Eateries tired of being 'bird-bombed' are looking to bird control firms to help deal with the winged nuisance and its potential health risk. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
WHICH comes first, the swooping bird or the swishing cleaner's cloth?
Eateries tired of being 'bird-bombed' are looking to bird control firms to help deal with the winged nuisance and its potential health risk.
These firms get at least two requests each month from open-air eateries - from restaurants to foodcourts - to install 'anti-bird devices' in their premises.
Most of these devices either emit ultrasonic sounds or have nettings - to stop the birds from flying in.
Mr Christopher Wee, director of Mastermark, a bird-control firm, said: 'The problem is mostly the bird droppings which can cause hygiene issues and affect the image of the eating place.'
Among his company's clients are open-air foodcourts, hospital canteens, country clubs and hotels. At least 10 have installed nettings to bird-proof their eateries.
Last month, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) had nettings installed around its open-air foodcourt when it found birds flying in to forage among uncleared food trays.
To manage the problem, the IMH took up The Straits' Times-initiated 'Goodness Gracious Me!' campaign which encourages patrons to help clear their own plates.
The bird problem has since improved, but the institute has gone a step further and installed nettings around the foodcourt.
