Have you ever walked into your warehouse only to find pigeons perched on the rafters, leaving droppings all over your precious inventory? They are not only disruptive but can also turn what was supposed to be a productive day into hours of cleaning and redoing work that’s been ruined by their unwelcome presence.
Warehouses are prime real estate for these pesky birds, and they can wreak havoc on your business if left unchecked. So, how do you get rid of them and prevent them from coming back?
In this comprehensive guide to bird control, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to defend your warehouse from these uninvited guests. From understanding pigeon behavior to exploring preventative measures and proven warehouse bird control strategies – we’re here to help you create a cleaner, safer, and more productive warehouse environment.
So, stick with us, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a pigeon-free workspace!
Understanding Pigeon Behavior
Before we dive into the strategies for getting rid of pigeons, it’s crucial to understand their behavior. This knowledge will help you identify why your warehouse has become a pigeon magnet and what you can do to make it less appealing.
Pigeon Nesting Habits:
Pigeons are creatures of habit, and they love to return to the same nesting sites year after year. They prefer safe, sheltered spaces away from predators, and warehouses provide the perfect environment. Pigeons can create nests in rafters, ventilation systems, and even on top of stored goods.
Why Pigeons are Attracted to Warehouses:
Warehouses offer plenty of advantages for pigeons: shelter, warmth, and a constant food supply. With all the coming and going of trucks and employees, crumbs and food scraps are often left behind, making your warehouse a veritable pigeon buffet.
Common Signs of Pigeon Infestation:
Keep an eye out for pigeon droppings, feathers, and nesting materials in and around your warehouse. You may also hear cooing or flapping noises and see pigeons flying in and out of the building.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is always better than cure, and stopping pigeons from settling in the first place will be easier than removal. If you’re yet to experience a pigeon infestation, or if you’ve successfully dealt with one and want to prevent a repeat occurrence, taking the right preventative measures can save you time, effort, and frustration down the line. Here are some effective pigeon prevention measures:
Sealing Off Entry Points:
Pigeons are experts at finding small gaps and holes to enter your warehouse. Inspect your building’s exterior for any openings and seal them with appropriate materials like metal mesh, caulk, or expanding foam. Don’t forget to check around vents, windows, and doors.
Regular Maintenance and Cleanliness:
Maintaining a clean warehouse environment can go a long way in deterring pigeons. Regularly clean up any food scraps or debris, and keep garbage bins tightly sealed. Also, ensure that gutters and drains are clean and free of standing water.
Removing Food Sources:
Pigeons are always on the lookout for their next meal, so eliminating food sources is essential. Make sure that all food items are stored in sealed containers and that any spillages are cleaned up promptly. Don’t forget to educate your staff about the importance of proper food storage and waste disposal to help keep pigeons at bay.
Pigeon Deterrents
Even with preventative measures in place, sometimes pigeons just don’t get the hint. In these cases, it’s time to bring out the big guns and employ deterrents that will actively discourage them from making your warehouse their home.
Physical Deterrents:
These deterrents create physical barriers that prevent pigeons from landing or nesting in your warehouse.
- Spikes: Bird spikes can be installed on ledges, rafters, and other surfaces where pigeons tend to perch. The spikes make it uncomfortable for the birds to land, causing them to seek out a more hospitable location.
- Nets: Bird netting can be used to block off large openings or sections of your warehouse, preventing pigeons from accessing their preferred nesting spots.
- Wire Systems: Installing tensioned wire systems on ledges and other surfaces creates an unstable landing area, discouraging pigeons from settling there.
Visual Deterrents:
These deterrents work by creating visual disturbances that scare pigeons away.
- Reflective Tape: Hang strips of reflective tape from rafters or other areas where pigeons congregate. The movement and flashes of light can startle the birds and make them feel uneasy.
- Decoys: Place realistic predator decoys, like owls or hawks, near nesting sites to frighten pigeons away.
- Holographic Bird Scare Tape: Similar to reflective tape, holographic bird scare tape creates visual disturbances that can deter pigeons from approaching.
Auditory Deterrents:
These deterrents use sound to scare pigeons away from your warehouse. They include:
- Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be uncomfortable for pigeons, driving them away from the area.
- Bird Distress Calls: Playing recordings of pigeon distress calls can make other pigeons think there is danger nearby, causing them to avoid the area.
Combining multiple deterrent methods can be highly effective in keeping pigeons away from your warehouse. However, if all else fails, you must resort to pigeon removal methods like trapping and relocation or, better yet, seek professional pigeon control services.
