Food Production & Higher Care Sites

Other services:

Successful bird management is a critical part of any integrated pest management (IPM) programme for food production sites and other audited premises such processing sites that support the food industry with high grade components and sterile packaging, warehousing and distribution centres, food outlets, meat processing factories, fresh produce centres and pharmaceutical factories to name but a few.

These sites that must maintain the highest of standards cannot allow serious incidents like ingressing birds or bird fouling to contaminate their products and production.

With good bird management the site can freely maintain the required strict hygiene standards, prevent contamination of products, and avoid costly damage to infrastructure and of course reputation.

Typical bird management solutions:

Reaper Bird Control staff have many years of working at audited sites in all aspects of integrated pest management and fully understand the pressures and requirements of working to high standards of the supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and other leading standards such as BRCGS, Red Tractor and many others.

Reaper Bird Control – Industry leading, trusted providers of ethical bird control .

Key Reasons for bird management at audited / higher care sites:

Health and Safety Risks

Pathogen Transmission: Pest birds like pigeons, gulls, and starlings carry over 60 different transmissible diseases, including Salmonella, E. coli, Histoplasmosis, and Cryptococcosis.
Contamination: Bird droppings (guano), feathers, and nesting materials can contaminate food production lines, raw materials, and finished goods.
Airborne Risks: Dried, contaminated guano dust can be drawn into the building through heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Parasites: Birds carry ectoparasites such as mites, ticks, and fleas that can enter the facility and cause secondary infestations.

Structural and Property Damage

Corrosive Droppings: Bird guano is highly acidic and can corrode building materials, including metal, stonework, and paint.
Blockages: Nesting materials can block drainage systems, gutters, and downpipes, leading to water pooling, leaks, and potential structural damage.
Fire Hazard: Dry nesting materials in vents or near electrical equipment pose a fire risk.
Solar Panels: Guano covered panels cause significant efficiency losses (15–30%+), as highly acidic droppings block sunlight, create corrosive damage, and cause localized “hot spots” that reduce system lifespan. Beyond performance, accumulation requires frequent cleaning, attracts pests, creates fire hazards from nesting materials, and poses health risks.

Legal Compliance and Audits

Regulatory Fines: Allowing birds to infest a food business violates strict food hygiene regulations (e.g., Food Safety Act 1990 in the UK), leading to potential prosecution and fines.
Failed Audits: The presence of birds or their waste during inspections can lead to facility closures, product recalls, and severe damage to reputation.

Economic Impact

Operational Downtime: The presence of birds can often require shutdown for cleanup and sanitization.
Repair Costs: Constant cleaning and repair of contaminated or damaged equipment, such as solar panels and roof components, can cost thousands.
Brand Reputation: A single pest incident can destroy consumer trust and brand value through poor reviews or media attention.

Contact Reaper Bird Control

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your bird control requirements. We’re here to provide expert advice and effective solutions to protect your property.