Executive Summary
The Federal Building faced a years-long battle with severe pigeon infestations in critical mechanical areas and parking structures. DeTurd Bird Control Solutions intervened by designing and installing a customized system of bird exclusion netting and access barriers. The project resulted in the control of the pest birds, significantly reducing maintenance costs and protecting the building cooling towers from structural damage caused by corrosive waste.
Introduction
Located at 300 Georgia Street, the Vancouver Federal Building is a prominent fixture in the city’s architectural and civic landscape. As a hub for community engagement and federal services, the facility must maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency.
However, large commercial structures with complex architectural features often unwittingly provide shelter flock of pigeons. For the facility management team, maintaining the building’s envelope became a significant challenge due to an aggressive and persistent pest bird population.
The Problem
For years, the maintenance staff at 300 Georgia Street struggled to contain a recurring pigeon infestation. The root of the problem lay in specific, hard-to-reach areas that provided ideal shelter for the birds: two open rooftop cooling towers and the intricate ductwork of the underground parkade ceilings.
The infestation was more than a cosmetic nuisance. Pigeons pose significant risks to commercial properties:
- Structural Damage: Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, a corrosive substance that can degrade building materials and damage the exterior over time.
- Operational Hazards: Nesting materials frequently HVAC and mechanical systems and mechanical intakes, risking system failures in the cooling towers.
- Health and Safety: The accumulation of waste created an unsanitary environment for maintenance staff and building occupants, while the birds themselves became a distraction in the parkade.
Despite previous efforts, the birds continued to return, requiring frequent, costly, and unpleasant cleanup operations.
The Solution
DeTurd Bird Control Solutions was brought in to provide a permanent, humane, and structural solution to the infestation. After a thorough site assessment, the team determined that physical barriers were required to break the cycle of nesting and roosting.
The primary component of the solution was the installation of high-quality bird exclusion netting. This specialized netting is designed to be durable against the elements while remaining discreet, minimizing the visual impact on the building’s architecture.
The installation included two strategic applications:
- Rooftop Enclosures: The team enclosed the cooling tower areas with netting. Crucially, DeTurd understood that maintenance teams still needed access to this machinery. To accommodate this, they installed industrial-grade access zippers within the netting, allowing staff to enter and exit easily without compromising the barrier.
- Access Points: To prevent birds from simply walking or flying under the netting at the roof deck level, strip curtains were installed. These curtains act as a flexible door, blocking bird access while allowing personnel to pass through unhindered.
This comprehensive approach ensured that every potential entry point was sealed off without disrupting the daily operations of the facility.
Result
The installation of the bird exclusion netting proved to be an immediate success. The solution transformed the affected areas from maintenance liabilities into clean, secure spaces.
Key results achieved include:
- Control of Bird Access: The pigeon infestation in the rooftop enclosures and parkade ceilings was effectively eradicated, as the birds could no longer access their preferred nesting sites.
- Structural Protection: By preventing further accumulation of acidic bird droppings, the building’s exterior and mechanical systems are now protected from premature corrosion and damage.
- Reduced Maintenance: The facility management team has seen a drastic decrease in the need for specialized cleaning and maintenance related to bird control, freeing up resources for other building needs.
- Improved Environment: The elimination of the infestation has enhanced the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the facility, creating a healthier environment for both staff and the public.
Conclusion
The project at the Vancouver Public Library and Federal Building demonstrates that even long-standing pest issues can be resolved with the right expertise and materials. By utilizing bird exclusion netting, DeTurd Bird Control Solutions provided a humane and effective barrier that solved the root cause of the infestation rather than just treating the symptoms.
Today, the facility stands protected against the structural and health risks posed by pigeons, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for the Vancouver community.
If your commercial or industrial property is battling bird infestations, don’t let the damage accumulate. Contact DeTurd Bird Control Solutions today to discuss a customized solution for your building.
