Simple Ways to Keep Birds Out of Commercial Spaces

When you run a business in a first-world city, you have to deal with various problems. These include everything, ranging from high rents in prime locations to really strict labour laws. Now, we do have all of those first world problems in Singapore; but there’s also one more that flies high above the rest. That problem is birds. And they’re a rather serious problem.

Find more about Birds

Through the course of this article you will learn the following things:

Why are birds a menace to businesses in Singapore?
NEA bird control recommendations for businesses
3 ways to manage Singapore bird pest control
Services vs. devices for bird pest control in Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions

And with that, let’s get right into it.

Why are birds a menace to businesses in Singapore?

Recent NEA reports show that bird-related complaints in commercial areas have increased by 40% since 2022 in Singapore city. This is certainly not helped by the strict fines that your business will get if your public-facing space is unclean or unhygienic.

And a key headache for business owners is birds. Let's look at why bird pest control has become crucial for Singapore's business community.

First, there's the critical issue of health code compliance. Singapore's strict F&B regulations mean that even a single bird incident can trigger warnings or closures. Restaurants, especially those with outdoor seating, frequently need pest control services in Singapore to maintain their hygiene grades. Bird droppings near food preparation areas can lead to immediate closure orders, devastating for business reputation and revenue.

Then there's the substantial property damage. Commercial bird control has become essential because birds' acidic droppings corrode building materials and damage expensive signage. Shopping centres report spending upwards of $10,000 monthly just on cleaning and repairs. Also, air conditioning systems, particularly in industrial buildings, face frequent breakdowns when birds nest in the units.

Customer experience takes a massive hit too. Retail spaces lose customers when birds swoop around entrances or create unsightly messes in shopping areas. Many hotels too report lower ratings and lost bookings when birds disturb guests' peace or damage pool areas. This is why many businesses now maintain annual contracts with bird control contractors.

For industrial spaces, birds create serious safety hazards. Their nests can block crucial ventilation systems, creating fire risks. Warehouses face inventory damage from droppings, and loading bays become hazardous when birds make them their regular roosting spots. NEA bird control guidelines specifically highlight these safety concerns for industrial properties.

Speaking of NEA bird control guidelines, let’s look at what bird pest control tips the government agency has given to business owners.

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NEA bird control recommendations for businesses

The NEA stands for the National Environmental Agency of Singapore. It also doubles up as the authority on pest control. Here are the NEA's latest guidelines for bird pest control:

Seal all potential nesting areas, especially around air-conditioning units and roof spaces
Install physical barriers like netting or spikes in roosting areas
Keep all food preparation and storage areas fully enclosed
Maintain strict cleaning schedules, especially for outdoor dining areas
Remove any standing water that could attract birds
Never leave food waste exposed in outdoor bins
Install proper waste management systems with covered bins
Train staff in proper food waste disposal methods
Document all bird-related incidents for NEA compliance (quarterly inspections)

Now, let's explore 3 professional bird pest control solutions that protect your business investment.

3 ways to manage Singapore bird pest control

When it comes to protecting your commercial space from birds, there are three main approaches. Let’s look at each.

1. Physical Deterrents

The most reliable form of bird pest control, these create permanent barriers that prevent birds from landing or nesting. Anti-roosting strips cost $5-15 per foot and last 5-10 years, making them cost-effective for long-term protection.

Bird spikes, while slightly more visible, are incredibly effective for ledges and air-con units. Anti-bird roosting gel ($20-40 per tube) needs replacement every 6-8 months but works well for irregular surfaces.

Pros	Cons
Long-lasting (5-10 years)	Higher initial cost
24/7 protection	May affect building aesthetics
Zero maintenance	Professional installation recommended
Highly effective	Potential damage to building structure
Prevents nesting and roosting	Not suitable for all areas

2. Visual Deterrents

These commercial bird control solutions are less invasive but require more frequent maintenance. Moving predator devices ($150-300) need battery changes but effectively cover large areas. Reflective strips ($10-20 per roll) and anti-bird eyes ($15-30 each) are affordable but need replacement every 3-4 months due to Singapore's weather.

Pros	Cons
Lower initial cost	Birds may adapt over time
Easy DIY installation	Regular replacement needed
Aesthetically pleasing	Weather can affect effectiveness
Versatile for different areas	Less effective for large infestations
No harm to birds	Requires consistent monitoring

3. Professional bird control services

Many businesses opt for regular service contracts with bird control contractors. Monthly services range from $200-500 depending on property size. These professionals combine multiple methods and provide documentation for NEA compliance.

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive solution	Ongoing monthly cost
Professional documentation	Dependent on service provider
Regular monitoring	May require long-term contracts
Quick response to issues	Less control over methods used
Expertise in multiple control methods	Potential disruption during service visits

But how do you choose between managing your own devices and hiring professional services?

Let's break down the comparison.

Services vs. devices for bird pest control in Singapore

Here are the main differences between bird pest control devices and bird control services in Singapore:

Factor	DIY Devices	Professional Services
Initial Cost	$200-1,000 depending on area	$500-1,000 setup fee
Ongoing Costs	Replacement parts every 3-12 months	Monthly service fee ($200-500)
Time Investment	2-3 hours weekly maintenance	None (handled by bird control contractors)
Effectiveness	Good for small-medium spaces	Excellent for all property sizes
NEA Compliance	Self-documentation needed	Professional reports provided
Response to Issues	Depends on your availability	24-48 hour response guaranteed
Installation	DIY or handyman needed	Professional installation included
Method Flexibility	Limited to installed devices	Multiple methods can be adjusted as needed
Staff Training Required	Yes, for maintenance	No, handled by pest control services in Singapore
Warranty	Varies by product (1-5 years)	Covered under service contract

And with that, we come to the end of this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is bird control needed in Singapore?

Birds like pigeons and mynas can cause property damage, health risks, and mess in urban areas.

2. How much does bird control cost?

Costs vary based on area size, control method, and materials. Request a quote for an accurate price.

3. Will bird control measures affect my property's Green Mark certification?

No, professional bird pest control solutions are compatible with Green Mark requirements. On the contrary, bird control contractors can give you eco-friendly options for control as well. These can boost your building's green certification if you document the humane, eco-friendly methods used.

4. How quickly can I expect results after implementing bird control measures?

You typically see a 50-70% reduction in bird activity within the first week. However, complete control usually takes 3-4 weeks as birds adjust their patterns.

5. How to stop pigeons from roosting?

Use bird spikes, slanted strips, or wire mesh to block ledges and windowsills.

6. Do pigeons spread diseases?

Yes, pigeons can carry diseases through their droppings, feathers, or parasites.