Having birds nesting in your roof tiles can be a bothersome issue that requires attention. It not only poses health risks but also leads to potential damage to your home. Additionally, a bird infestation can attract other pests, creating further problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to address this situation promptly and effectively to maintain a peaceful and damage-free home.
Key Takeaways
- Birds in roof tiles can pose health risks and cause damage to your home.
- Attractants for birds include food supply, nesting sites, and lack of predators.
- Identifying signs of bird infestations is essential for effective intervention.
- Protecting birds is important, considering legal regulations and professional assistance.
- Various methods can be employed to get rid of birds on the roof, but professional help may be necessary in some cases.
Why Birds Nest in Roof Tiles
Birds often choose roof tiles as a nesting spot for several reasons:
- Shelter – The nooks and crannies of roof tiles provide shelter and protection.
- Warmth – Roof tiles absorb heat from the sun, making them warm spots for birds to nest.
- Safety – Being up high provides safety from predators.
- Materials – Birds can gather materials like twigs and leaves from roof tiles to build their nests.
Some common bird species that nest in roof tiles include pigeons, sparrows, starlings and swallows. Their droppings can damage and stain roof tiles, gutters and downpipes. Nesting materials can also block gutters and cause water damage. Getting rid of these birds humanely is important.
Dangers of Birds Nesting in Roof Tiles
There are several dangers that birds nesting in roof tiles can pose:
- Structural Damage – Bird droppings are acidic and can damage and weaken roof tiles over time. Nesting materials can also dislodge tiles.
- Health Risks – Bird droppings and feathers can contain parasites, fungi and over 60 transmittable diseases.
- Fire Hazard – Nests can quickly accumulate dried leaves and twigs which are flammable.
- Blocked Gutters – Nesting materials in gutters can lead to water damage and roof leaks.
- Noise – Birds can create a lot of noise from squabbling, chirping and flapping wings. This is disruptive early in the morning.
- Aggressive Behavior – Nesting birds may attack or swoop people to defend their nests.
Controlling birds before they begin nesting is important to avoid these dangers.
Methods to Get Rid of Birds in Roof Tiles
There are several effective and humane methods to deter birds from nesting in roof tiles and dislodge existing nests.
Block Access Points
- Seal up any openings or cavities where birds can enter the roof space to build nests. Use wire mesh, roofing tar or expandable foam.
- Install bird spikes, coils or netting on ledges, gutters and roof edges where birds perch. This blocks landing and nesting access.
- Trim back any overhanging tree branches touching the roof. This removes easy roof access.
Use Bird Repellents
- Hang up decoy predator birds, like hawks or owls, to scare nesting birds away.
- Set up motion-activated sprinklers on the roof edges to startle birds away with water spray.
- Use bird repellent gel on tiles and ledges. The sticky, slippery texture deters perching.
- Play bird distress calls to trigger birds to avoid the area.
Remove Existing Nests
- Carefully remove finished nests in the evenings when birds are away using a long pole and hook tool. Avoid peak nesting season.
- Prune back or remove vegetation like bushy trees where birds nest. This eliminates nesting material sources.
- Install nest exclusion products like anti-perching spikes, netting or wire mesh to prevent re-nesting.
- Consider professional nest removal services for safety and to ensure bird eggs or young are not destroyed.
Bird Hazing
- Use safe lasers or ultrasonic bird repellers to scare and haze birds away from nesting in the area. Do not aim lasers directly at birds.
- Streamers and reflective tape can deter birds when fluttering in the wind.
- Falconry services use trained hawks and falcons to chase problem birds from the area.
Population Control
- Seek professional advice on humane bird removal and relocation methods. Avoid harming birds.
- Destroy unattended nests and eggs under permit to control populations. Avoid peak nesting season.
- Install roost-inhibiting stainless steel bird spikes to discourage perching. Apply bird repellent gels.
- Use decoy predator eyes to deter nesting. The large staring eyes trigger instinctual fear in birds.
Persistence is key as it can take weeks or months to condition birds to avoid nesting on a roof. Using multiple tactics improves success. Always use humane methods.
5 Steps to Get Rid of Birds in Roof Tiles
Follow these 5 key steps to get rid of birds nesting in roof tiles:
Step 1: Inspect and Identify
- Inspect the roof and identify where birds are entering, perching and nesting.
- Note bird numbers, types, access points and potential nesting spots.
Step 2: Block Access
- Block roof access points using wire mesh, roof tar, expandable foam or hardware cloth.
- Install deterrent spikes, coils or netting on ledges and roof edges.
- Trim back overhanging branches.
Step 3: Use Bird Repellents
- Install decoy predator birds, reflective items, wind chimes and flutter tape.
- Position motion-activated sprinklers and use bird repellent gels.
- Play bird distress alarm calls.
Step 4: Remove Existing Nests
- Carefully remove empty and unfinished nests after birds leave the area.
- Prune or remove nearby trees and shrubs providing nest materials.
- Install anti-perching spikes and netting to prevent re-nesting.
Step 5: Scare Birds Away
- Use lasers, ultrasonic repellers and predator kites cautiously and humanely.
- Consider professional falconry or nest removal services for severe cases.
- Be patient and persistent! Use multiple tactics together.
Following these steps can help make a roof an unattractive and inaccessible spot for birds to nest. Always use humane deterrent methods. Avoid harming birds, eggs or young. With persistence over time, problem nesting birds can successfully be convinced to leave and not return.
Natural Bird Repellents
Using natural repellents can be an effective and non-toxic method to deter birds. Some options include:
- Cayenne Pepper – Sprinkling cayenne pepper in problem areas can irritate birds’ feet and repel them. Reapply after rain.
- Vinegar – Spraying a 20% vinegar solution creates an unpalatable acidic coating. Birds dislike the smell.
- Garlic – Chopped garlic or powdered garlic repels birds with its strong odor. Make a spray with garlic oil and water.
- Peppermint Oil – Peppermint oil’s strong minty smell deters birds. Make a diluted spray solution with water to apply.
- Coffee Grounds – Used coffee grounds scattered in areas smell bad to birds. The grounds also make perching uncomfortable.
- Evil Eye Repellers – Hanging evil eye decorations can scare and confuse birds due to their large staring eye images.
Always monitor birds carefully when using natural repellents. Look for signs of distress or harm and relocate repellents as needed. Combining several natural options often improves efficacy in repelling problematic nesting birds from roof areas.
When to Call a Professional
In some cases of severe bird infestation, it is best to call in a professional pest control expert. Consider professional help if:
- Large numbers of aggressive birds are present
- Dead birds or bats are discovered inside roof
- Droppings and parasites pose a health risk
- Major structural damage has occurred
- Nests have become a significant fire hazard
- Humane trapping and relocation is required
- Specialized high roof access equipment is needed
Professionals have the proper equipment, bird deterrent chemicals and expertise to address substantial nesting bird problems. They can also legally handle nest and egg destruction once birds have abandoned the nest. Always opt for humane bird deterrent and removal methods.
FAQ
How can I get rid of birds in roof tiles?
There are several methods you can try to get rid of birds on your roof before calling in professional help. These include blocking off their food and water supply, using visual deterrents such as scarecrows or shiny objects, and using repellent sprays. However, if these methods are not effective, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional pest control company.
What is the best time of year to remove bird nests?
It is best to remove old nests in winter when birds are not actively nesting. Avoid spring and summer peak breeding season.
What attracts birds to my roof?
Birds are attracted to roofs that offer a ready food supply, such as open bins, compost containers, and fruit-bearing trees. They also seek out safe nesting sites, and the height of a roof provides a secure location. Additionally, the presence of humans can deter predators, making roofs an attractive nesting spot for birds.
How can I identify if birds are nesting in my roof?
Signs that birds may be nesting in your roof include larger gatherings of birds at regular times, the presence of nest debris, concentrated droppings, feathers, and the sounds of birds building nests or chirping chicks. It is important to be observant and identify these signs to effectively address the issue.
What should I do if I find a bird’s nest in or around my roof?
If you discover a bird’s nest in or around your roof, it is important not to disturb it yourself. Moving an active nest can be unsafe and may also be illegal, as many birds are protected by law. It is best to contact a professional pest control company to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
How can I protect the birds while getting rid of them?
To protect the birds while getting rid of them, it is important to involve a professional pest control company. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle the situation in a humane manner and to comply with any legal considerations regarding protected bird species.
How do you keep birds from re-nesting after removing a nest?
Block re-nesting by installing bird netting, porcupine wire coils or spike strips. Remove any nearby nesting materials.