Birds making nests in unwanted areas can be a frustrating problem for many homeowners. Birds tend to return to the same nesting spots year after year, so addressing the issue promptly is important. There are several effective techniques to deter birds from nesting in particular areas without harming the birds. The key is using preventative measures early in the season before they start building a nest.
Why Do Birds Nest Where They Shouldn’t?
Birds look for specific features when selecting a nesting site:
- Shelter from weather and predators
- Close proximity to food and water sources
- Sufficient anchoring points for the nest
- Accessibility of nesting materials like twigs, grass, and mud
Man-made structures often perfectly fit the bill by providing elevated, protected sites. Some of the most common problem areas include:
- Ledges, eaves, and cavities on houses and buildings
- Rain gutters
- Porch railings
- Decorative yard features
- Boat docks
- Decks and patios
Birds are opportunistic nesters and will often move into a convenient, sheltered spot even if the location itself is unsuitable for nesting or hazardous to their young. A bird’s drive to breed and nest is very strong, which means they can be quite persistent in these efforts.
When Do Birds Start Nesting?
Most birds in temperate regions of North America build their nests during the springtime as winter ends. The exact nesting timeline varies by species and region, but generally runs from March through June.
Here are the typical nesting months for some common backyard birds:
Bird | Nesting Months |
---|---|
Robins | April – July |
House finches | April – July |
Barn swallows | May – September |
Mourning doves | March – September |
Chickadees | April – July |
House sparrows | April – August |
Native songbirds tend to nest earlier than migratory species that travel north to take advantage of abundant summer food sources and raising their young. Backyard bird watchers will notice increased activity in spring as bonding, mating, and nest-site selection occurs. Being aware of typical nesting timeframes makes early prevention possible.
Negative Consequences of Bird Nests
While observing nature’s cycles in your own backyard has inherent appeal, there are good reasons to actively discourage birds from nesting in certain inappropriate areas:
- Health hazards – Accumulated bird droppings, feathers, and debris can harbor respiratory irritants, bacteria, fungal spores, viruses, and parasites.
- Infestations – Nesting materials can provide harborage for insect pests like mites, ticks, fleas, and flies.
- Structural damage – Nests clog gutters, create moisture issues, and erode masonry.
- Power outages – Large nests built on electrical equipment can cause disruptive short circuits.
- Costly maintenance – Removing nests, cleaning, and repairing damage incur expenses.
- Aggressive behavior – Some birds become extremely territorial and may attack people that get too close to their nest.
Allowing nests in high-traffic areas also frequently results in the accidental destruction of eggs or young birds when the nests are inevitably disturbed.
Tips to Prevent Birds Nesting in Unwanted Places
Here are some simple tips to stop birds from building nests where they are unwelcome:
Use Exclusion Methods
Physically blocking birds’ access to a nesting site is highly effective. Install barriers like:
- Wire mesh over holes, vents, and crevices
- Chicken wire, plastic or metal sheeting around beams and deck railings
- Metal bird spikes on ledges and roof peaks
- Netting over pergolas, gazebos, and porch ceilings
For a more decorative look, hang strips of reflective mylar tape, old CDs, or plastic owls nearby. Just be sure to put barriers in place before nest-building begins. Once a nest is in place, it is illegal to remove or destroy it until young have fully fledged.
Manage Food, Water, and Shelter
Making the location less attractive for nesting birds by modifying the habitat can be highly effective:
- Cut back dense bushes and vegetation near the house.
- Remove food sources like bird feeders, fruit trees, and heavy mulch that harbor insect prey.
- Fix leaky spigots and eliminate standing water.
- Seal off all cavities, gaps, and crevices that could shelter nests.
These tactics reduce cover and food availability for nesting right around the house. However, provide bird-friendly habitat away from the areas you want to protect.
Use Repellents
Various odor and taste repellents make a questionable nest site less appealing:
- Ammonia or vinegar-soaked rags.
- Cayenne pepper powder or hot sauce.
- Moth balls or flakes.
- Predator scents like fox or raccoon urine.
Reapply weather-resistant repellent gels and solutions frequently since birds will get used to the smell after a while. Avoid using harsh chemicals which can hurt birds and damage surfaces.
Scare Devices
Motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and noisemakers can frighten birds away from a potential nesting area:
- Flashing strobe lights and predator eye spotlights.
- Ultrasonic high-frequency noise emitters.
- Recorded distress calls and predator sounds.
- Automated water sprayers.
- Pinwheels, foil strips, and inflatable tube men.
The key is providing sufficient deterrent cues before nest-building begins and varying the types over time. Birds become desensitized if they realize the threats are not real.
When to Call a Professional
For severe bird infestations, or in cases when nests have become established, calling a pest control professional may be warranted. Only licensed specialists should:
- Handle hazardous bird guano accumulations.
- Apply chemical repellents in restricted environments.
- Remove nests during breeding season.
- Set up complex exclusion systems.
- Use tactics prohibited for general use like pyrotechnics.
Certified wildlife control technicians have the expertise to resolve nesting issues while ensuring humane and legal practices. They know when nests can be removed and what control methods work best for each bird species.
Prevent Nesting With Early Planning
Implementing control measures before nest-building activity begins is the key to successfully discouraging birds. Once nesting is underway, the most you can legally do is limit damage until chicks fledge. Get familiar with the nesting timeframes for problem bird species in your area. Inspect potential nest sites like vents, eaves, and deck rails in late winter. Initiate multiple deterrents early in the season to train birds to look elsewhere. With some advance planning and persistence using humane prevention, you can enjoy your yard without unwanted feathered squatters moving in each spring.
Conclusion
Birds often choose unsuitable nesting spots on houses and yard structures out of strong natural instincts to breed and raise young. Left unchecked, problem nests can cause property damage, health hazards, and aggressive bird behavior. Implementing humane deterrent techniques like habitat modification, exclusion barriers, frightening devices, and repellents before nesting season begins in spring is the most effective approach. Persistently making a location inhospitable well in advance of nesting will encourage birds to move on. Calling on professional support may be required for severe infestations or nest removals once eggs or chicks are present. With some strategic early preparation using gentle disincentives, property owners can peacefully coexist with local wildlife without ceding areas to annual bird nesting.