In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the simple reasons why bird control is so important on various properties, from residential to commercial and industrial alike. From prevention of hazards to maintaining property value and more, there are several major reasons why bird control and avoiding bird infestation is vital – and the realm of avoiding legal complications is one huge such reason.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to offer the very best pest control services around Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Jordan, West Valley City and nearby areas, including comprehensive bird control solutions in addition to common services like ant control and boxelder bug control. Today’s part two of our series will focus on the legal side of bird control for commercial and industrial settings – the kinds of issues heavy bird infestations create on these properties and the kinds of legal ramifications they may have, especially if they aren’t property controlled.
Problems Bird Infestations Create for Commercial and Industrial Properties
There are several kinds of complications or problems that may arise on commercial and industrial properties due to heavy bird infestations, including some we touched on in part one. These include:
- Major roof or other property damage: Birds are known to create holes and other damage on roofs, windowsills and other areas where they nest. This can be a serious issue for commercial and industrial property owners, particularly if the presence of birds causes structural problems or leaks.
- Pests: In addition to being pests themselves, birds may also bring along fleas, mites and other pests that can infest buildings and cause further damage or discomfort for those inside.
- Safety hazards: Bird droppings can create significant safety hazards on commercial and industrial properties, particularly around entrances or walkways. These droppings can become very slippery when wet, posing a danger to employees, customers or visitors.
- Noise issues: Some bird species, particularly pigeons and seagulls, are known for their loud calls and can create noise disturbances on commercial properties. This can be a major problem for businesses that rely on a quiet atmosphere or need to maintain certain noise levels.
- Health concerns: Bird droppings can harbor bacteria, parasites and other pathogens that may pose health risks to those who come into contact with them. This is especially concerning in commercial settings where large numbers of people may be present.
- Blocked ventilation: Because they tend to nest in or near vents, chimneys and other ventilation systems, birds can cause blockages that lead to poor air quality or even carbon monoxide buildup.
These issues can quickly lead to legal ramifications of several kinds, which we’ll go over in subsequent sections.
Health Code Violations
Some of the most concerning legal issues that may arise from unchecked bird infestations have to do with health code violations. As we mentioned earlier, bird droppings can harbor dangerous bacteria and other pathogens, posing a serious health risk to anyone who comes into contact with them. In addition to the potential for illness, these droppings can also create unsanitary conditions that violate health codes and regulations.
If your commercial or industrial property is found in violation of health codes due to a bird infestation, you could face fines, shutdowns or other penalties until the situation is remedied. This not only poses a financial burden but can also damage your reputation as a business owner.
Property Damage
As we touched on above, bird infestations can also cause significant property damage. In addition to the structural issues that may arise from birds creating holes or nesting in roofs and other areas, their droppings can also corrode building materials and lead to costly repairs. If a third party is injured or sustains property damage as a result of your bird infestation, you could also face legal action.
Liability for Injuries
In some cases, bird droppings or nesting materials can create dangerous conditions that lead to injuries on your commercial or industrial property. Slip and fall accidents are a common example, particularly if droppings accumulate near entrances or walkways.
If someone is injured due to a bird infestation on your property, you could be held liable for their medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. This is especially true if it can be proven that you were aware of the infestation but failed to take proper measures to address it.
In fact, there have been numerous major cases around the US of businesses being sued for injuries related to bird infestations on their properties. In some cases, these lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements or even forced businesses to shut down.
Legal Recourse from Neighboring Properties
Finally, it’s worth noting that heavy bird infestations can also lead to legal action from neighboring properties affected by the same issue. If your property is responsible for attracting birds and causing damage or hazards on neighboring properties, you could be held liable for any resulting damages.
As you can see, there are numerous potential legal ramifications of failing to control bird infestations on commercial or industrial properties. If you own a business in the Salt Lake City area or places like Sandy, West Jordan and West Valley City, it’s essential to address any bird problems promptly and effectively. Contact A-1 Exterminators today for expert bird control solutions that will help keep your property safe, healthy and legally compliant. Don’t let birds cause legal headaches – let us take care of them for you!
