Pigeon Bird Pests In The Food Industry

Any solution to prevent access of birds requires a previous study and the appropriateness of specific measures for each situation and type of bird

The spring is not only defined by the flowering of all sorts of plants from the wild ornamental and productive. It is also characterized by the arrival and breeding of many bird species and birds that nest or look for food in areas of agricultural productivity in food stores or processing and production areas. His arrival could cause problems to be sanitary hygienic potential carriers of pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses.

Currently there are well-defined mechanisms to address the problems caused by insects and rodents in facilities where food is stored or processed. Even the methods for the protection of the growing areas have experienced significant advances, allowing largely mitigate the detrimental effects they cause in crop pests. However, there are still difficulties to achieve the same effectiveness in controlling other pests affecting the food industry: poultry pests.

In controlling pest birds no single method is suitable for all cases. It depends on individual situations, the species to control, the number of individuals and their link to the place we want to protect. Therefore, before choosing any of the pigen bird control methods available, it is advisable to consult an expert to tell us what might be effective in each case, in order to use our time and money on those who actually have a chance of success.

In this sense, it is important to note that many wild birds are carriers of pathogenic microorganisms, especially bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli. In these circumstances, the risk of transmission of pathogens is high, especially if the birds have access to storage areas of raw materials or finished product.

How to limit access of the birds

Pest control bird depends on each particular situation, to control the species and its relationship to the scene to protect the main difficulty posed by birds to control is its ability to fly. Its high mobility, coupled with legal restrictions regarding the use of poisons, requires the use of control methods that have varying degrees of success, depending on each case. In any case, a wide variety of solutions that can be used in accordance with the facility to protect or preserve.

These solutions include, first, those that sought prevent access from birds to protect places of interest. And mesh networks are often very effective around specific areas or covering the gaps through which the birds enter buildings. Its main disadvantage is that trap leaves, pollen and other materials and can become a heap of dirt. As a complement, can be used spikes, which prevent the birds from alighting on specific points, but ultimately also accumulate dirt and nesting birds can reach him. Steel cables also prevent the birds are landing, but it loosens with time and lose effectiveness.

The counterpoint to the aforementioned devices are electrified systems. In general, are very effective, as they cause electric shock when the bird perches. But its cost, both installation and maintenance is higher than previous methods.

Another way to limit access of the birds is the use of repellent methods. These include gels and liquids. The first litter too and they adhere elements carried by the wind as pollen, leaves or insects. The latter emit strong odors and must be applied by authorized personnel in the handling of chemicals, on a monthly or so. A second possibility is ultrasound. Disturb the birds but runs the risk that they become accustomed and to lose all effectiveness.

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Controlling Pest Birds In The Food Processing Industry

Pest birds can be a serious health and safety issue if they are not controlled.  In food processing plants they can cause extensive damage, health issues and safety problems to workers.  Pest birds such as pigeons, starlings and sparrows are very common in and around commercial facilities.  These facilities often provide perfect roosting places, shelter for nesting and a wonderful food source.  Pest bird feces is acidic and can be quite corrosive to building material and machinery, it can also carry any of 60 known transmittable diseases.  Contamination of bird feces, feathers and debris is a big problem in the food processing industry.  Health officials can close plants for days to weeks when contamination is found. 

Once it is determined that there is an issue with pest birds, plant managers must survey the area to see what the pest birds are doing.  In order to implement an effective pest bird control program you must know if the birds are roosting, nesting and if they  have a good source of food, water and shelter.  Once you know what the birds are doing and where they are; an effective bird control system can be installed. 

Control Methods:

Roofs, ledges, parapet walls:

A physical bird deterrent such as bird spikes or shock systems best deters pest birds roosting on flat surfaces such as ledges and parapet walls.  Bird Spikes are economical and easy to install.  They make it impossible for the birds to land so they move on to the next favorable roosting area.  Bird Shock Systems are a low profile product that gives a slight “jolt” to the pest birds changing their habits quickly…moving them on to a more comfortable area.

Loading docks & overhangs:

When pest birds are found under loading docks or overhangs, bird netting is the best way to exclude them.  Bird Netting hung under the dock superstructure will keep pest birds from landing and roosting on I-beams and building nests under eaves.

Inside processing plant:

Once birds are inside the plant it can be very difficult to get them to leave, especially if there is a food source available to them.  There is a new product available that will keep pest birds out of processing areas; Bird Mist Units.  These units release a fine mist into the air to deter pest birds from large open spaces. The unit distributes methyl anthranilate, a grape extract proven to be effective in repelling pest birds. As the birds fly through the mist, the extract irritates their trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes through entry in the eyes, nose or mouth. Birds do not like the sensation caused by the extract and will take flight from the area being treated. Methyl anthranilate is a grape extract that naturally occurs in concord grapes, and is used for flavoring grape soda and candies. It is a food grade material, and recognized by the FDA as a safe substance. The extract has been widely used by pest control companies for safely and humanely deterring pest birds and geese for decades.

It is important to implement a pest bird control system as soon as birds are noticed hanging around food processing plants.  This will protect the plants from damage, contamination and help to improve third-party audit scores.  For more information on pest bird control systems contact Bird-B-Gone, Inc. at 1-800-392-6915 or online at www.birdbgone.com.  Bird-B-Gone has a national network of Authorized Installers that can help to control all of your pest bird problems.

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This seems to be the caveat of many jobs… I am looking to start in pest control, but they all want licensed agents. How can one get licensed unless they get their foot in the door first? Any advice?