Living with birds nesting in your loft can be a nuisance. Their droppings, feathers, and noise can make your loft an unpleasant place. Getting rid of birds in your loft takes some strategic planning and persistence, but it can be done humanely and effectively. Here are some tips on how to get rid of birds in your loft:
Understand Why Birds Are Nesting in Your Loft
Birds are opportunistic nesters and will take advantage of any sheltered nook or cranny they can find. Lofts provide ideal nesting spots for birds with their enclosed, protected spaces. Birds are especially drawn to lofts and attics in springtime when they are looking to build nests and raise young.
Take some time to observe where and when birds are getting into your loft. This can help you identify entry points that need to be sealed up. Pay attention to the bird species to learn more about their nesting behaviors.
Remove Food Sources that are Attracting Birds to Loft
Birds can be drawn to lofts because of easy access to food. Make sure you are not providing food sources that are encouraging birds to hang around. Some common bird feed attractants to remove include:
- Open garbage cans or trash bags
- Pet food bowls left outside
- Fruit trees, berry bushes near the loft
- Open compost bins
- Chicken feed, livestock feed stations
- Garden areas with seed heads
Clean up any food scraps, residues or debris in and around the loft that birds may be feeding on. Restrict their access to tasty treats to make the loft less appealing.
Install Bird Deterrents on Loft Entry Points
Once you identify the areas where birds are entering the loft, install deterrents to physically block them from getting back in. Here are some effective bird deterrents for lofts:
Bird Spikes
Stainless steel bird spikes can be installed on ledges, roof edges, window sills, or beams where birds like to land and roost. The spikes provide an uncomfortable surface that deters birds from perching. Work well for pigeons.
Bird Netting
Sturdy bird netting can be hung across loft vents, rafters, and roofs to block birds from flying in. Look for UV-resistant, flame retardant netting. Make sure netting holes are smaller than birds can squeeze through. Works well for excluding sparrows, swallows.
Fly Screens
Install rigid metal screens over loft windows, vents, and openings. Screens with holes smaller than 1⁄4 inch will exclude most bird species while still allowing airflow. Make sure screens are securely mounted so birds cannot pry them loose. Good option for blocking access points while maintaining light and ventilation.
Scare Devices
Place owl statues, reflective tape, inflatable balloons with big eyes around the loft interior and exterior. Scare devices create an illusion of danger that frightens birds away. Move devices around periodically so birds don’t get used to them. Works well to flush out existing bird infestations.
Apply Bird Repellent Chemicals
Using taste and scent repellents can discourage birds from roosting on treated areas. Look for non-toxic products certified for wildlife control. Apply according to label directions on ledges, rafters, nests. Reapply frequently for best results. Some common active ingredients to look for include:
- Methyl anthranilate – grape flavoring
- Mint oil extract
- Capsaicin/chili pepper extract
Avoid using harmful chemicals like Avitrol, fenthion, parathion. Products containing polybutenes that “glue” birds to treated areas are also inhumane. Stick with natural ingredients for a bird friendly solution.
Use Predator Calls and Distress Sounds
Auditory bird scare devices can be very effective in flushing birds from enclosed spaces like lofts. Set up a solar-powered electronic device to play predator calls and bird distress cries. Alternatively, broadcast distress calls from your phone. The frightening sounds will cause birds to abandon nests and exit quickly. Just be cautious about noise levels for nearby neighbors.
Sample distress calls:
- Hawk and owl predator cries
- Bird alarm and alarm chirp sounds
- Falcon, eagle screams
- Recorded bird panic cries
Rotate different sounds to prevent habituation. Turning the volume and placement frequently will enhance results. Sonic devices work well alongside visual deterrents in a “scare campaign” to convince pesky birds your loft is unsafe.
Remove Existing Nests from Loft
Once you’ve successfully scared birds away and sealed up entry holes, eliminate any signs of existing nests or roosting spots. This is crucial so birds aren’t tempted to return to an old nesting site.
Use gloves and a respirator to avoid health hazards from droppings and feathers. Here are some tips:
- Completely remove old nests, feathers, droppings, and debris.
- Use disinfectants to wash contaminated areas.
- Install a fresh layer of insulation if needed.
- Use decoys, lasers, fans temporarily to keep problem areas clear.
- Monitor weekly and remove any nest rebuilding attempts promptly.
Persistence with nest removal will pay off over time. Eventually problem birds will abandon your loft for good.
When To Call a Professional
For severe infestations or nests in tricky locations, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company or wildlife removal service. They have the experience, proper equipment, and legal permits to resolve bird issues humanely.
Signs it’s time to call the pros:
- Large numbers of birds or colonies present
- Aggressive, defensive bird behaviors
- Risks of structural damage from nesting activity
- Health hazards from accumulated droppings
- Presence of hazardous wildlife like bats
Look for certified wildlife specialists with training in humane exclusion methods, deterrents, and prevention. Getting expert help can save you frustration and avoid harming birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Prevent Birds from Returning to Your Loft with Regular Maintenance
Once you’ve succeeded in removing loft birds, be vigilant about future upkeep and monitoring. Check for any new entry points or nest building weekly. Quickly seal up holes, install deterrents, and remove nest starts before birds move in.
Here are some maintenance tips:
- Seal gaps with weather stripping, caulk, wood, metal
- Keep screens, netting in good repair
- Trim back trees/shrubs close to the loft
- Use bird repellents regularly on entry points
- Monitor more closely during nesting seasons in spring and fall
- Keep scaring devices operating year-round on random cycles
With some diligence, you can outsmart birds and reclaim your loft. Don’t tolerate messy, disruptive birds when humane solutions are available. Be proactive and persistent for a bird-free space you can enjoy.
Summary of Key Points:
- Identify how and where birds are accessing your loft
- Remove any food sources attracting birds
- Install physical barriers like spikes, netting and screens
- Apply non-toxic repellents on roosting areas
- Use sounds, lasers, decoys to scare off birds
- Eliminate old nests and droppings completely
- Call professionals for large infestations or complex nests
- Maintain loft access points diligently to prevent returns
With the right combination of exclusion, repellents, and harassment, you can get rid of troublesome birds in your loft humanely and effectively. It may take some trial and error to find the optimal solutions for your unique situation. But being persistent and not allowing birds to re-establish nests will pay off with a bird-free loft.
FAQs
How long does it take to get rid of birds in a loft?
It usually takes 2-4 weeks to fully remove an existing bird infestation from a loft and see successes with deterrents. Preventing any returns then becomes an ongoing maintenance regimen.
What time of year are birds most problematic in lofts?
Spring and early summer are peak bird nesting seasons. Fall can also see an uptick as birds prepare for winter. Being extra vigilant during those high activity periods is key.
Are bird spikes or netting more effective for removing birds from loft?
Both can work very well in different situations. Use netting to block larger open areas and spikes for targeted ledges or beams. A combination of both is best for maximum coverage and exclusion.
How do I get rid of bird mites in my loft?
Bird mites can linger even after birds are excluded. Thoroughly wash surfaces with bleach or ammonia-based cleaners. Vacuum carpets and cracks and crevices. Treat remaining mites with silica dust or insecticidal sprays.
Can I just remove nests and eggs to get rid of birds?
No, it is illegal to disturb active nests under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You must use exclusion and deterrent methods only to avoid hefty fines. Nests can only be removed when birds are not actively using them.