Reducing Bird Activity Around Commercial Building Exteriors

Key Takeaways:

• The bird species most often causing problems at commercial facilities include pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows, which are well known for creating nuisance conditions.
• Keep outdoor materials like pallets, shelving, and racks organized or stored indoors, since these items create protected spaces where birds can roost or nest.
• Reach out to pest control specialists as soon as bird activity is noticed so they can address the issue early, before nesting begins and removal becomes more difficult.
• Close off exterior openings and gaps, especially around doors, loading docks, and structural joints, to block birds from getting inside to nest or seek shelter.
• Clean up food spills right away and use garbage containers with self-closing lids so birds are not attracted to your facility as a reliable food source.

 

Bird Prevention Strategies for Commercial Facilities

Commercial facilities often attract birds because they offer secure areas for roosting and nesting. Food plants, warehouses, and distribution centers provide reliable access to food, moisture, and cover, making them ideal environments. When bird activity is not addressed, it can increase rapidly and lead to sanitation problems, safety hazards, and property damage.

The good news is that bird prevention can be simple and effective. Taking a few proactive steps can significantly limit bird presence around your building. The information below outlines practical prevention methods, explains the problems birds can cause, and identifies the three bird species most commonly linked to commercial properties.

 

Strategies to Prevent Birds From Gathering at Your Facility

Heavy bird activity at a facility should be handled by trained professionals right away. Bird control experts understand how to identify attractants, use proven deterrent methods, and implement prevention plans that provide lasting protection. Prompt action helps protect your property and avoids more expensive issues later.

If only a few birds are present, preventative measures are often enough to control the situation. The following suggestions explain how to reduce nesting opportunities and limit future bird activity: 

• Seal Entry Points Around Doors and Access Areas: Examine all doors and exterior entry points for openings. Close any gaps larger than ½ inch with durable materials that birds cannot damage. Birds are attracted to warm air and can squeeze through very small openings. Proper sealing helps prevent them from getting inside and starting an infestation.

• Keep Food and Waste Areas Clean: Clean up spills and remove food debris right away near dumpsters, break areas, and trash containers. Even small amounts of food can attract birds from far away. One bird finding food can quickly lead to more, so consistent cleanup reduces the chance of attracting them.

• Choose Trash Containers With Secure, Closing Lids: Use garbage bins with lids that close automatically and empty them on a regular schedule. Secure lids block birds from reaching food waste. Open containers invite feeding, which can create sanitation concerns and encourage birds to stay.

• Store Equipment and Materials Indoors When Possible: Avoid leaving racks, pallets, and similar items outside. These objects create sheltered spaces where birds can rest and build nests. Moving them indoors or keeping them in protected storage areas makes your property less appealing.

• Ensure Automatic Doors Close Fully and Seal Tightly: Check that automatic doors shut completely and form a tight seal at the bottom. They should close promptly after use to prevent birds from entering. Doors that remain open too long or have gaps underneath reduce protection.

• Maintain Tight Seals on Dock and Service Doors: Keep loading dock and personnel doors closed when not in use. Inspect seals and bumpers to confirm they fit properly against trailers and door frames. Small openings can allow birds inside, but well-maintained seals help block access.

• Contact Bird Control Professionals as Soon as Activity Appears: If you notice birds around your facility, notify your pest control provider right away. Early response helps stop birds from nesting and prevents larger infestations. Professional support ensures effective deterrence and long-term protection.

 

Bird Hazards That Affect Commercial Properties

Birds can compromise cleanliness, harm building materials, and create persistent noise. When their numbers grow, they are more likely to get inside and expand the problem. Indoor and outdoor bird infestations can result in the following consequences:

• Structural Damage: Bird droppings are acidic and can corrode metal surfaces, causing structural wear and potentially expensive repairs.
• Property Loss: Birds may ruin stored goods or materials, sometimes requiring disposal of contaminated or damaged items.
• Fire Risk: Nesting materials such as twigs, debris, and insulation can ignite or increase fire hazards if not properly managed.
• Safety Concerns: Droppings on floors, walkways, and other surfaces create slip hazards and unsightly areas, putting employees and visitors in danger.
• Health Hazards: Birds can carry diseases like Salmonella, contaminating food, surfaces, and any area that comes into contact with consumables.

 

Birds Most Commonly Observed Near Commercial Properties

Commercial and food processing facilities naturally attract birds seeking nesting sites. The combination of food availability and secure shelter makes these properties very appealing. However, only a handful of species are responsible for most issues. The most frequently encountered pest birds are:

 

European Starlings

These bold birds often choose cavities for nesting and commonly settle within buildings and other facility features. Signs that European starlings are active include:

• Frequent Entry/Exit: Birds are often observed flying in and out of small gaps in siding, vents, or under eaves, indicating they may be using these openings for shelter or nesting.
• Huge Flocks: Large, coordinated groups, known as “murmurations,” may gather on rooftops or in nearby trees, particularly in the evening as birds settle for the night.
• Nesting Material: Bulky, cup-shaped nests made from grass, pine needles, and feathers are commonly found inside cavities or hidden structural areas.

House Sparrows

House sparrows are small and highly adaptable, allowing them to enter facilities through even the tiniest openings. Watch for these typical signs of their presence:

• Hopping Behavior: Sparrows travel across the ground with a distinctive hopping motion instead of walking. This quick, bouncing movement makes them easy to spot on floors or paved areas.
• Nests in Elevated Corners: They often build nests in high, protected spots like rafters, beams, and ledges. Locations near lights or heating equipment are particularly attractive because they provide extra warmth and shelter.
• Insulation Damage: Sparrows commonly peck at fiberglass or foam insulation to collect nesting materials. This activity can damage or displace insulation, reducing its effectiveness.

Pigeons

Cliffs are the natural habitat for pigeons, so they readily adapt to ledges, rooftops, and HVAC systems. Look for these signs that pigeons may be nearby:

• Droppings: White, acidic waste buildup known as guano may be visible on ledges, sidewalks, and areas directly beneath roosting sites.
• Nests and Nesting Material: Simple, flat nests made from a few sticks are often present, sometimes held together by dried droppings.
• Sounds: Low, repetitive cooing is common, along with loud wingbeats or scraping noises when pigeons land on or walk across metal surfaces like ductwork.
  

 

Protecting Your Commercial Facility from Birds in Lubbock TX 

Ongoing bird activity or a noticeable rise in bird numbers indicates it’s time to seek professional help. Birds that find reliable food, water, and shelter are likely to stay, and some species are legally protected, making removal more complicated without the right expertise.

Businesses in Lubbock TX rely on Bug Out for trusted bird control solutions. Our experts conduct a detailed inspection, assess the severity of the problem, and create a tailored plan to safeguard your facility long-term.

Contact Bug Out today for a complimentary inspection and reliable bird and pest control solutions.