Bye Bye Birdie
Birds Aren’t Just a Nuisance—They’re a Food Safety Risk for Your Restaurant
At Chemmark of East Texas, we’re here to help you keep your restaurant clean, safe, and successful—from your dish machine to your outdoor dining patio. As warmer weather brings guests outside, it also attracts another crowd: birds. While they might seem harmless (even charming), birds can quickly become a serious food safety hazard for your restaurant.
Let’s talk about why birds are a problem—and what you can do about it.
Why Birds Are a Food Safety Concern
Bird droppings, feathers, and nesting materials aren’t just unsightly—they’re unsanitary. They can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can contaminate surfaces and food. In fact, the FDA’s Food Code considers birds a potential contamination source and requires active pest control in food establishments.
A few specific risks include:
Droppings landing on tables, chairs or serving areas
Birds snatching or pecking at uncovered food
Nesting in overhangs or signage near the patio
Beyond food safety, birds can also hurt your guest experience and online reviews if they’re bothering diners or making a mess.
Tips to Help Keep Birds Off Your Patio
Here are some proven, restaurant-friendly ways to discourage birds from making themselves at home:
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Promptly clear tables after guests leave.
Sweep or spray away crumbs and dropped food after each shift.
Don’t leave trash bins open—opt for tight-fitting lids and empty regularly.
2. Use Visual or Sound Deterrents
Hang reflective tape, foil strips or wind chimes. Birds don’t like movement or shiny distractions.
Install ultrasonic or motion-activated sound devices that emit noises birds find unpleasant (but humans barely notice).
3. Install Bird Spikes or Netting
Place discreet bird spikes on ledges, signs or overhead beams where birds like to perch or nest.
Bird netting can protect storage areas or patio canopies from becoming nesting spots.
4. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean and Dry
Birds are attracted to leftover crumbs, standing water and messes. Keep your patio well-maintained with routine cleanings. (And we’ve got products to help with that!)
5. Train Your Staff
Make bird prevention part of your regular cleaning checklist.
Encourage staff to remove food and wipe down surfaces quickly after guests leave.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Waiting until birds become a problem is waiting too long. A proactive approach keeps your restaurant compliant with health codes, protects your guests and preserves your brand’s reputation.
Need help with cleaning supplies or outdoor sanitation tips? Chemmark of East Texas is here for you. We’re more than dish machines—we’re your partner in clean, inside and out.
