Bird Control & the Food Industry (Part II)

In part one of this topic, we looked at the danger of pest birds in food processing or packaging plants and the damage associated with their presence. We also looked at conducive conditions - conditions or actions that will attract birds such as pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and seagulls.

Once the presence of birds has been confirmed, let's look at immediate control methods and long term bird management:

Bird Management Strategies

First Line Defense

• Stop any bird feeding around the facility immediately
  • Any bird management plan should have a clear policy prohibiting employees from feeding birds. Once birds have been accustomed to routine feeding, the birds will continue to return.
    
    
• Eliminate Standing Water Sources
  • All standing water needs to be eliminated. Have the roof inspected regularly to ensure all drains are working properly.
  • Landscape irrigation: Eliminate and prevent pooling of water in areas with low sun exposure.
    
    
• Proper Sanitation Practices
  • Ensure that dumpster lids are closed when not in use.
  • Ensure that trash is removed in a timely fashion.
  • Routinely clean trash receptacles.
  • Immediately clean up/remove any spilled food.
    
    
• Eliminate Entry Points
  • Survey the facility and inspect seals on all openings.
  • Regularly inspect truck bay bumpers and repair if necessary.
  • Check screens on exhaust vents.
  • Ensure that windows are closed and have screens when in use.

Pest management programs need to implement a more in-depth section of the program for bird control. As each facility will have its unique challenges, each bird management plan needs to be tailored to the specific site. A well designed and balanced, integrated bird management program will provide long-term and cost-efficient bird control.

Prevention Strategies

The best prevention strategy is examination, planning and knowledge of a Bird Control Expert. A bird audit and subsequent bird management plan can put a stop to birds before they ever get near or inside your facility. If birds already found a way in, the key is to act quickly.  Birds remaining within your facility for an extended period increase the risk of exposure. Birds are easiest removed when they are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Whereas, it is much more difficult to remove birds from a facility that has had a long-term bird problem.

Once you have a plan, someone needs to oversee the bird management plan. Thresholds need to be put in place for  different areas of your facility. A a zero threshold is recommended for production areas. Threshold levels will vary based on location and sensitivity of the area. 

Review and remedy as many conducive conditions as possible on an ongoing basis. The longer a conducive condition stays active, the more likely birds, as well as other wildlife or rodents, will be attracted to the site and find a way into the facility.

Bird Control Methods

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control will determine themost appropriate bird control strategy based on your  unique situation. Control methods may include Structural Damage Repair, Ledge Protection Systems, Netting & Exclusion, Nest Removal, Pyrotechnics, or Live Trapping. If bird pressure is high (birds have nested), we will likely use bird exclusion methods. If no birds have nested, we can employ deterrent methods.This is an important distinction. Bird exclusion means physically changing the area to permanently prevent entry by pest birds. Whereas, bird deterrent devices inhibit birds from landing on treated areas.

In part 3 of this series, we will look at how to prepare an Integrated Bird Management Audit Program. 

Hawkeye is the ONLY Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area licensed Pest Bird Control Specialist offering PERMANENT REMOVAL & GUARANTEED RESULTS. We are uniquely qualified under permits and licenses to PERMANENTLY REMOVE AND CONTROL pest birds such as pigeons, seagulls, geese, starlings, and swallows using a variety of methods including Birds of Prey.  Additionally, we offer cleaning and disinfecting of affected areas and facilitate the future exclusion of birds.

Now with 7 Locations ( 6 In Canada and 1 in the U.S), we are ready to serve you better in Acton,  Toronto, Oshawa,  Bowmanville,  two locations in Mississauga and West Palm Beach in Florida.

Contact us today or Email us at hawkeye@hawkeye.ca if you need help with pest bird control and/or pest bird removal.

Pest Birds such as Cormorants, Crows, Ducks, Doves, Geese, Grackels, Seagulls, Pigeons, Robins, Sparrows and Starlings.