Handling Nuisance Birds in Commercial Food Processing

Food and beverage processors take careful measures to prevent contamination daily, but birds are often an overlooked risk.  

Pest birds like pigeons and sparrows can introduce hazards and cause damage to business properties. If you’ve noticed increased bird activity or nesting around your facility, contact your local Assured Environments office to learn more about our commercial bird control and prevention solutions.

Potential health risks from birds

Some birds are seen as delightful companions, but they can also transmit a variety of pathogens, fungal spores, and ectoparasites. These may be present on their bodies, within their nests, or in their droppings. Birds contribute to the spread of over 60 diseases that affect humans, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, Salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and West Nile virus.

Potential businesses risks from birds

Even a single bird, or signs of bird activity, in a food processing facility can lead to production shutdowns and plant closures during health or regulatory inspections. If noticed in third-party audits, a presence of birds can jeopardize business relationships. Companies may also incur significant fines due to bird-related violations.  

Addressing a bird problem isn’t as simple as handling it in-house. Many bird species are legally protected at federal, state, and local levels, and actions such as relocating birds, disturbing nests, or attempting removal can result in legal consequences and financial penalties. Seeking guidance from a professional before intervening is the responsible approach.

Birds attracted to food processing facilities

Birds of all kinds can pose challenges for food processing facilities, though some species are encountered more frequently than others. 

Smaller birds, in particular, have an easier time gaining access into buildings, including:

• English house sparrows
• Common European starlings
• Swallows

Larger birds may not get inside, but still cause exterior and rooftop problems, including:

• Pigeons
• Seagulls

What conditions encourage bird activity?

The surroundings of a food processing facility can influence bird activity. Buildings near water, landfills, or feed mills may experience higher bird presence and require additional measures to address the issue.  

Certain areas within a facility can attract birds, and specific conditions may make a site more accessible to them. Some common factors include:

• Uncovered dumpsters or spilled products outdoors provide an easy food source.  
• Sheltered overhangs offer birds a secure spot to build nests.  
• Gaps in structures like corrugated siding, soffits, and weep holes create additional nesting spaces.  
• Worn dock door bumpers can trap food debris and serve as nesting sites.  
• Propped-open windows and doors, often used for ventilation or traffic flow, give birds a direct way inside.  
• Small openings around doors make it easy for birds to enter by simply walking in.

Contamination of air, products, and equipment

Birds can introduce contamination into a food processing facility in two main ways: direct entry and rooftop activity.  

Open doors provide an easy way in, and some bird species quickly learn patterns, anticipating when access points will be available. Once inside, they fly around or settle on rafters and high surfaces, where droppings can land on production lines or stored goods, leading to contamination concerns.  

Rooftops are another hotspot for bird activity, offering a nesting point where they can spot food and shelter. When HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, or air circulation units are present, especially on flat rooftops, birds tend to gather around them for warmth. As these machines operate, they can pull in feathers and droppings, potentially spreading contaminants throughout the facility via the ventilation system.

5 ways to deter birds from your property

Addressing the risks associated with bird contamination should be a key focus for every food processing facility. Partnering with a bird control expert can let your business assess available strategies and determine the most effective approach. No single solution works for every facility.  

When tackling a bird issue, consider the following steps:

One of the most common challenges businesses encounter is birds getting inside through propped-open doors, often left open for ventilation or convenience. Installing screen doors can help maintain airflow while keeping birds out, and strip doors provide a barrier that allows people and equipment to pass through while discouraging pests. Training staff to keep doors and windows closed when not actively in use can also reduce the chances of unwanted bird entry.

Installing netting beneath overhangs can block areas where birds typically nest or roost. This approach not only deters nesting, but also helps keep birds from gathering near doors and windows, reducing the chances of them finding a way inside.

Tools like spikes and electric tracks, designed to deter birds without causing harm, can help make these spots less inviting and reduce bird presence around the facility.

Even the smallest openings can provide birds with a way inside, so it’s crucial to inspect every detail of your facility’s exterior for any gaps or holes. Watching deliveries and product pickups can also reveal potential entry points, or areas where birds may be lingering.

Birds are often seen as harmless, and employees may not realize the issues that can arise from allowing them to feed on spilled products. Providing staff with education on the impact of bird activity is likely to be beneficial, along with enforcing prompt cleanup of spills and avoiding outdoor product storage. Assigning someone to routinely check garbage and dumpster areas can help keep them stay clear of food sources and nesting materials.  

1. Close doors and windows.
2. Receive professional bird exclusion services.
3. Place perch modification products in outdoor areas where birds tend to roost.
4. Fill in any gaps at dock doors when trucks are present, and ensure there are no small holes in your building.
5. Train staff about the importance of cleaning every area.

Additional bird management options, such as hazing techniques or treatments for vegetation, may also be effective. The best approach will depend on the facility’s operations, the bird species involved, and the specific location.

Reach out for professional bird control

Bird activity at your facility might not seem like an urgent concern, but even one bird can lead to significant disruptions.  

If you’ve spotted birds around your facility or have had trouble with them getting inside, reach out to the experts at Assured Environments. Contact us to schedule a consultation—we’re here to help.