Having birds nesting in your roof can seem like a charming part of nature at first, but it can quickly become a nuisance or even cause damage. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of allowing birds to nest in your roof to help you decide if action needs to be taken.
Quick Answers
– It depends on the type of birds. Small songbirds are usually not harmful, but larger birds can cause issues.
– Droppings and debris can build up and damage the roof. Nest removal and roof cleaning may be needed.
– Birds can chew through materials like wood, rubber, and wiring insulation.
– Nests can block gutters, drains, and ventilation, causing moisture and mildew issues.
– Birds are noisy and active at dawn and dusk when nesting, which can disrupt sleep.
– Diseases or parasites can be brought into the home from the nests.
– The nests themselves are not tightly sealed so can allow water intrusion.
– Eggs or babies could fall down chimneys or vents and get stuck inside the home.
Advantages of Allowing Birds to Nest
There are some benefits to having birds nesting in or around your home. Here are some of the main advantages:
Enjoy Nature
Having a front-row seat to nature with birds rearing their young right on your property can be a beautiful experience, especially for children. Watching the birds build their nest, lay eggs, feed babies, and take their first flights is fascinating.
Insect Control
Many small bird species eat vast quantities of flying insects like mosquitoes, ticks, beetles, wasps, and more. Allowing these birds to nest nearby means you’ll have a squadron of natural pest control ready to feast!
Fertilizer
The droppings from the nest can act as a natural plant fertilizer. As long as they don’t overload in one area, the nitrogen-rich feces can nourish garden plants and grass.
Reduce Loneliness
Hearing birds chirping and seeing them fly around can make your home feel more alive. The activity can be a mood boost and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Disadvantages of Birds Nesting in Roof
However, there are also some very real downsides to allowing birds to nest in your roof. Here are the main problems it can cause:
Roof Damage
Over time, the debris, droppings, eggshells, and rotting food remains can build up. This gunk can eat away at shingles and roof tiles, weaken wooden beams, and lead to leaks or holes.
Type of Damage | Description |
---|---|
Shingle erosion | Acidic droppings wear down mineral surfacing on asphalt shingles |
Roof leaks | Nests block water flow, droppings clog drains and gaps in flashing |
Moss buildup | Bird droppings create damp areas where moss can thrive |
Roof rot | Wet droppings cause wood beams and roof decking to decay |
The damage is often gradual but can be serious and expensive to repair once established.
Interior Damage
Birds have sharp claws that can scratch and scrape your walls or ceilings as they enter and exit the nest. Nesting materials like straw, twigs, and leaves can also fall down into the attic or living space.
Larger birds may chew right through wood, shingles, rubber seals, and electric wires. Their droppings can also seep down into the home, dirtying insulation and causing stains or smells.
Parasites and Diseases
Bird mites and lice can bite humans in infested homes. Dried bird droppings also contain fungi that can be unhealthy to breathe in. Psittacosis, salmonella, encephalitis, meningitis, and other serious bird-spread diseases are rare but possible.
Noise and Disruption
From squawking young begging for food to the adults noisily gathering nest materials, birds aren’t quiet neighbors. Your sleep may be interrupted early in the morning or through the night.
Vent and Chimney Issues
Nests can fully block chimneys, stove and dryer vents, roof and soffit vents, and plumbing vents. This can lead to hazardous carbon monoxide buildup or sewage gas leaks.
Young birds or eggs can even fall down into the chimney or vents. The homeowner will then need to dismantle ducting to remove them if they don’t die naturally in the flue.
Fire Risk
If the nests are built near light fixtures or electrical sources, fires could start. The closely-packed, dried twigs and grass are highly flammable.
Solutions
If birds nesting in your roof are causing problems, here are some humane solutions to remove them and prevent it happening again:
Scare Devices
Fake owls, flashing lights, and noise makers can deter birds from initially building nests. However, they often get used to the devices so this isn’t a permanent solution.
Roof Repairs
Block openings into the roof space, install new flashing, seal gaps around chimneys and vents, and attach wire mesh over vulnerable spots. This removes access once nests are cleared.
Remove Existing Nests
Use a long pole to dislodge nests if the roof is accessible or hire a roofer. Only do this when eggs have hatched and young have fledged.
Nesting Deterrents
Hang clear plastic strips, place fake snakes or owl decoys, or smear petroleum jelly in common nest spots. Reapply regularly as a temporary barrier.
Roof Cleaning
Pressure wash the roof and treat any stains or moss buildup to prevent ongoing damage once nesting areas are blocked.
Bird Spikes and Netting
Install non-harmful metal spikes or plastic netting on ledges, rafters, roof edges and chimneys to prevent nests being built.
Conclusion
Birds nesting in the roof is usually not a serious problem when it’s just occasional small birds. But allowing colonies of larger species like pigeons or starlings to move in could cause extensive home repairs down the track.
Try humane deterrents first, followed by nest removal and access blocking if the issues persist. With some effort and roof maintenance, your home can coexist happily with nature without any messy downsides.