Bird Control for the Nursery Industry

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by Alex A. Kecskes

The plant nursery industry constitutes a large and growing sector of agriculture. In California, where there are more than 3,000 commercial nursery operations, nursery crops constitute a high-value-per-acre commodity, ranking fifth in the state for farm income. Regrettably, pest birds cause a considerable amount of damage to nurseries. Much of this damage occurs when birds eat sown seed or pluck the tops of seedlings after they have emerged but while the endosperm is still attached. This can be a major problem because genetically improved seed is very costly.

Without effective bird control, pest birds such as sparrows, swallows, pigeons and crows can and will invade your nursery. Blackbirds, starlings, and robins will eagerly yank out ripening plants while they dig for bugs. Prompted by good weather and the absence of adequate nearby food supplies, pest birds will eagerly dive into your nursery and aggressively attack a particular plant they like.

Before resorting to lethal bird control measures, nursery managers should be aware that many birds regarded as pests are classified as migratory and are protected by federal and state laws. Some humane and effective bird control measures are described below. Ideally, the best strategy is to use several measures simultaneously to ensure pest birds stay out of your nursery. And be proactive. Install these bird control measures before birds establish regular feeding patterns in your nursery.

How to Clean Up Bird Droppings

Protecting the health of both workers who clean up bird droppings and the general public is important.

 

Before any extensive clean-up measures are taken - e.g., removing accumulations inside an air shaft - workers should be informed of the possible health risks involved, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Even though histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis pose minor public health threats, they can be further minimized if safety measures are taken. Wearing protective clothing like disposable coveralls, boots, gloves, and respirators can be used for protection.

If a high-powered water hose is used to strip off dried droppings, dust control measures such as containing the area with plastic sheeting, should be taken. Wetting down the work area will prevent inhalation, reduce the risk of infection and will also prevent the spread of dust outside the work area. Those with a compromised immune system such as people living with HIV/AIDS or cancer patients should not be directly involved in the removal of the droppings. Always wash hands and any exposed skin before eating or drinking and when finished with work. 

Several alternatives to using a high-powered water hose exist. One such alternative includes soaking the droppings with water and then shoveling it. The wet material should be collected in heavy-duty plastic bags or another type of secure container and discarded with the regular trash. 

Once the structures are cleaned they should have bird control products installed to prevent further accumulation of droppings.

Reasons for Commercial Bird Control

Commercial buildings need bird control.  Every year thousands of dollars are spent to clean up and repair the damage caused by pest bird feces and debris. 

• Eliminate Safety and Health Hazards -- Decrease Your Liability!
• Eliminate the Spread of Diseases to You, Employees and Patrons!
• Decreased Expenses / Costs on Maintenance and Repair!
• Increase Your Property Value!
• Improve/Protect Your Image!

Maintaining and repairing property that is damaged by bird droppings and nests can be an ongoing expense, and cost thousands of dollars per year.

Not only are these problems unsightly, but pest birds and their feces can spread more than 60 transmittable diseases.

Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks if left untreated and can lead to accidents and lawsuits.

Bird feces, nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons.

Installing the correct bird control system can be easy, and a big money saver each year.