Birds nesting in gutters is a common nuisance for homeowners. Not only can it clog up gutters and cause water damage, but bird droppings are unsanitary and can spread diseases. While it may seem harmless to let birds nest in your gutters, it’s important to take action to get rid of them and prevent further problems. This comprehensive guide will provide tips on how to get rid of birds nest in gutter in a safe and humane way.
Key Takeaways
- Birds nesting in gutters can cause clogs and water overflow, leading to potential damage to your home’s walls and roof. Using steel wool can help keep gaps free and ensure smooth rainwater flow.
- Bird nesting in gutters poses health risks due to harmful bacteria and fungi in bird droppings, which can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and infections. Promptly addressing bird nesting is important for mitigating these risks.
- Regular gutter cleaning, installing gutter guards, posting decoy predators on the roof, using bird repellents scents and trapping/relocating birds are effective methods to keep birds out of gutters.
Why It’s Important to Remove Bird Nests from Gutters
Birds nesting in gutters can lead to a range of consequences, including clogging and water overflow, health risks, bad smells, gutter sagging, and disruptive noise.
1. Gutter clogging and water overflow
As birds build their nests, they fill gutters with sticks, grass, feathers and other debris. This leads to clogs that prevent proper drainage. Clogged gutters can’t effectively divert rainwater, resulting in overflow and water damage to your home’s exterior, foundation and landscaping.
2. Health risks
Birds nesting in gutters can pose health risks to both humans and the birds themselves. One major concern is the presence of bird droppings, which can contain harmful bacteria and fungi that may cause diseases when inhaled or come into contact with skin.
These pathogens can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and infections. Additionally, bird nests can attract pests like mites and insects, which can further compromise the cleanliness and safety of your home.
It’s essential to address bird nesting in gutters promptly to mitigate these health risks.
3. Bad smell
A bad smell is one of the consequences of birds nesting in gutters. When bird droppings accumulate in the gutters, they can create an unpleasant odor that lingers around your home.
The combination of bird waste, debris buildup, and stagnant water can lead to a foul smell that affects the air quality inside and outside your house. This unpleasant odor may also attract other pests like insects or rodents to your property.
To prevent this, regular gutter cleaning and installing gutter guards can help keep birds from nesting and reduce the bad smell associated with their presence in the gutters.
4. Gutter sagging
Gutter sagging is a common problem that can occur when birds nest in gutters. When birds build their nests, they bring in twigs, leaves, and other debris that can weigh down the gutter system.
This added weight puts strain on the gutters and can cause them to sag or even detach from the house. It’s important to address gutter sagging promptly as it can lead to further damage, such as water overflow and structural issues.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters can help prevent bird nesting and ultimately avoid gutter sagging.
5. Noise
Birds nesting in gutters can create a lot of noise, which can be quite irritating. The constant chirping and fluttering of wings can disrupt your peace and quiet. It can be especially bothersome if the gutters are located near your bedroom or living room windows.
By implementing effective bird deterrent methods, such as installing gutter guards or using bird repellents, you can reduce the amount of noise caused by birds nesting in gutters. This will help you enjoy a more peaceful and tranquil environment around your home.
6. Fire hazard
Built up debris in gutters can easily catch fire, especially during dry seasons. This poses a major fire risk. Therefore, it’s absolutely necessary to remove birds’ nest from your gutter to prevent any fire hazard.
When to Remove Bird Nests
It’s important to know when you can legally remove a bird’s nest:
- Spring to early fall – Don’t remove active nests during breeding season and while eggs or baby birds are present. This violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- Late fall to winter – Nests can safely be removed once breeding season ends and birds migrate away. This is the ideal time for removal.
If a nest appears abandoned with no eggs or birds present for several days, it’s likely safe to remove. However, use caution and inspect closely before taking action.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Rid of Birds Nest in Gutter
Follow these steps to safely get rid of a bird’s nest from your gutters:
Materials Needed
- Ladder
- Gloves
- Mask
- Garbage bag
- Trowel or scoop
Step 1: Inspect the Nest
Visually inspect the nest to ensure no birds or eggs are inside before removing it. It’s illegal to disturb active nests.
Step 2: Wear Protective Gear
Put on gloves, mask, and eye protection. Bird mites and droppings can transmit diseases.
Step 3: Remove the Nest
Use a trowel or scoop to carefully remove the nest and place it in a garbage bag for disposal. Remove all traces of the nest.
Step 4: Clean the Gutter
Use a gutter scoop to remove all bird droppings, feathers, sticks and debris left behind after removing the nest.
Step 5: Disinfect the Area
Spray the interior of the gutter with a disinfectant to kill bacteria from droppings. Let it sit before rinsing.
Step 6: Seal Holes
Check for and seal up any holes or openings in the gutters that birds can enter through.
Step 7: Dispose of the Nest
Seal up the garbage bag and throw it out with your regular trash. Never compost bird nests.
How to Keep Birds from Nesting in Gutters: Prevention Tips
There are several effective methods to keep birds out of gutters, including installing gutter guards, posting decoy predators on the roof, using bird repellent scents, regular gutter cleaning, and trapping and relocating the birds.
1. Installing gutter guards
To prevent birds from nesting in gutters, one effective method is to install gutter guards. These guards are typically made of wire mesh, plastic screen, or surface-tension material.
They create a barrier that prevents birds from accessing the gutters and building their nests. Gutter guards not only keep birds out but also eliminate the need for regular gutter cleaning and maintenance.
By installing these guards, you can effectively protect your gutters from bird nests and ensure proper water flow throughout your system.
2. Posting decoy predators on the roof
One effective method to keep birds out of gutters is by posting decoy predators on the roof. By placing fake owls, hawks, or other bird-like figures near the gutters, it creates the illusion that a predator is present.
Birds will be deterred from nesting in the gutters because they perceive a threat to their safety. This method can be particularly effective when used in combination with other bird-deterrent strategies such as gutter guards or bird repellent scents.
Remember, using a combination of methods will provide a comprehensive solution to prevent birds from nesting in your gutters and causing potential clogs and damage.
3. Using bird repellent scents
Bird repellent scents can be an effective method to keep birds out of gutters. These scents are specifically designed to deter birds from nesting and roosting in unwanted areas, including gutters.
By using bird repellent sprays or products that emit a strong odor or taste that birds find unpleasant, you can discourage them from settling in your gutters. This helps prevent clogs and potential damage caused by their nesting materials.
Bird repellent scents provide a non-harmful way to protect your gutters and maintain proper water flow.
4. Regular gutter cleaning
Regular gutter cleaning is an essential part of maintaining a bird-free guttering system. When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they create the ideal nesting environment for birds.
Additionally, clogged gutters can lead to water overflow and damage to your home’s foundation. To prevent birds from nesting in your gutters, it is important to clean them regularly by removing any built-up debris.
This will not only deter birds but also ensure that your gutters function properly and efficiently. By keeping your gutters clean, you can maintain a bird-free environment and avoid potential damage to your home.
5. Installing bird houses around your property
To further discourage birds from nesting in your gutters, consider installing bird houses around your property. By providing alternative nesting options in designated areas, you can redirect their attention away from the gutters.
This will not only help protect your gutters but also contribute to creating a bird-friendly environment. You can choose different types of bird houses that cater to specific species and hang them at suitable locations around your property.
This way, birds will have a cozy and safe place to build their nests while keeping your gutters free from any potential damage or blockage.
6. Using ultrasonic bird repellers
Ultrasonic bird repellers are devices that emit high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to birds. These repellers can be effective in deterring birds from nesting in gutters.
The ultrasonic sound is not audible to humans, making it a safe and humane method of bird control. When installed near the gutters, these devices emit sounds that disturb birds and discourage them from nesting in the area.
Ultrasonic bird repellers can be used in combination with other methods, such as gutter guards or decoys, for a more comprehensive approach to keeping birds out of gutters.
It’s important to note that while ultrasonic bird repellers can be effective, they may not work for every situation or species of bird. Some birds may become accustomed to the sound over time and continue nesting despite the repellent.
7. Installing roof bird spikes
To further prevent birds from nesting in your gutters, you can consider installing roof bird spikes. These spikes are designed to discourage birds from landing or perching on your roof and entering the gutters.
The sharp points of the spikes make it uncomfortable for birds to land, encouraging them to find another place to nest. By installing these spikes along the edges of your roof and near the gutters, you can effectively deter birds from accessing and nesting in your gutters.
This method is safe for both the birds and your guttering system.
8. Using hardware cloth
To prevent birds from nesting in your gutters, you can use hardware cloth. Hardware cloth is a type of wire mesh that can be installed over the gutters to create a barrier. This prevents birds from accessing the gutters and building nests inside them.
By installing hardware cloth, you can effectively keep birds out of your gutters and avoid issues such as clogging, water overflow, and gutter sagging. It is an easy and durable solution that helps to protect your gutters from bird nests.
When to Call a Professional
In some cases, it’s best to have a professional pest control company handle bird nest removal and exclusion:
- Large infestations of difficult-to-deter birds like pigeons, starlings, crows or sparrows
- High, dangerous nests in gutters, chimneys or roof peaks
- Birds trapped inside homes or buildings
- Protected migratory bird species that require special permits and handling
- Nests with dead birds or eggs that require safe removal and disposal
- Severe nesting that causes structural damage to the home
FAQs
Why should I remove a bird’s nest from my gutter?
Birds’ nests can block gutters, preventing water from flowing freely. This can lead to water damage, wood rot, and foundation issues. Additionally, accumulated debris in the nest can be a fire hazard.
Is it legal to remove a bird’s nest from my gutter?
In many regions, certain bird species are protected by law, making it illegal to disturb or remove their nests during breeding seasons. Before taking any action, check local regulations and consult with wildlife experts.
When is the best time to remove a bird’s nest from the gutter?
The ideal time is after the breeding season when the chicks have fledged and left the nest. This ensures you’re not disrupting the bird’s life cycle and is also more humane.
What should I do if there are eggs or chicks in the nest?
If there are eggs or chicks, it’s crucial to wait until they’ve left the nest. If you’re unsure about the species or their nesting habits, consult with a local wildlife expert or birdwatching group for advice.
Why do birds choose gutters to build their nests?
Birds often seek out safe, sheltered locations to build their nests. Gutters provide them with protection from predators, weather elements, and offer a concealed environment. The accumulated debris in gutters can also provide nesting materials for the birds.
Is it safe to handle a bird’s nest with my bare hands?
While it’s generally safe to touch a bird’s nest, it’s advisable to wear gloves. Birds’ nests can host parasites, mites, or carry diseases. After handling, always wash your hands thoroughly.