Controlling Pesky Birds in Commercial Food Facilities

Tactile repellents make an area inaccessible or uncomfortable for birds to touch. Anti-roosting devices such as porcupine wire, which consists of rustproof spikes or needles, stainless steel wire coils, or toothed repellent strips are cost-effective options that may be installed to prevent birds from being able to land on ledges and windowsills. It is crucial that the material covers the entire length of the ledge, and any debris that could protect birds from the spiked effect must be removed on a regular basis. Electrical wiring is another option, which delivers a non-lethal shock when birds land. However for large areas, this may not be as economical a tactic as other aforementioned methods.

There are also chemical tactile repellents available to prevent roosting, which come in the forms of gels, pastes, sprays, and more. The textures of these repellents can vary widely, but they typically produce an uncomfortable sensation on birds’ feet when they land. These chemical repellents lose effectiveness over time, so reapplication may be necessary as often as every few months, depending on the variety. From an economic standpoint, chemical repellents are best suited for use in small areas.

Auditory repellents are sonic devices that emit intermittent noises that are frightening to birds. These devices use sudden, loud, or alarming noises such as screeching sounds, piercing alarms, and horns to scare birds away. Others use bird distress calls, which are especially effective for species that migrate in flocks and communicate threats to each other. These types of devices usually do not have a permanent effect on birds that are adapted to urban life, such as sparrows and pigeons, but can prove effective against large flocks of starlings and geese. Sonic devices should be installed as soon as birds begin roosting in an area because the longer a flock is established, the more difficult it is to drive the birds away with scare tactics. Noises should be employed in early morning before birds leave roosting areas and again at dusk when they return. Auditory devices, however, are not practical for urban or residential areas and may be regulated by local ordinances.

Similar to sonic devices, visual repellents are installed with the purpose of scaring birds away from an area, though some birds may quickly become acclimated to them, rendering the visuals ineffective. Lasers are one of the most effective visual repellents, and create intense red laser spots, which scare roosting or loafing birds and disperse flocks. Other visual repellents include flashing lights, fake owls, hawks, dogs or other threatening predators, and shiny flags. Like noise repellents, visual repellents are less effective on entrenched bird populations.

The Bottom Line

Proper bird control can take a lot of trial and error, as the effectiveness of each method varies depending on a facility’s location, its structural design, and the species of pest bird causing problems. Working closely and communicating openly with a pest control professional, and properly and promptly following their recommendations, will expedite the process of determining which bird management tactics are the best fit for a facility. Once an effective, efficient, and maintainable bird control system is in place, however, the many risks of food contamination associated with birds will be eliminated.

Dr. Fredericks is chief entomologist and vice president of technical and regulatory affairs for the National pest Management Association. Reach him at [email protected].