The Destructive Relationship of Birds and Buildings
Top 10 Areas Where Birds Cause Property Damage
While birds may be visually appealing, they cost property owners thousands of dollars in damage every year. Without effective control measures, building owners and managers face significant property degradation. Left unchallenged, birds can damage and deface numerous areas of a building. Here are the top 10 locations most vulnerable to pest bird damage:
1. Roof Destruction
Whether your building has a wood, metal, tile, or composite roofing, birds can cause long-term damage through droppings and nesting materials. The acid in bird droppings can degrade many tar-based roofing substrates, eventually perforating the material and leaving the structure vulnerable to water leaks. Nests built under clay roofing tiles can dislodge the tiles, while birds pecking at wood shingle roofs to locate food can cause further surface damage.
2. Clogged Gutters and Drains
Nesting materials, particularly those from pigeons, frequently clog rain gutters, drains, and roof corners. Many industrial and commercial buildings with flat roofs experience water buildup when drainage systems become obstructed. This accumulation can lead to leaks, toxic mold growth, and in extreme cases, structural failure.
3. Rooftop System Interference
Dried bird feces can be drawn into ventilation systems, creating significant indoor air quality and health risks. Furthermore, droppings can obstruct exterior security cameras and interfere with their motion sensors. Professional bird deterrent measures help prevent this damage and maintain the integrity of rooftop equipment. For a focused look at protecting similar municipal infrastructure, see our guide on keeping birds off streetlights and signage.
4. Fire Hazards
Bird nests—composed of dried twigs, feathers, and droppings—serve as highly flammable kindling. This risk is amplified when nests are built near electric signs or electrical machinery. Additionally, birds have been known to peck at electrical switches, wiring, and connectors, creating a serious fire hazard.
5. Ventilation and Air Blockages
Nests constructed in chimneys and ventilation systems create hazardous air blockages. Ensuring these systems remain free of nesting materials is essential for building safety and proper mechanical function.
6. Paint and Surface Corrosion
The acids in bird droppings are highly corrosive. Over time, these acids permanently damage various finishes, including metal, wood, plastic, vinyl, and stone. Without regular removal, the damage to painted surfaces will deepen, necessitating costly repairs or refinishing.
7. Inoperable Entrances
The accumulation of bird droppings and debris can seize mechanical components in windows, doors, and skylights, rendering them inoperable and creating significant maintenance challenges.
8. Woodpecker Damage
Woodpeckers cause structural damage to wood surfaces through persistent drilling and hammering. They frequently target eaves, window frames, and trim boards. Vulnerable wood types include cypress, cedar, pine, redwood, and fir. Woodpeckers may also drill into metal gutters, downspouts, chimney caps, and communication antennas. Implementing effective deterrents is necessary to stop this repetitive behavior.
9. Slip-and-Fall Liability
Wet bird droppings on ladder systems, gantries, and exterior walkways create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards for employees and visitors. Beyond the risk of injury, these conditions can lead to significant liability issues for property owners, particularly in high-traffic entryways.
10. Transmissible Diseases
Birds, particularly pigeons, are known vectors for approximately 60 transmittable diseases. Risks include histoplasmosis, which can be contracted during the cleanup of droppings or old nests, and West Nile virus. The presence of these pests creates a genuine human health hazard in workplaces and public spaces.
Professional Bird Control Solutions
Bird B Gone is a manufacturer and distributor of professional-grade bird repellents and deterrents. We provide technical advice, training, and installation resources to help property owners maintain bird-free environments. For large-scale exclusion, learn more about how bird netting excludes birds from your property.
If your property is experiencing bird-related damage, please contact our team at 800-392-6915 to discuss effective, humane control measures.