Educational institutions such as elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, college campuses, and universities typically boast well-maintained and abundant green spaces as well as multiple, larger surface areas such as rooftops. Educational institutions also have a high concentration of people, which produce large amounts of food waste and garbage at various places throughout the property. The intersection of these factors makes educational institutions particularly vulnerable to nuisance bird issues.
Educational facilities are multipurpose spaces that provide shelter and food sources that attract nuisance birds, such as Canada geese, gulls, pigeons, sparrows and swallows.
Common bird problem areas at educational facilities include but are not limited to:
- Turf grass and landscaping
- Sports fields
- Rooftops
- Building eaves and awnings
- Assets (e.g., HVAC)
The Problems Birds Cause
Property & Asset Damage
Large green spaces and elevated surfaces are attractive to birds. Accumulated bird droppings and nesting materials can damage turf grass, roof membranes, and HVAC units, and clog roof drains. This can increase associated cleaning and maintenance costs.
Human Health & Safety Risks
Bird droppings and nesting materials have been documented to harbor dangerous bacteria and disease, including e. Coli. These substances create unsanitary conditions and, when they accumulate near HVAC units, there can be a negative impact on a building’s air quality.
Waste can also increase the risk of slip hazards. In extreme circumstances, employees and contractors have even refused to work in such conditions until long-term solutions were realized. Furthermore, during their respective nesting seasons, nuisance birds can become aggressive, endangering employees, students and visitors.
Solutions
Educational facilities can manage their nuisance bird issues by leveraging bird management solutions, including a trained canine harassment program, nest and egg management, handheld lasers, and structural deterrents. The most appropriate solution will be property-specific and should be based upon the specific bird species involved and the behaviors the birds exhibit.
To learn how Migratory Bird Management used a tailored, biology-based deterrence strategy to reduce the presence of Canada geese by 78% at a regionally-significant university, read our case study.
