As a facility manager or government employee, you're responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient environment for employees, clients, and visitors. While you may already be familiar with the usual suspects of maintenance issues—leaky roofs, HVAC malfunctions, or plumbing problems—there’s one often-overlooked challenge that could be lurking right outside your door: birds.
While birds might seem harmless, they present a range of problems that could affect your facility’s reputation, cleanliness, and even its structural integrity. Let’s take a closer look at why keeping birds away from your building should be high on your list of priorities.
Birds are notorious for carrying and spreading a number of diseases that can be harmful to humans. Some of the more common diseases associated with birds include:
Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that thrives in bird droppings, Histoplasmosis can be transmitted through inhalation of spores. It can lead to severe respiratory issues in humans.
Salmonella: A well-known bacterial infection, salmonella can be spread through contact with contaminated bird droppings. Symptoms can range from digestive issues to fever and vomiting.
E. Coli: Another bacterial pathogen found in bird feces, E. coli can lead to serious gastrointestinal distress and food poisoning.
Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection associated with bird droppings that can cause severe lung infections and, in some cases, affect the nervous system.
In a commercial or public facility, this can be a significant health risk, especially in high-traffic areas. If birds are roosting on your building or nearby, there is a good chance they’re contaminating the surrounding environment with harmful pathogens, making it vital to find ways to prevent them from nesting.
Bird droppings may seem like a small inconvenience, but their effects on your building can be far more damaging than they first appear. The droppings of pigeons, seagulls, and other common urban birds are highly acidic and can cause significant damage to building materials. Over time, the acid in bird droppings can:
Corrode metal surfaces: Metal railings, signage, and even roofing materials can rust and degrade from prolonged exposure to bird droppings.
Stain and deteriorate stone and brick: Acidic bird waste can cause staining and even weaken the structure of buildings made of stone or brick. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and devaluation of the building.
Damage glass: Bird droppings can leave unsightly stains on glass windows, making them harder to clean and potentially leading to permanent discoloration if not dealt with promptly.
Given the high cost of repairs and replacements, addressing bird-related damage early can save you from incurring expensive maintenance bills later on.
While the physical damage birds can cause to your building is significant, the nuisance they pose to customers and employees should not be underestimated. Birds can be a major disturbance in any facility, particularly in areas where people gather, such as:
Outdoor seating areas: Birds swooping in to grab food or leave droppings on tables and chairs can make outdoor areas unpleasant for clients or visitors.
Parking lots: Birds that congregate in parking areas can leave vehicles covered in droppings, creating a mess for your employees and visitors.
Building entrances: Birds nesting near doorways or windows can obstruct the flow of traffic and make the building entrance less welcoming.
Beyond the direct inconvenience, the presence of birds can negatively impact your building's reputation. If customers and employees regularly encounter bird-related problems, they may begin to associate your facility with an unclean or poorly maintained environment—leading to potential dissatisfaction and lost business.
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent birds from taking up residence at your facility. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Bird Netting: Installing bird netting around ledges, windows, and other areas where birds tend to roost can prevent them from accessing these spaces.
Bird Spikes: These simple but effective devices make it uncomfortable for birds to land on surfaces such as building ledges and windowsills.
Ultrasonic Repellents: These emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant for birds, keeping them away from your building.
Visual Deterrents: Reflective surfaces, fake predators, or even windsocks can deter birds from settling near your facility.
By implementing bird control measures, you can protect your building from damage, reduce health risks, and maintain a positive experience for your clients and employees.
As a facility manager, you're already juggling a wide range of responsibilities, but the importance of keeping birds away from your property cannot be overstated. Their droppings can damage your building's structure, create health hazards, and make your facility less inviting. Taking proactive steps to prevent birds from nesting and roosting around your building will not only save you from costly repairs but will also protect your reputation and ensure the safety and comfort of those who use your facility.
Don’t let birds take over your facility—implement bird control solutions today to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all.
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