The holiday season is here - twinkling lights, festive decorations, and busy employees everywhere. But along with the joy comes an uninvited guest: birds looking for warmth and easy snacks. From starlings in the rafters to pigeons near loading docks, birds can turn your festive facility into a messy, stressful place. Keep the Christmas cheer alive and your facility running smoothly with these five simple steps to stay bird-free this season.

1. Tighten Up Your Entry Points

December is peak season for open doors - deliveries, decorations, employees coming in and out. Birds take advantage of that.
Do a quick facility walkthrough:

• Check loading docks

• Inspect warehouse doors

• Look for broken seals or gaps

• Make sure automatic doors close properly

A few minutes of prevention can save you hours of cleanup, especially if starlings or pigeons decide to sneak in for warmth.

2. Reduce Food Sources and Waste Build-Up

Birds don’t stick around for fun - they stick around for food.
This is the time of year when breakroom scraps, outdoor dumpsters, and holiday treats create easy meals.
Make sure:

• Indoor trash cans have lids

• Dumpster lids stay closed

• Spills are cleaned immediately

• Employee holiday events include a cleanup plan

If one bird finds a snack, you’ll have a flock by the next morning.

3. Eliminate Nesting and Roosting Spots

From rooflines to rafters, birds love settling in for winter.
Do a quick inspection of:

• Overhangs

• Signage ledges

• Open rafters

• HVAC units

• Storage shelves

Adding simple deterrents like Avitrol or gels keeps birds from getting comfortable. It’s far easier to prevent nests than remove them once they’re built.