Many people are unaware of the true level of danger that birds can cause for parking garage staff and occupants. Birds typically find parking garages and structures a suitable place to land, roost, and nest because these structures protect them from the elements and predators and offer ample food sources (nearby restaurants, public feeding, and dumpsters).
While many people may believe that bird droppings and nesting materials are not going to cause any significant issues, there is a wide range of problems that can develop when these sorts of substances are not addressed promptly. Pigeons and birds can cause issues for the structure itself, and for the occupants within the structure who are exposed to the droppings and nesting materials.
There are several components to a parking garage structure that must be considered when we discuss the damage that pigeon/bird droppings and nesting materials can cause. Most of us know bird droppings can lead to various health issues and car damage, but those who are responsible for parking garage structures do not always consider the full scope. Let’s take a closer look at the damages that are caused to the actual structure and examine the potential risks that occupants that may be exposed to.
Fire Hazards
When pigeons and birds decide to nest inside of a parking garage structure, some people may be under the false belief that this is completely harmless behavior. However, the fire hazards that are created by the presence of these birds cannot be understated for any reason. In most instances, the nesting materials are placed in areas that are not always visible to the naked eye. These are areas such as exit signage, building façade signs, structure lighting, and related electrical equipment.
Slips and Falls
If the owners of parking garage structures would like to significantly decrease the risk of a slip and fall accidents, they must take the time to clear any pigeon/bird droppings that are found in the area. These types of slips and falls are linked to the negligence of the owner and can cause a plethora of costly long-term issues.
Disease Transmission
Did you know that there are several transmissible diseases that human beings are exposed to when they are enter a parking garage structure that is filled with bird droppings and various nesting materials? The human health-related dangers that take place in these instances are a key aspect of the maintenance process.
In simple terms, it is imperative for droppings and nesting materials to be removed proactively by the parties responsible for maintaining the structure. Even geese and house sparrows can transmit diseases, and there are no birds that should ever be treated as if they are “safe.”
Damages to the Structure and Vehicles Within
Structural and vehicle damage make the proper remediation of bird droppings and nesting materials particularly important. In addition to the myriad of issues that humans could experience, the buildings and vehicles themselves are subjected to various problems.
If the bird droppings and nesting materials are not removed promptly, they can cause erosion to the structure itself and will serve to decrease its value over the long term. Even something as simple as the heating and cooling components of the building can be adversely affected, and once these components have been compromised, the repair process is a costly one.
A parking garage is not of much use if people can’t park their vehicles inside without having to worry about damages being caused. While most are aware of the acidic quality of bird droppings and the damage that it can cause to the car’s paint job, there are far more pressing concerns that must be addressed, as well.
In many cases, the motorist is not always fully aware of the damages until it is too late. Let’s say that the droppings have been allowed to remain present for days before the motorist has a chance to notice them and have them removed. The chances of the paint job not being affected are slim to none.
Additional Concerns
Bird activity means the structure itself can be placed in danger, and the vehicles inside are threatened as well. The humans who use these structures also need to be considered. Taking a “never mind” attitude towards bird droppings and the nesting materials that they are bound to leave behind is never recommended.
Whether you are protecting the building from fire hazards, vehicle damages, structural damages, or even slip and fall incidents, there is no shortage of problems that can be avoided by removing the droppings and nesting materials before it is too late. Professional assistance may be required in these instances so that every nook and cranny is cleared away and all parties involved remain safe.
Professional Bird Control Services offers a wide range of bird control solutions to help parking garages remain free of pest birds, practical solutions that last the lifetime of the garage, and provide occupants with a safe and clean facility. A new bird exclusion product that we have been installing at parking garages is called AviAngle. It’s a PVC product that creates a 45-degree angle on ledges. What is great about the product is that it completely encloses the ledge and any areas where wildlife can get a foothold. See www.aviangle.com for more information.
R. Brett Madden, Esq. is the President of AviAway Bird Control Services, which provides bird control services and consulting throughout the United States and internationally. Madden can be contacted at brett@aviaway.com.
