Birds can be beautiful creatures, but when they invade commercial properties, they can become a serious problem. Whether it’s pigeons nesting on rooftops or sparrows in loading docks, the presence of birds can disrupt day-to-day operations.
From creating safety hazards to causing property damage, bird proofing is a proactive step every commercial property owner in Australia should consider. By taking action early, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your premises looking clean and professional.
What are Pest birds?
Pest birds, often referred to as nuisance birds, are bird species that cause significant problems in urban or commercial areas by damaging property, spreading diseases, and disrupting business operations. While all birds play an important role in ecosystems, certain species are classified as pests due to their negative impact on human environments. In Australia, the most common pest birds include:
Pigeons
Often called “rats with wings,” pigeons are notorious for nesting in urban areas, especially on rooftops and ledges. Their droppings are acidic and can cause serious damage to buildings and equipment, while also carrying harmful diseases like salmonella.
Seagulls
Common around coastal regions and near food sources, seagulls can be aggressive and are known for scavenging in public spaces. They can create health hazards by contaminating food areas with droppings and disrupting businesses with their noise and behaviour.
Swallows
Although small, swallows can cause significant problems in commercial properties, particularly warehouses, supermarkets, and food processing plants. Their nests can block air vents, and their droppings can contaminate food supplies and storage areas.
Indian Mynas
An invasive species in Australia, Indian mynas are known for their aggressive behaviour towards native birds and their tendency to take over buildings, creating noise and leaving messes with their droppings and nests.
Starlings
Another invasive species, starlings can flock in large numbers, creating noise pollution and damaging property. Their nests can clog drains, gutters, and air conditioning units, leading to water damage and mechanical issues.
These nuisance birds can cause significant financial losses for businesses, health risks, and damage to infrastructure. This is why many commercial property owners choose to invest in bird proofing measures to prevent infestations before they become major issues.
Why Birds and Bird Droppings Pose a Problem for Commercial Properties?
Birds may seem harmless, but they can bring a host of issues to commercial spaces. A bird infestation can lead to severe health risks, property damage, and compliance issues for commercial properties.
- Health Risks: Birds can carry a range of diseases, including salmonella and bird flu, posing health risks to your employees and customers. Their droppings are not only unsightly but can harbour harmful pathogens.
- Property Damage: Bird droppings are highly acidic, meaning they can corrode building materials, damage signage, and even affect the efficiency of solar panels. Nests can block drainage systems and cause flooding, leading to further damage.
- Reputation Impact: The last thing you want is for customers to walk into your business and be greeted by bird droppings on the walkway or constant bird noise. It not only looks unprofessional but also leaves a negative impression on your brand.
- Legal Obligations: In Australia, property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe and sanitary conditions. Allowing birds to nest or linger can lead to compliance issues, particularly in the hospitality and food industries.
The Importance of Bird Control
Bird control is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe, healthy, and clean environment in commercial buildings. Pest birds can cause significant damage to property, pose health risks to employees and customers, and create unsanitary conditions. For instance, bird droppings are not only unsightly but also highly acidic, leading to the corrosion of building materials and potential health hazards. Additionally, bird nests can block ventilation systems, causing operational inefficiencies and even fire risks.
Effective bird control measures can help prevent these issues and ensure a comfortable and productive work environment. By understanding the importance of bird control, building owners and managers can take proactive steps to deter birds and maintain a bird-free environment. This not only protects the physical integrity of the property but also upholds the reputation of the business, ensuring that customers and employees feel safe and welcome.
Bird Proofing Methods for Commercial Properties
There are several bird proofing methods available to stop birds from causing problems, each designed to address specific bird-related issues.
- Bird Netting: Perfect for larger spaces like warehouses, car parks, or atriums, bird netting provides a physical barrier to prevent birds from accessing certain areas. It’s a durable, long-term solution that doesn’t interfere with day-to-day business operations.
- Bird Spikes: These are ideal for ledges, signs, and rooftops where birds tend to perch. Bird spikes are an effective deterrent that prevents birds from landing without harming them. They’re a cost-effective and discreet solution for most commercial buildings.
- Bird Wire: For those looking for a more subtle approach, bird wire is a thin, tensioned wire that creates an unstable surface, deterring birds from landing. It’s often used for architectural features or high-visibility areas.
- Shock Tracks: If aesthetics are a priority, shock tracks offer a low-profile, humane solution. These electrically charged strips provide a harmless shock that encourages birds to find somewhere else to land.
- Decoys and Repellents: Using visual deterrents like fake predators, shiny objects, or even ultrasonic devices can help scare birds away. Gels or sprays are also available, making surfaces less appealing to land on.
- Sonic & Ultrasonic Units: Sonic and ultrasonic units offer a modern, humane, and highly effective solution for bird-proofing commercial properties. These devices use sound frequencies that either scare birds away or cause discomfort, discouraging them from nesting or roosting in specific areas.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are an effective way to prevent birds from entering a building or roosting on its surfaces. Bird netting, bird spikes, and bird proofing are popular physical barriers used to deter birds. Bird netting can be installed in areas where birds are likely to nest or perch, such as rooftops, loading docks, and atriums. This durable solution creates a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing these areas without interfering with day-to-day operations.
Bird spikes are another effective deterrent, ideal for ledges, beams, and other surfaces where birds tend to land. These spikes create an uncomfortable landing surface, preventing birds from settling without causing them harm. Bird proofing involves sealing all entry points and installing physical barriers to prevent birds from entering the building. This comprehensive approach ensures that birds are kept out of the building entirely, protecting both the interior and exterior of the property.
These physical barriers can be used alone or in combination with other bird control methods to create a comprehensive bird control system. By implementing these measures, commercial property owners can effectively prevent birds from causing damage and creating health hazards.
Visual Deterrents
Visual deterrents are another effective way to deter birds from entering a building or roosting on its surfaces. These deterrents work by creating a visual disturbance that birds find unpleasant or threatening. Examples of visual deterrents include shiny reflective surfaces, predator decoys, and visual bird scarers.
Shiny reflective surfaces, such as reflective tape or discs, can be placed in areas where birds are likely to land or roost. The reflections and movements of these surfaces create a visual disturbance that birds find unsettling. Predator decoys, such as fake owls or hawks, can also be used to scare birds away. These decoys mimic the appearance of natural predators, making birds feel unsafe and encouraging them to find a different location.
Visual bird scarers, such as balloons with large eyes or holographic devices, can also be effective in deterring birds. These devices create a visual threat that birds want to avoid. By creating a visual disturbance, visual deterrents can help deter birds and maintain a bird-free environment. These deterrents can be used alone or in combination with other bird control methods for maximum effectiveness.
Audio Deterrents
Audio deterrents are a non-invasive and humane way to deter birds from entering a building or roosting on its surfaces. These devices work by emitting sounds that are unpleasant or threatening to birds. Examples of audio deterrents include ultrasonic bird repellers, bird alarm calls, and predator sounds.
Ultrasonic bird repellers emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but highly irritating to birds. These devices can be placed in areas where birds are likely to land or roost, creating an environment that birds find uncomfortable. Bird alarm calls mimic the distress calls of birds, warning them of potential danger and encouraging them to leave the area. Predator sounds, such as the calls of hawks or eagles, can also be used to scare birds away.
By emitting unpleasant or threatening sounds, audio deterrents can help deter birds and maintain a bird-free environment. These devices can be used alone or in combination with other bird control methods to create a comprehensive bird control system. By implementing audio deterrents, commercial property owners can effectively prevent birds from causing damage and creating health hazards.
Choosing the Right Bird Proofing Solution
Choosing the best bird proofing solution isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—it depends on various factors specific to your property. To ensure you pick the right method, you need to consider the size of your building, the types of birds you’re dealing with, and the layout of your property. In addition to pigeons and seagulls, other bird species such as sparrows and starlings may also require specific deterrents.
- Property Size: Larger commercial spaces, like shopping centres or warehouses, often require more comprehensive solutions such as bird netting or shock tracks. Smaller properties, like cafés or retail stores, might only need a few spikes or decoys to keep birds at bay.
- Type of Birds: The kind of birds frequenting your property plays a big role in choosing the right deterrent. Pigeons, for example, are easily deterred with spikes or netting, while more aggressive species like seagulls may require stronger measures like shock tracks or bird wire.
- Building Structure: Your property’s layout also influences your bird proofing strategy. Open-air structures, flat roofs, or complex architecture may need customised solutions. For example, buildings with large facades or intricate roofing might benefit from discreet wire or shock systems that blend in with the aesthetic.
Customised Solutions for Different Industries
Different industries face unique challenges when it comes to controlling pesky birds. In hospitality, for instance, maintaining cleanliness is critical, so spikes or nets that are effective yet discreet might be the best option. Retail businesses may need deterrents that blend seamlessly with the store’s design, while factories or industrial sites often opt for heavy-duty solutions like bird netting to cover large areas.
Each industry requires a tailored approach to bird control, ensuring both safety and functionality are preserved.
Bird Proofing in Compliance with Australian Wildlife Laws
Australia has stringent regulations when it comes to protecting wildlife, and bird control is no exception. Any bird proofing method must be humane and compliant with environmental protection laws. Native birds, such as magpies and certain species of parrots, are protected by law, and it’s illegal to harm them. This makes humane bird control solutions, like netting or deterrents, critical to ensuring compliance. Make sure you work with a professional who understands the regulations and uses methods that prioritize animal welfare and effective pest control.
Long-Term Benefits of Bird Proofing
Investing in bird proofing isn’t just about solving today’s problem – it’s about protecting your property for the long haul. Many pest control companies offer long-term bird proofing solutions that can save you money and protect your property.
- Cost Savings: Effective bird proofing reduces the need for frequent cleaning, repair, or maintenance work. Preventing damage from bird droppings and nests will save you significant amounts in building upkeep over time.
- Health and Safety: Keeping birds away minimises health risks, reducing the chance of contamination, especially for businesses in the food or hospitality sectors.
- Improved Property Value: A well-maintained property free from bird-related damage is more valuable, both to customers and potential future buyers or tenants.
- Compliance: Stay in line with Australian regulations and avoid penalties related to unsanitary conditions or bird infestations.
Signs Your Commercial Property Needs Bird Proofing
It’s easy to overlook bird-related issues at first, but they can quickly escalate into major problems if left unaddressed. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to consider bird proofing, here are some telltale signs that birds are becoming more than just a minor nuisance on your commercial property.
- Frequent Bird Sightings on Rooftops or Ledges: If you’re regularly seeing birds perched on your building’s roof, ledges, or signage, it’s a clear sign they’ve found your property comfortable to roost. Over time, this can lead to larger flocks settling in, making the issue harder to control.
- Bird Droppings Around the Property: One of the most obvious signs is the presence of bird droppings. Aside from being unsightly and unhygienic, bird droppings are highly acidic and can cause long-term damage to paintwork, roofing, and building materials. Regular cleaning can become costly, so prevention is key.
- Nesting Materials Found Near HVAC Units, Gutters, or Building Corners: Birds love to build nests in hidden spots like gutters, roof cavities, or near HVAC systems. Not only can nests block drains and vents, but they can also attract more birds, leading to bigger problems like water damage, poor air quality, and even fire hazards.
- Complaints from Customers or Tenants About Bird Presence: If your customers or tenants start mentioning bird noise, droppings, or general bird-related disturbances, it’s time to act. Birds can affect the perception of your business, making your property seem unclean or unsafe. A swift response to these complaints can protect your reputation and ensure a pleasant environment for everyone.
If you’re noticing any of these issues around your commercial property, it’s a strong indication that bird proofing is necessary. Acting now will save you time, money, and potential damage from a bird infestation down the track.
How Professional Bird Proofing Works
When you hire a professional bird proofing service, the process usually follows these steps:
- Inspection: A detailed assessment of the property is done to identify problem areas and bird activity.
- Planning: The specialist will then recommend the best bird deterrents and bird proofing methods based on the property layout, bird species, and your business needs.
- Installation: The proofing materials, such as netting, spikes, or wire, will be installed by a trained team to ensure they are effective and compliant with regulations.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Some bird proofing solutions require regular maintenance or adjustment. A professional service will offer ongoing monitoring to ensure birds don’t return.
Wrapping Up:
Don’t let birds take over your commercial property! From health risks to expensive property damage, bird-related issues can have a major impact on your business. By investing in a professional bird proofing solution from reputable pest control companies, you can safeguard your property, protect your reputation, and ensure you comply with regulations.
Get in touch with our expert team today for bird proofing services or bird control for commercial buildings. Take the first step in protecting your property from unwanted feathered visitors.