Keeping Birds Out of Food Processing Facilities

Food and beverage processors take careful steps to maintain clean environments, but the risks posed by birds are often overlooked.

Pest birds such as pigeons and sparrows can cause disruptions and property damage. If you’ve noticed an increase in bird activity or nesting around your facility, contact Terminix Wil-Kil to learn more about commercial bird control and prevention solutions.

Health Risks Caused by Birds

Although some birds are common pets, they can also 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 over 60 diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and West Nile virus.

Businesses Risks Caused by Birds

A single bird or signs of bird activity in 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 can also face significant fines for related violations.

Addressing a bird issue isn’t as simple as handling it on your own. 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 professional guidance before taking action helps ensure compliance with these regulations.

Which Birds are Typically a Problem?

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

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

• English house sparrows
• Common European starlings
• Swallows

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

• Pigeons
• Seagulls

Why are Birds Always Around My Facility?

The surroundings of a food processing facility can influence bird activity. Sites near water, landfills, or feed mills often experience higher bird presence and may require additional management strategies.

Inside the facility, specific areas and conditions can make the space more appealing to birds. Contributing factors include:

• Uncovered dumpsters and spilled products outdoors provide birds with an easy food source.
• Overhangs offer sheltered spaces that serve as ideal nesting spots.
• Openings in structures, such as gaps in corrugated siding, soffits, and weep holes, create additional nesting opportunities.
• Worn dock door bumpers can trap food debris and attract nesting birds.
• Propped-open windows and doors, often used for ventilation or traffic, give birds a direct way inside.
• Even small gaps around doors can allow birds to enter simply by walking in.

Product and Air Quality Contamination Risks

Birds can contaminate food processing facilities through direct entry or rooftop presence.

Open doors provide an easy way in, and some bird species quickly learn when these access points will be available. Once inside, they may fly around or settle 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 vantage point to locate food and shelter. When HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, or air circulation units are present, birds like to gather around them for warmth. As these systems operate, they can pull in feathers and droppings, potentially spreading contaminants throughout the facility.

5 Steps to Deter Birds from Your Business

Addressing the challenges associated with bird contamination should be a key focus for any food processing facility. Consulting with a bird control specialist can provide insight into available strategies and help determine the most suitable approach, as no single solution fits every facility.

When tackling a bird issue, consider the following steps:

1. Keep doors and windows closed.

One of the most common ways birds enter facilities is through propped-open doors, often left ajar for ventilation or convenience. Installing screen doors allows for airflow while preventing bird entry, and strip doors create a flexible barrier that permits movement of people and equipment while deterring pests. Reinforcing the habit of keeping doors and windows shut when not actively in use can further reduce the likelihood of birds making their way inside.

2. Consult a professional for bird exclusion solutions.

Consider installing netting beneath overhangs that can block areas where birds typically roost or nest. This approach not only reduces nesting opportunities but also discourages birds from gathering near entry points, decreasing the chances of them finding a way inside.

3. Apply perch modification techniques in outdoor areas where birds tend to gather.

Tools like spikes and electric tracks create an unwelcoming surface for birds without causing harm, making these spots less attractive and helping to reduce their presence around the facility.

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

Even minor gaps can provide entry points for birds, so conducting a thorough check of the exterior is essential. Monitoring deliveries and product pickups can also reveal spots where birds congregate or find ways inside.

5. Train staff on the importance of maintaining a clean workspace.

Because birds are often seen as harmless, employees may not realize the issues that can arise when they scavenge spilled products. Educating staff on the risks, enforcing prompt spill cleanup, and keeping products stored indoors can help reduce attraction. Assigning a team member to routinely check garbage and dumpster areas can also limit food sources and nesting materials.

Additional bird management strategies, such as hazing methods or vegetation treatments, may also be beneficial. The best approach will depend on the facility’s operations, the bird species involved, and the location.

Professional Bird Control Solutions

Even one bird can quickly lead to business complications, so it’s extremely important to stay alert.

If you’ve seen an increase of birds or had trouble with them getting inside, reach out to the experts at Terminix Wil-Kil. Schedule a consultation at the first sign of an issue, we’re ready to assist whenever you need us.