Why bird problems aren’t just a nuisance-they’re a costly, compliance-breaking risk
Birds might look harmless perched on a rooftop, but for facility managers-especially those running food processing plants-they can be a major threat to safety, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. From corrosive droppings to disease transmission, bird activity can quickly spiral into a problem that impacts production, costs, and brand reputation.
Bird droppings are highly acidic, and over time, they eat away at metal, paint, stone, and rooftop membranes. On HVAC units, droppings can corrode coils, reduce efficiency, and shorten equipment lifespan.
In food facilities, birds often look for sheltered nesting spots in loading docks, rafters, or roof overhangs. Nests can clog drains, block ventilation, and create fire hazards when built near electrical equipment.
Birds aren’t just messy-they’re a walking (or flying) biohazard. Their droppings, feathers, and nesting materials can contaminate food products and raw ingredients. Pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, and histoplasmosis are known to be transmitted through bird waste.
Even a single droppings incident inside a production zone can trigger:
Production line shutdowns for sanitation
Lost batches due to contamination concerns
Regulatory action from USDA, FDA, or local health inspectors
Food processing facilities operate under strict sanitary guidelines. If inspectors see bird activity or evidence of droppings inside production or storage areas, you risk:
Immediate fines
Failed audits
Potential facility closure until the problem is resolved
Regulatory agencies take bird infestations seriously because of their direct connection to foodborne illnesses.
It’s not just the droppings-it’s the constant cleanup. Pressure washing, replacing damaged equipment, repairing corroded surfaces, and re-sanitizing affected areas can cost thousands of dollars each year.
And those costs don’t factor in the labor hours lost to constant reactionary cleaning instead of focusing on proactive facility management.
In the age of social media, all it takes is one photo of a bird inside a food facility-or droppings near a production line-for the story to spread far beyond your local area. Negative publicity can erode customer trust faster than almost any other type of contamination event.
The good news: Bird problems are preventable with the right approach. For food processing facilities, this means:
Routine professional inspections to identify and seal access points
Exclusion systems like netting, spikes, and deterrent devices
Behavioral control products, such as Avitrol, to safely and humanely disperse flocks before they establish a permanent presence
By the time you see large numbers of birds, they’ve likely already caused damage and contamination. Acting early-before migration seasons or peak breeding-saves money, keeps you in compliance, and protects your facility’s reputation.
Avitrol specializes in helping facilities like yours keep birds out and operations running smoothly. Don’t wait until a surprise inspection forces your hand-start prevention now.
Fill out the form below, and we'll create a tailored bird control strategy just for you—at no cost! Don’t wait; take control of your property now!