some bird species quickly learn when these entryways are available to them. Once inside, they may fly through the facility or settle on rafters and other high surfaces, where droppings can fall onto production lines or into stored products, increasing contamination risks.

Rooftops also attract birds, giving them an elevated point to locate food and shelter. HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and air circulation units generate warmth, which additionally draws in birds. As these systems operate, they can pull in feathers and droppings, potentially spreading contaminants throughout the facility.

5 effective strategies to deter birds from your business

Preventing bird contamination is essential for any food processing facility. Partnering with a bird control specialist can help identify the most effective strategies tailored to your facility’s layout and environment.

In the meantime, consider these preventive measures:

1. Keep doors and windows secured.

Birds often find their way in through doors left open for ventilation or convenience. Installing screen doors preserves airflow while keeping birds out, while strip doors provide a flexible barrier that allows for movement but discourages birds from entering. Encouraging staff to close doors and windows when they’re not in use further prevents birds from getting inside.

2. Consult experts for bird exclusion solutions.

Installing netting beneath overhangs can discourage birds from nesting or roosting in these spaces. This approach also helps reduce bird activity near entry points, lowering the chances of them finding a way indoors.

3. Use perch deterrents in outdoor areas where birds frequently gather.

Options like spikes and electric tracks create unwelcoming surfaces without harming birds, prompting them to seek alternative roosting spots and reducing their activity around the facility.

4. Close gaps at dock doors while trucks are stationed and inspect the building for small openings.

Even minor gaps can provide entry for birds, making regular facility inspections essential. Pay close attention to delivery and pickup areas, as these spots often attract birds and create opportunities for them to get inside.

5. Train staff on bird prevention strategies.

Employees may not always recognize the risks birds present, so updated training is important. Emphasize prompt cleanup, proper product storage, and efficient waste management to make the facility less appealing to birds. Designating a team member to oversee garbage and dumpster areas can further limit food sources and nesting materials.

Additional bird control measures, such as hazing techniques or vegetation management, may also be effective. The best approach will depend on the facility’s design, the bird species present, and the surrounding environment.

Deter birds with ease with professional control

A single bird can cause unexpected disruptions, making early prevention important.

If you’ve noticed more bird activity around your facility, or even birds getting inside, reach out to the specialists at Batzner Pest Solutions. Scheduling a consultation at the first sign of trouble can help keep your operations on track.