5 Signs Your Business Has A Bird Problem

Many people are surprised when we tell them that birds are considered pests. Not all birds, of course, but there are species of birds - such as pigeons, gulls, sparrows, and starlings - which are classified as pest birds because of the problems they cause.

For businesses, a bird problem can put both staff and customers at risk of illness. This can be especially problematic for businesses operating within the food industry, as a bird infestation - along with the diseases they spread - can conflict with food safety standards and regulations, resulting in the failure of an audit due to contamination of food products and packaging. 

5 problems caused by pest birds:

Whilst some of these are self-evident, some of them may surprise you.

1. Fouling and contamination from droppings: Anyone who has ever tried to have lunch outside knows the curse of bird droppings on tables and chairs. In addition to being unsightly, bird droppings are also unhygienic and a primary vector for disease. Bird droppings also cause a slip and fall risk in paved areas, especially when wet, and in manufacturing environments droppings are a considerable contamination risk to both raw materials and stored or packaged goods.
2. Physical damage to property and stock: The corrosive effects of bird droppings can cause irreversible damage – defacing rooftops, walkways, walls, vehicles, and equipment. Bird droppings quickly turn to salt and ammonia; after rain, electro-chemical reactions speed up the rusting process. These acidic droppings eat away at paint, concrete and metal, and can eventually cause structural failure. Bird pecking not only damages but also contaminates stored products such as grain. And contamination leads to disease. Damaged stock also needs to be disposed of, causing financial loss. Bird nests and nesting materials block gutters and drains, which can lead to flooding on the roof, roof leaks, rotten timbers and corroded metal. It can also lead to standing water in gutters, which in turn becomes a breeding ground for other problem pests, especially flies and mosquitoes.
3. Spread of disease: The biggest problem that pest birds cause is the transmission of diseases through their droppings, feathers, and nests. Pigeon droppings, for example, can transmit diseases like cryptococcosis, psittacosis, and salmonella, leading to severe respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. For food manufacturers, the risk of contamination and the spread of disease is the reason that Bird Control is an entire section of the AIB and BRC audit requirements. One of the critical requirements to pass an audit is that birds must be managed by exclusion i.e. nets, traps, lasers, etc.  Any bird activity in processing areas, any bird droppings in product zones, raw materials or finished product zones, and any resident birds in the warehouse are deemed an automatic “Unsatisfactory” audit finding.
4. Spread of insects and parasites: Flying insects, mites, lice, and even bed bugs are all carried by birds, and their nests are a great home for these parasites. These insects and parasites can also be held responsible for the spread of diseases. In some cases, these insects and parasites are known as vectors of specific diseases which can be transmitted to humans. Chicken mites (Dermanyssus gallinae), for example, are known carriers of encephalitis. While they subsist on blood drawn from a variety of birds, they may also attack humans. They have been found on pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows.
5. Aggressive behaviour: Birds can get extremely aggressive if humans approach their nesting sites, especially if they have young in their nests. Starlings, for example, will get recklessly aggressive towards other birds and occasionally humans if they get too close to their nests during fledgling season. Gull attacks are typically instigated by the availability of food as opposed to protecting fledglings. Large and hungry seagulls know that humans are a reliable source for a good meal, even if it means having to swoop in to snatch it out of your hand.

How can you prevent these risks to your business?

The best way to prevent birds and limit their potential to spread diseases is to ensure your business utilises the latest integrated pest management solutions from a professional and reputable provider.

Professional bird control from Rentokil Boecker®

A professional bird control provider like Rentokil Boecker® has a range of solutions available, from bird spikes and netting to bird hazers which can effectively deter and prevent pest birds from setting up home in your business.

As the world's leading commercial pest control provider, Rentokil Boecker® has developed a range of innovative and sustainable solutions which adhere to all necessary laws and regulations.