Falkes on the roof: DSV harnesses birds of prey to deter gulls

An unusual employee now patrols the roof of DSV’s vast warehouse in Horsens, Denmark. Not a guard or a drone, but a bird of prey. Falcons installed in nesting boxes have become a key part of the company’s effort to keep gulls away from its solar panels.

DSV, an international transport and logistics company, faced persistent gull problems on its flat warehouse roofs. The birds nested on the panels, dragged in twigs and debris, and left droppings that reduced efficiency. They also chewed through wiring, damaging the solar infrastructure.

“We’ve had really good experiences with the falcons here,” said Tim Madsen, DSV’s operations director. “After we installed the boxes, we’ve actually seen gulls and other birds stay away from our roofs.”

The company set up falcon nesting boxes with the hope of deterring mice and other small animals. Within about four months, a pair of peregrine falcons moved in, nested, and began breeding. Their mere presence has been enough to discourage other birds from settling on the site.

Though the falcons are not always visible, their impact is clear: the solar panels remain clean, and no new nests have appeared on the roof. Employees have also taken notice of the birds’ aerial displays.

“It looks fantastic when the large birds of prey fly over the building,” Madsen said. “And if you’re lucky enough to see them hunt, it’s an impressive sight.”