How to Get Rid of Birds from Your Commercial Building in Vancouver

Dealing with a bird infestation in your commercial building in Vancouver can be extremely frustrating. Birds like pigeons, seagulls, and sparrows love to roost on commercial buildings, where they can cause significant damage with their droppings, nesting materials, and noise. Getting rid of these pesky birds and keeping them away for good requires a strategic approach. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the most effective bird control and removal solutions to rid your Vancouver commercial building of birds, both humanely and legally.

Identifying Your Key Bird Control Issues

• Identify the specific bird species causing problems (pigeons, seagulls, starlings, sparrows, etc.) as different birds require different deterrents.
• Note the locations on the building where birds are roosting and nesting (ledges, signs, rooftop, eaves, vents, etc.) to target proofing.
• Document the entry points birds are using to access the interior or rooftop areas of the building.
• Estimate the number of birds to determine the extent of the infestation and necessary removal efforts.
• Observe bird behaviors like nesting habits, droppings, noises, and aggressiveness to aid in selecting proper humane deterrents.
• Consider local climate conditions that may impact deterrent selection and placement.
• Note the times of day when bird activity is highest to know when removal efforts will be most effective.
• Account for building aesthetics and materials when choosing less-visible deterrents like gels vs. spikes.
• Select deterrents that specifically target the observed problem bird species in your building based on their behaviors and biology.
• Follow all wildlife regulations and use only humane, non-toxic bird deterrents and removal methods.
• Consult pest control professionals if the infestation is severe, hazardous, or impacting operations.

Most Common Commercial Building Bird Problems

Issues With Birds on Rooftops

Rooftops provide ideal roosting and nesting spots for many bird species due to their elevation and seclusion. However, the accumulation of droppings, nesting materials, and debris can lead to severe damage. Birds often clog drains and air vents, corrode HVAC units with acidic droppings, and transmit diseases through contaminated dust. 

For commercial rooftops, a multi-pronged approach is required. Physical deterrents like wire grids, slope modifications, and netting can make roosting difficult. Population reduction through live trapping and relocation may be necessary for large infestations. 

Power washing and sanitization removes waste buildup. Routine inspections and maintenance help sustain results long-term. Consulting a qualified bird management professional is highly recommended for effective, legal, and humane bird removal from commercial rooftops. Ongoing prevention is key to avoiding costly damage from recurring bird infestations.

Issues With Birds on Signage

Business signs and billboards provide ideal roosting spots for birds due to their elevation and visibility. The droppings and nesting materials quickly accumulate, marring signage and creating unsanitary conditions below. 

Physical deterrents like bird spikes, coils, wire grids, and slope modifications can prevent birds from landing. Transparent gels and films applied directly to sign surfaces make roosting uncomfortable. Netting installed above or around signs blocks access. Falconry services provide a natural harassment technique. 

Population reduction through trapping may be required for heavy infestations. Any deterrents should be installed properly to avoid harming birds. Signs must also be power washed and sanitized thoroughly after bird waste removal to prevent reinfestation. Ongoing inspections and maintenance help ensure long-term bird exclusion without impacting the aesthetics of the signage.

 Issues With Birds in Warehouses

Warehouses provide ideal roosting and nesting spots for birds like pigeons, seagulls, and starlings due to the expansive ceilings, rafters, shelving, and inventory. However, the bird droppings and debris create unsanitary conditions, health hazards, and contamination risks. 

Physical deterrents like bird netting, spikes, wires, and slope modifications can make roosting difficult. Automated laser devices and sound repellers also work well for large open spaces. For heavy infestations, live trapping and relocation may be necessary to reduce populations. Ensuring doors close quickly is crucial for preventing entry. Any deterrents should be installed properly to avoid harming birds. 

After removal, warehouses require thorough power washing, nest removal, and disinfection to prevent recurring issues. Consulting a qualified bird management professional can help create a customized bird exclusion strategy combining proactive deterrents, population reduction, and ongoing maintenance.

Understanding Vancouver Nuisance Bird Species

The first step is identifying what types of birds you are dealing with. Here are some of the most common pest bird species in Vancouver commercial buildings:

Pigeons

Pigeons are one of the most problematic birds for Vancouver businesses. They love to roost on ledges, signs, rooftops, and any other elevated surfaces on buildings. Pigeons build large, messy nests out of straw, twigs, and other debris. Their acidic droppings can corrode and degrade building materials. Pigeons are also known to transmit diseases through their droppings.

Seagulls

Seagulls flock to commercial buildings near Vancouver’s waterfront areas. They scavenge for food in dumpsters, roof vents, and drains. Seagulls nest on rooftops and can be very aggressive during nesting season. Their droppings are highly acidic and damage HVAC systems, vents, and other equipment.

Sparrows

Sparrows, especially house sparrows, are small birds that can squeeze into tiny openings in buildings. They build nests in vent pipes, eaves, sign boxes, and more. Sparrows chirp noisily and their nests clog gutters. Their droppings also create unsanitary conditions.

Starlings

Starlings form large, noisy flocks and roost in dense groups on signs, ledges, and entryways. Their droppings build up quickly and their nests block ventilation systems. Starlings are highly aggressive and territorial.

Effective Bird Deterrents for Commercial Property

Once you know what types of birds you’re dealing with, the next step is installing bird deterrents designed specifically for commercial settings. Here are some of the most effective bird deterrents to install on your building:

Bird Spikes

Bird spikes are rows of stainless steel spikes installed on ledges, signs, rooftops, and other surfaces where birds roost. The spikes prevent birds from landing while allowing water to run off. Bird spikes come in plastic and stainless steel, but stainless steel spikes hold up better outdoors.

Bird Wire

Bird wire consists of taut stainless steel or nylon wires installed in grids across surfaces. The wires make it impossible for birds to land. Bird wire can be installed on ledges, rooftops, signs, and more. It’s less visually obtrusive than netting.

Bird Gel

Bird gel is a non-drying, sticky gel that makes surfaces uncomfortable for birds to land on. It can be applied on ledges, beams, signs, and rooftops. The gel deters birds while blending into the building exterior. Reapplication is needed every 1-2 years.

Bird Tape

Bird tape is a specialized tape with sticky adhesive that birds find uncomfortable to land on. It can be installed on ledges, beams, signs, and other surfaces. Bird tape blends in better than spikes or wires since it lays flat.

Bird Netting

Bird netting is durable plastic or nylon netting installed over rooftops, courtyards, balconies, and other areas to keep birds out. The netting can be customized to fit the area. It’s less visually obtrusive than wire mesh. Proper installation is key to prevent birds from getting trapped.

Sound Deterrents

Ultrasonic and electronic sound devices emit noises, distress calls, and predator sounds that irritate birds and deter them from roosting. These units can be installed on rooftops, signs, and entryways. Sounds are inaudible to humans. Effectiveness depends on bird species and unit quality.

Humane Bird Control Techniques & Bird Removal Methods For Places of Business

In addition to installing deterrents, you’ll also need to remove any birds that are currently roosting on your building. This should be done humanely by qualified professionals. Here are some bird removal methods:

Nest Removal

Removing bird nests and eggs is key to getting rid of current bird inhabitants. Licensed pros can remove nests and eggs humanely once baby birds have fledged. Nests are removed and entry points sealed.

Live Trapping

Humane live traps baited with food and water can be used to capture roosting birds. Once full, the birds are transported and released away from the building. Live trapping takes time but is gentler than other methods.

Bird Net Launcher

A bird net launcher uses a blank cartridge to shoot a net onto a roosting area at night, capturing multiple birds for removal. The birds are removed from the net and released offsite at dawn. This method allows mass capture.

Falconry

Trained hawks, falcons, and eagles can be used to scare, chase away, and capture roosting birds. Birds see raptors as predators and will avoid areas where falcons are deployed. Only certified falconers should be used.

Laser/Light Devices

High-power laser or strobe light devices can be used to scare birds off of a roosting area. The beams irritate the birds and cause them to relocate. Lasers and lights can reach areas difficult to net or spike.

Cleanup and Sanitization

After removing birds and nests, it’s crucial to clean and sanitize the affected areas properly to prevent re-infestation. Here are some key steps:

Droppings Removal

Bird droppings contain harmful bacteria and fungi. Professional hazmat cleaning is required to remove accumulated bird feces safely from rooftops, ledges, signs, and other areas. Proper PPE should be used.

Nest Cleanout

Nests must be completely cleared out of vents, pipes, crevices, ledges, and other areas. Any remaining nest materials will attract more birds. Sealing entry points is also key.

Disinfection

A hospital-grade disinfectant registered by the EPA should be applied to all areas affected by nesting, roosting, and droppings. This kills dangerous pathogens left behind.

Odor Removal

Special odor neutralizers should be used to eliminate the strong ammonia smell from bird droppings that attract other birds. Enzymatic cleaners help remove odors.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing can help clean bird droppings, nesting materials, and waste off of building exteriors, signs, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces. Care should be taken around soft or delicate materials.

After-Removal Prevention

The final step is ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure birds don’t return and re-infest your building. Here are some prevention tips:

Quarterly Inspections

Schedule professional inspections every 3 months to check for any breaches, gaps, or areas in need of re-treatment. Address any issues immediately before birds return.

Annual Maintenance

Plan on an annual tune-up and maintenance for your bird deterrents to keep them functioning optimally. Check wires, nets, tapes, and gels and make repairs as needed.

Monitor Entry Points

Watch for any small gaps or holes where birds can enter and nest, especially as the building ages. Seal up any potential entry points with caulk, hardware cloth, or other materials.

Adjust Deterrents

If you notice birds returning to certain areas, add additional deterrent measures like more spikes, lower-hanging wires, or sound devices tuned to that species.

Remove Food Sources

Eliminate any food sources like overflowing trash bins, pet food bowls, or debris that could attract birds. Commercial buildings offer many food opportunities.

When to Call a Professional

Getting rid of birds from a commercial building is not a DIY project. Severe infestations, dropping accumulations, and nest removals require specialized equipment, licenses, and training. Licensed pest control technicians and wildlife specialists should handle the job. Here are some signs it’s time to call the pros:

• Large accumulations of droppings on rooftops, ledges, or equipment

   

• Birds nesting inside ventilation systems, ductwork, or interior structures;
• Evidence of bird-borne illnesses like histoplasmosis in employees
• Aggressive birds swooping at employees or customers
• Birds trapped inside the building and unable to get out
• Large numbers of birds returning despite your deterrent efforts
• Difficult-to-reach infested areas requiring boom lifts or scaffolding

Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand. At the first sign of roosting birds, contact professional pest control companies certified in bird management and exclusion services. Look for humane, environmentally-friendly solutions above all. With the right deterrents, removal methods, and maintenance, you can successfully get rid of pesky birds from your Vancouver commercial property for good.

Get Rid of Nuisance Birds on Your Vancouver Commercial Property Today

When it comes to effective, eco-friendly bird control services for commercial buildings in the Vancouver, BC area,  All Green Pest Control is the top choice. All Green Pest Control is a locally owned and operated company that serves Vancouver,  Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, and across Metro Vancouver. All Green Pest Control has years of experience providing humane bird removal and proofing services for commercial properties of all sizes.

Our certified technicians take a customized approach for each building, combining deterrent installation, population reduction, nest removal, and sanitization to resolve bird issues and effectively keep birds away for good. What sets All Green Pest Control apart is our use of the latest environmentally friendly products and techniques. We focus on non-toxic methods to humanely remove birds and prevent re-infestation.

Our bird control solutions are designed to keep buildings clean and employees safe, without harming local bird populations. From initial inspection to identifying bird hotspots to installing deterrents and follow-up maintenance, All Green Pest Control develops tailored bird exclusion plans for each unique property. 

We are experts at ridding warehouses, rooftops, signs, ledges, and all exterior and interior areas of pest birds while following all Vancouver wildlife control methods within proper regulations for bird control and removal. For effective and sustainable bird solutions in Vancouver for commercial buildings, All Green Pest Control is the top choice. Contact us today for a free quote and inspection from one of their knowledgeable bird control specialists.