How to Manage Nuisance Birds on Industrial & Commercial Properties this Winter
Dec 12, 2024
As the outdoor temperatures drop, nuisance birds deploy different tactics to survive: migration or habituation. For migratory birds, cold weather signals the start of the winter season; as such, many flocking birds such as Canada geese, gulls and sandhill cranes migrate to warmer weather in the southern United States and return in the spring.
Unfortunately for commercial and industrial property owners, not all nuisance birds travel south for the winter. Many species of birds adapt their behavior to wait out the cold – and can cause significant damage to properties in the process.
How Non-Migratory Birds Adapt to Falling Temperatures
Non-migratory birds, such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings, change their behavior to survive by:
- Taking shelter: nuisance birds will seek shelter from the elements in open loading docks, underneath eaves, soffits, rafters, on top of exposed pipes or beams, and underneath or inside HVAC units; in cases of extreme weather, they may even seek shelter indoors
- Huddling: birds will huddle up for warmth during winter to generate heat, sometimes numbering dozens
- Enabling torpor: this physical state enables birds to lower their metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate to conserve heat and energy and cope with the cold, especially at night
The Damage Nuisance Birds Cause to Industrial & Commercial Properties
Bird adaptability during winter can result in a number of problems for your property, including:
- Property and asset damage: the prolonged presence of nuisance birds can directly damage your property and assets
- Human health and safety risks: a large number of birds huddling together can lead to a concentration of fecal matter; bird droppings increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents and contain diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause fatal upper respiratory infections
How to Mitigate Costly & Unsanitary Bird Issues on Your Industrial or Commercial Property
Reduce nuisance bird issues at your industrial or commercial property this winter by taking practical steps:
- Keep doors closed when not in use, including dock or bay doors
- Identify and close any small openings or gaps where birds can access your property
- Clean bird debris (e.g. droppings, feathers, nesting materials, etc.) and sanitize the problem area
- Install bird control deterrents and exclusion systems to reduce nuisance bird presence
Your Partner for Nuisance Bird Solutions
A number of professional solutions – including cleaning services, structural deterrents, and nest management – can be used to manage nuisance birds on your property. Because each property and bird issue is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Ultimately, the recommended solution(s) will depend on a number of site-specific factors.
To learn more about our science-based solutions to your bird issues, reach out to one of our team members today. With decades of experience and a biologist-led team, Wild Goose Chase helps properties by designing site-specific, effective solutions to manage nuisance bird issues.
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