Copesan’s Bird Expert Answers Your Top Commercial Bird Questions
How can I remove bird nests from the gutters of my building?
Bird nests in gutters are more common in arid climates because pest birds will find a section of gutter that is covered by a section of roof and think it’s a great spot to build a nest during a dry spell. One good rain, or several days of constant rain, will dissuade the bird and cause them to abandon the nest. But, now you have a section of gutter with an unsightly nest that is probably clogging a downspout.
There are several products made to either clean or cover the tops of gutters to prevent the accumulation of leaves. These products will also help with bird nests. Some cleaning products attach to an exterior/garden hose and extend, so a ladder is not always required. Products that cover the gutter top serve a dual purpose – keeping both leaves and pest birds out of the “U” channel. These may require professional installation, especially in a multi-level facility.
How can businesses stop birds from building nests?
Birds can build nests in many different places. For example, pigeons prefer a flat surface that is at least two-inches wide, closed on one side and covered. Sparrows and starlings prefer a crevice, like those inside a wall to ceiling joint, between your store sign and the wall, or in a damaged vent.
The best way to stop birds from building a nest at your location is to physically eliminate areas that could be potential nesting sites by using one of several Bird Exclusion solutions offered by Copesan.
Birds have nested in my building’s vents. Is this a fire hazard?
While pest birds are not likely to nest in a dryer or other vent that is used regularly, if one has nested, there could be a potential fire hazard. Vents that do not vent high-speed, hot airflow (exhaust fans and attic vents for example) do not pose as much of a fire risk as dryer vents do, but the accumulation of combustible nesting material inside a confined space is never a good idea.
Pests birds can also use a damaged vent, or poke a hole in one, to gain entry into a building.
Properly covering all vents, including the downward facing linear ones along the eaves of a soffit, is a good preventative measure. When covering a dryer vent, it is very important that materials used are specifically for that purpose. Improperly covering a dryer vent can increase the chance of fire, creating an even greater hazard, due to the accumulation of lint.