In the logistics industry, a clean facility is a profitable facility. Large distribution centers with high ceilings and open loading docks are prime targets for wildlife. A sparrow nesting in the rafters or a bat colony roosting above the loading bay isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a direct threat to your inventory and your certifications.

The Cost of Contamination

For warehouses storing food, pharmaceuticals, or packaging materials, “zero tolerance” is the standard.

Droppings on Product: Birds roosting on fire suppression pipes drop waste directly onto pallets below. Even if the product is sealed, the packaging is contaminated. This leads to rejected shipments and lost contracts.
Audit Failure: Third-party audits (AIB, BRC, SQF) heavily penalize evidence of pest activity. A bird flying through the facility during an audit is an automatic red flag.

Why They Get In

Open Docks: Loading docks are often left open for hours. Birds fly in seeking warmth or food crumbs.
Structural Gaps: Metal warehouses often have small gaps where the roof meets the wall, perfect for bats.
Canopies: The overhangs above loading docks are favorite nesting spots for swallows and pigeons.

Solutions for High Ceilings

1. Mist Netting

In large open spaces, we use ultra-fine mist nets (temporarily) to safely capture birds flying in the rafters. They are then removed and released.

2. Exclusion Netting

For a permanent solution, we install heavy-duty exclusion netting across the entire ceiling structure or under canopies. This physically blocks birds from landing on pipes or beams, forcing them to go elsewhere.

3. High-Speed Doors / Air Curtains

We recommend installing air curtains or high-speed roll-up doors to minimize the time the facility is open to the outdoors.

Don’t let a sparrow ruin your safety rating. HWCS has the lifts and certifications to handle high-altitude wildlife control in commercial facilities.

Birds and Bats in Warehouses: A Logistics Nightmare