Birds have a curious habit of nesting on the roof, causing damage to your home, other structures and even plants in your garden.
In addition, you can also use bird spikes and shiny objects like CDs to deter birds from nesting in your home. Reflective CDs discourage birds from returning to your area.
In this article, we’ll look at why birds can build nests on your roof and how to get rid of them.
What birds nest in roofs?
Various birds can build nests on your roofs. Among them are the following:
Magpies
Swallows
Sparrows
Starlings
Chickadees
Pigeons
Contents
Why do birds nest under the roof?
How to prevent pigeons from nesting under roofs
Birds’ natural habitats have been reduced over time. Therefore, over the years, they have been forced to nest on roofs to raise their young.
If you have found a nest in your home, you should not damage or destroy it. All birds are preserved under state or federal law, with the exception of house sparrows, pigeons and European starlings. If you harm birds, even indirectly, by using chemicals, you will be held legally responsible.
What to do if birds are nesting on your eavestrough?
If you have a bird nest on your roof, consider doing the following before attempting to remove it:
Make sure the nest is inactive
Since there is a law protecting birds, you must ensure that the nest on your roof is already inactive. This way, you will not be breaking the law by removing an active migratory bird nest.
Therefore, it is best to check from time to time to see if a nest is being built in your area so you can prevent it in advance. If the nest has already been built, your only option is to wait until the nesting season is over.
Look for eggs
Check for eggs if you see a nest on your roof. If you don’t see the parents, it doesn’t mean the egg is abandoned. The eggs may be left in the nest on purpose to feed or to help the eggs cool down.
Wait until the nesting season is over
If birds have already nested on your roof, wait until the nesting season is over before attempting to remove the nest. Most birds nest only once a year; however, some species nest for four to five years.
Songbirds, for example, will be ready to leave the nest after two or three weeks, at which time you can remove the nest from your roof. However, if you are unfamiliar with the bird species and their nesting periods, it is best to leave this task to professionals.
Is it bad if birds make their nests on your roof?
Bird Nests on the Roof
It is not good for birds to nest on your roof, as they can cause serious moisture damage. If they choose to nest in your roof vents, they can block the air flow in your attic. This allows water vapor to build up until it condenses on attic surfaces, causing serious damage.
Do birds cause damage to your attic?
Birds can cause significant damage to roofs and tiles because they have very acidic droppings. These acidic droppings can damage asphalt roofing materials. They can also put pressure on your roofing materials, causing them to wear out faster.
Can bird nests be removed?
If you have confirmed the species of bird you have on your property, you cannot remove the nest as this is illegal. Removal of the nest is only acceptable if there is no more bird activity on the nest.
How do I get rid of a bird nest on the roof?
Before disposing of a bird nest on your roof, make sure it is inactive to avoid being held legally responsible for removing the nest. Remember to only remove nests for the following reasons:
The nest is confirmed abandoned after the nesting season.
The nest is currently unused and has become worn out and unsafe for future use.
The nest is in a dangerous condition, putting the birds at risk.
To dispose of an inactive nest, consider the following steps:
Step 1: Thoroughly check the nest for surviving chicks or eggs and wait to make sure all birds are healthy and have been out for several days. Most young birds will return occasionally to receive food from their parents, but they will not return after a few days. Therefore, wait another week and observe before removing the nest.
Step 2: When handling the inactive nest, be sure to wear gloves to avoid contamination by mites or other pests. Microscopic insects can be found in the nest debris, which can potentially harm your health.
Step 3: To avoid attracting predators, dispose of the abandoned nest in a compost pile or seal it in a plastic bag. The nesting material will naturally decompose on its own or can be reused by other nesting birds.
Step 4: After removing the abandoned nest, clean the area where the bird made its nest with a solution of one part chlorine to nine parts water. Be sure to clean the gutter, nesting shelf and hanging rack. Let the solution dry, and do not rinse.
How to chase birds off a roof?
If you want to discourage birds from nesting in the same location, you’ll need to take additional steps to prevent birds from reestablishing themselves in your area. You can try the following tips:
Add spikes or a sloping board to the previous nesting area.
Create an illusion of danger by setting up snake, cat or owl toys.
Install bird spikes or use bird netting to keep birds out of attics and other vital areas.
Use slope panels to discourage birds from landing or nesting on open ledges.
What bird deterrents can I use to keep them out?
Use decoys
One of the best home remedies for keeping birds away is to use decoys. Birds have several natural predators like owls, cats and snakes, and you can make decoys out of them.
Decoys can be made of wood or other materials that can withstand changes in outdoor weather. You should also change the items from time to time to prevent the birds from getting used to them and eventually ignoring them.
Hang bird repellents on your roof
You can deter birds from nesting or returning to your home by hanging bright, reflective items near the landing or nesting area, such as the following:
CDs
Aluminum foil
Aluminum cans
Metal packaging materials
Small mirrors
See reflective bird tape
Put bird spikes on window sills or overhangs.
Bird spikes are another home remedy you can use. These spikes are long, needle-like rods used to control birds. They are made from cans or plastic and attached to windowsills and overhangs.
They can also be constructed by driving nails into the wood, making it uncomfortable to land on them.
See the collection of anti-bird spikes
Hang round garden balls in your garden
Another natural way to deter birds from nesting in your home is to hang round garden balls in your garden, trees or fence posts. Birds may mistake these balls for eyes and try to avoid them.
Use repellent sprays
Using repellent sprays can prevent birds from returning to your home on a regular basis. To make the spray, you need to crush red or green chilies in a mixture of water and vinegar.
After preparing the mixture, put it in a clean spray bottle and spray it in the area where the birds usually stay.
Are bird nests protected by law?
Birds and their nests are protected by the Migratory Birds Act. It is therefore illegal to dispose of their nests.
Summary
There are many ways to prevent birds from nesting on your roof. You can make repellent sprays using crushed red peppers mixed with water and vinegar.
In addition, you can also use bird spikes, hang shiny objects or place garden balls in your trees, fences or garden. Also remember not to get rid of an active nest, as the Migratory Birds Treatment Act protects them.