Birds are an important part of Australia’s environment, and many species play a valuable role in local ecosystems.
However, some birds have adapted extremely well to urban environments. Pigeons, seagulls, and Indian mynas are now common around shopping centres, warehouses, office buildings, restaurants, and industrial facilities.
For businesses, bird activity can become much more noticeable during the nesting season. While seeing a few birds around your property may seem harmless, nesting birds can create hygiene concerns, safety risks, and ongoing maintenance problems if left unmanaged.
If you are a business owner or property manager at a commercial building, understanding when bird nesting season occurs and preparing your property early can help minimize these risks.
In Australia, bird nesting activity is generally at its highest from late winter through spring.
Many common species begin nesting between July and August and continue through November. Depending on the species and local climate, some birds may continue nesting into summer.
During this period, birds actively search for safe places to build nests and raise their young. Commercial buildings often provide ideal nesting locations because they offer shelter, warmth, and protection from predators.
Once birds establish a nesting site, they often return to the same location each year.
Many businesses do not realise that active bird nests may be protected under wildlife regulations.
This means businesses should never remove an active nest without first understanding the relevant legal requirements and species protections. Disturbing nesting birds during the breeding season may not only affect wildlife but could also result in compliance issues.
Instead of reacting after nests are established, businesses achieve much better results by preventing birds from nesting in the first place.
Early planning is usually the safest and most effective approach. Read More about bird proofing methods for commercial buildings.
Bird nesting creates more than just an untidy appearance.
Nesting materials can block gutters and drainage systems, leading to overflowing water and potential building damage during heavy rain.
Bird droppings can build up on footpaths, entrances, loading docks, signage, vehicles, and outdoor seating areas. Besides droppings can create slip hazards and increase cleaning requirements.
During nesting season, parent birds may also become protective of their nests. Some species can become noisy or behave aggressively when people walk nearby, creating an uncomfortable experience for staff, customers, and visitors.
Birds may also build nests inside roof spaces, ventilation systems, and equipment cavities, making maintenance work more difficult and increasing repair costs over time.
The most effective bird control strategy begins before nesting activity starts.
Inspect roofs, ledges, gutters, vents, signage, and other elevated structures for potential nesting sites.
Seal gaps and entry points can prevent birds from accessing roof spaces and sheltered cavities.
Install professional bird-proofing solutions such as bird netting, exclusion barriers, or other suitable deterrent systems.
Keep waste areas secure, managing food waste properly, and reduce outdoor food sources.
Train staff to report bird activity as soon as it is noticed.
Early action often prevents a small problem from becoming an ongoing maintenance issue.
Birds are a natural part of Australia’s environment, but commercial properties can unintentionally become ideal nesting locations during the breeding season.
By planning ahead, businesses can reduce hygiene risks, protect their buildings, minimise maintenance costs, and maintain a safer environment for employees and visitors.
Explore CPS humane and effective bird control for commercial building.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community.
We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
