The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Bird Proofing in Commercial Buildings

In New Zealand, birds are an integral part of our environment, but when they start frequenting or roosting on your commercial property, they can quickly become more of a problem than a natural asset. Whether it be an office block, retail space, manufacturing site or warehouse, failing to address bird-related issues can lead to unexpected costs. The hidden consequences of ignoring bird proofing can have a significant impact on building maintenance, health, and overall business operations.

This post highlights why bird proofing is a smart investment for commercial properties and why ignoring the issue could lead to unnecessary expenses down the track.

1. Structural and Property Damage

New Zealand’s climate, especially with our coastal areas, can exacerbate the risks associated with bird damage. If left unchecked, birds can cause lasting structural harm to buildings.

Roof and Building Damage: Bird droppings are not only unsightly, they’re acidic and can damage roofing materials, corrode metal surfaces, and cause long-term discolouration. For commercial properties, this could mean costly roof replacements or re-coating services if the damage goes untreated.

Clogged Gutters and Drains: Birds often build nests in gutters, blocking rainwater flow. If the gutters overflow, it can lead to water damage in the building’s roof or foundation, this could result in expensive repairs or water damage insurance claims.

HVAC System Problems: Nests in air vents, ducts, or on rooftops can restrict airflow, putting additional strain on your HVAC system. This can increase your energy bills or lead to costly repairs and replacements.

2. Health and Safety Risks

Health and safety compliance is essential in business. Birds can bring serious health risks to both employees and customers.

Disease Transmission: Bird droppings harbour harmful diseases like histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and salmonella. These diseases can be spread through direct contact or by airborne particles, which poses health risks to staff and visitors. In a worst-case scenario, it could lead to costly compensation claims, fines, or even legal action.

Injuries: Bird droppings create slippery surfaces, especially when they accumulate on walkways, outdoor seating areas, or near building entrances. Slips and falls are a significant safety concern for businesses, particularly in high-traffic areas. If there is a build up in bird droppings, employees and customers can easily injure themselves, leading to costly compensation claims, medical expenses, and potentially even lawsuits.

Allergies and Respiratory Issues: Bird droppings, feathers, and nesting materials are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. For those with respiratory conditions or allergies, exposure to bird-related allergens could lead to sick days and lost productivity.

3. Increased Cleaning and Maintenance Costs

Commercial properties typically need regular upkeep, but when birds get involved, the cleaning and maintenance demands go through the roof.

Regular Cleaning: Without bird proofing, you’ll likely face frequent clean-ups of bird droppings on windows, roof tops, walkways and footpaths, outdoor seating, signage, and walls. This can quickly turn into a time-consuming and costly maintenance task.

Hiring Professional Services: If bird-related issues become severe, you may need to hire professionals who specialise in removing bird nests and cleaning up droppings. This service can be expensive, especially when you need it regularly or for larger commercial spaces.

4. Damage to Business Reputation

First impressions matter. The condition of your commercial building can affect how customers, clients, or tenants perceive your business.

Unprofessional Appearance: Bird droppings and nests on building facades, windows, or near entryways create an unkempt appearance. This is especially detrimental to businesses in hospitality, retail, and manufacturing, where a clean, welcoming environment is key to attracting customers. Unaddressed bird problems can make your business look neglected and turn customers away.

Foul Odours: In warm weather, bird droppings and nesting materials start to emit unpleasant odours. The smell of bird waste can easily deter customers or potential tenants from entering your building. For food-related businesses, odour issues could even lead to health code violations or complaints.

5. Reduced Property Value

In today's competitive commercial property market, maintaining the value of your property is crucial. Bird-related damage can lower your building’s market value.

Long-Term Damage: Bird nests and droppings can cause long-term wear and tear on your building’s exterior, roof, and HVAC systems. Over time, this can diminish your property’s curb appeal and decrease its overall value. If you plan to sell or lease the property, potential buyers or tenants may be discouraged by visible bird damage and the associated repair costs.

Cost of Repairs: If bird-related issues are left untreated, potential buyers or tenants might factor in the cost of repairs when negotiating a price. In some cases, they may walk away, leaving your property on the market for longer than expected.

6. Fire Hazards

Birds can create serious fire risks by nesting near electrical systems or inside ventilation ducts.

Flammable Nesting Materials: Birds often use dry twigs, leaves, and other flammable materials to build their nests. If these nests are near electrical wiring or HVAC systems, they pose a significant fire hazard. A fire in a commercial building could result in devastating damage, insurance claims, and legal liabilities.

Wiring Damage: Birds may also peck at electrical wires, causing short circuits. This increases the risk of electrical fires and further damage to your property, resulting in costly repairs.

7. Legal and Regulatory Risks

Property owners must comply with certain regulations when it comes to bird-proofing their buildings.

Building Code Violations: Local councils may have specific building codes that require property owners to take steps to prevent bird infestations. Failing to comply can lead to fines or other penalties, adding unnecessary costs to your business.

Protected Species: Some bird species are protected by law. If birds are nesting on your commercial property, you must follow appropriate procedures to remove them or their nests, which may require permits. Failing to do so could result in hefty fines or legal action.

Manufacturing Compliance: Bird control measures are crucial to prevent birds from entering food production areas, contaminating equipment, or leaving droppings that could contaminate food or food packaging. The Food Act 2014 mandates that food businesses ensure their food is safe and suitable for consumption - this includes preventing contamination from pests, including birds.  

8. Increased Energy Costs

Birds nesting in or around your commercial building can affect its energy efficiency, leading to higher operational costs.

Disrupted Insulation: Birds can damage insulation or block vents, reducing your building’s thermal efficiency. This can make your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy bills.

HVAC Blockages: Nests built inside or near ventilation ducts can block airflow, causing your HVAC system to operate less efficiently. In the long run, this translates to higher heating and cooling costs.

Damage to Solar Panels: As more businesses turn to solar energy, it’s important to consider how bird activity can impact your solar panel system. Over time, the accumulation of debris and nesting materials around solar panels blocks sunlight and reduces their efficiency.

9. Pest Infestations

Birds don’t just attract attention - they also attract other pests.

Insect and Rodent Problems: Bird droppings and nest materials can draw in insects like flies and mites and also rodents looking for food. These pests can create additional issues in your commercial space, leading to further pest control costs and potential damage to property.

Conclusion: The High Cost of Inaction

For commercial property owners, ignoring bird proofing and bird deterrents could lead to a wide range of hidden costs that add up quickly. From structural damage and health risks to reputational damage and legal trouble, the price of inaction is steep.

Investing in bird control solutions is the smart way to protect your property, your employees, your customers, and your bottom line. By addressing bird infestations early on, you can avoid costly repairs, fines, and potential damage to your business’s reputation, ensuring that your commercial property stays in top condition.

Don’t wait until the problem escalates, now is the time to invest in bird control for your building. Protect your investment and avoid costly consequences down the road.

Contact us today for a recommendation to protect your building from pest birds.