Bird Exclusion for Wineries

Eco-Friendly Bird Repellents for Wineries: A Case Study

1. Bird Infestation Threatens Wine Quality

Wineries across Napa and Sonoma faced serious bird problems—grapes were being eaten, and birds were nesting and roosting in critical areas like crush pads. Their droppings contaminated equipment and raw grapes, posing a risk to hygiene and wine quality. Effective bird control was necessary to ensure a clean, safe environment for production and maintain industry standards.

2. Site Visit & Strategic Planning

In 2015, Hot Foot America assessed three wineries to identify the most vulnerable areas, particularly focusing on crush pads. These spaces were difficult due to their structure—sprinkler lines, pipes, catwalks, and beams provided ideal perches for birds. While Hot Foot’s bird repellent gel is typically effective, netting proved to be the most practical and durable solution for these large, open areas.

3. Installation of Netting & Supporting Products

Hot Foot installed high-quality Invisinet netting, custom-sized and tightly stretched to remain visually unobtrusive. Access panels were included for maintenance. The team also used disinfectants to clean all surfaces before installation, discouraging birds from returning. In guest-facing areas, they installed color-matched mesh and discreet bird spikes for continued protection without compromising aesthetics.

4. A Long-Term, Invisible Solution

The end result was a nearly invisible, 100% effective bird deterrent system that covered everything from pipes to tanks. By combining netting, gel, mesh, and spikes, Hot Foot delivered a full-coverage, eco-friendly solution that eliminated bird problems and preserved the appearance and hygiene of the wineries.