Can I Remove a Bird’s Nest from My House?
Yes, in most cases you can legally remove a bird’s nest from your house. However, there are some important factors to consider before doing so.
Laws Protecting Nesting Birds
In the United States, nesting birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This federal law makes it illegal to remove or destroy the nests of any wild migratory bird species while they are occupied with eggs or young. Disturbing an active nest could result in fines and penalties.
There are around 1,000 species of birds covered under the MBTA, including common backyard birds like robins, cardinals, sparrows, finches, swallows, and more. The law applies to their nests whether they are built on man-made structures like homes, or in trees and shrubs.
Some states and municipalities have additional laws in place to protect non-migratory species like pigeons and starlings. Be sure to check your local and state regulations before removing any nests.
When Can I Legally Remove a Nest?
The MBTA only protects nests when they are actively being used for breeding. Nests that are empty can legally be removed at any time without penalty.
There are a few times of year when you can safely assume nests are unoccupied:
- Late fall to early winter after migration season
- Late winter to early spring before breeding season
- After young have fully fledged and left the nest
During the active breeding season, it’s best to leave nests alone and wait for the birds to finish raising their young. Watch for signs like the female sitting on the nest, birds coming and going with food for young, or sounds of nestlings calling.
Once the young learn to fly and no longer return to the nest at night, it should be safe to remove. This timeframe varies by species but is often between 12-18 days after hatching.
How to Remove an Unoccupied Nest
If you are certain the nest is empty, you can take it down manually or use safe deterrents to try preventing birds from rebuilding there.
Wear thick gloves when handling nests to avoid getting bitten by parasites. Carefully place the nest into a plastic bag for disposal.
Power washing or knocking down mud nests is another option. Be extremely cautious not to harm any occupied nests nearby.
Once the nest is gone, you can make the area less attractive for future nesting by:
- Installing nest deterrents like wire mesh, pins, or slope modification
- Blocking access holes to enclosed areas like vents or eaves
- Trimming back overgrown vegetation
- Applying repellent gel or tape
Be prepared to continue discouraging birds until they settle elsewhere. Persistent species like pigeons may rebuild over and over.
Can a Professional Remove an Active Nest?
In some cases, you can get special permission from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to have a professional temporarily remove a problematic nest that is protected under the MBTA.
This requires submitting an application explaining why the nest needs to go and your plans to exclude future nesting. If approved, the nest must be immediately put back once vacated so eggs or young are not abandoned.
Professional help may be warranted for large nests blocking critical home infrastructure, aggressive birds threatening human safety, or extensive droppings causing property damage. Be sure to follow all laws and get written authorization first.
Can I Remove Nests of Non-Native Species?
In most states, pigeons, starlings, house sparrows, and other non-native species are not protected under the MBTA. This means their occupied nests can legally be destroyed or moved at any time without a permit.
Be absolutely certain of the bird’s identification before taking action. Native migratory species often use the same buildings as pest birds and their nests look very similar.
Use humane removal methods like trimming back roosting spots or installing bird spikes. Quickly seal off access holes after removal to prevent rebuilding.
When is the Best Time to Remove a Bird’s Nest?
Here is a summary of the ideal times to remove an unoccupied bird’s nest from your home:
- Fall (October to November) – Most birds have migrated and nests are empty.
- Late Winter (February to March) – Before spring nesting season begins.
- Mid Summer (June to July depending on species) – After young have fledged and will not return.
Avoid removing or disturbing active nests in spring and early summer. Watch carefully to confirm young have left before intervening.
If nests pose an immediate hazard or health issue, seek professional help and get written authorization before taking action.
Tips for Deterring Birds from Nesting on Your Home
Here are some effective ways to make your home less appealing for nesting birds:
- Block access – Seal off holes, cracks, and openings to attics, vents, eaves, and other enclosed spaces.
- Use deterrents – Install bird netting, wire mesh, pins, slope modification, or repellent gel/tape.
- Manage vegetation – Trim back trees and shrubs near the house. Remove dense ground cover.
- Clean regularly – Don’t let porches or patios become littered with sticks, leaves, or debris that birds can use.
Take action before nesting season begins for best results. Be vigilant about re-securing access points and removing any nest start attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to knock down a bird’s nest?
It is illegal to disturb or destroy an active nest that is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Nests are only protected while eggs or young are present. Empty nests can be removed at any time.
What kind of birds build nests on houses?
Common backyard birds like robins, phoebes, swallows, finches, and wrens will readily build nests on houses. Pigeons, sparrows, and starlings also frequently nest on homes and structures.
How can I get rid of birds nesting on my porch?
Use nest deterrents like wire mesh or pins on the underside of railings and patio covers. Trim back vegetation close to the house. Clean frequently to remove nest materials. Seal off access holes to enclosed areas like roof eaves.
Will birds abandon their nest if touched by humans?
Many species will continue to use a nest after being disturbed by humans. Exceptions include hummingbirds, chickadees, and wrens that are more likely to abandon. Avoid touching active nests whenever possible.
When do baby robins leave the nest?
Baby robins typically leave the nest 12 to 16 days after hatching. The young can fly short distances at this point but remain dependent on parental care for 2-3 more weeks. Only remove robin nests once the young are fully independent.
How do I keep birds from rebuilding nests on my house?
Regularly remove old nests and nesting materials after breeding season ends. Install deterrents like netting, prongs, or repellent gel where birds are trying to build. Trim vegetation and seal off access holes. Remain vigilant about clearing any new start attempts.
Do abandoned bird nests need to be removed?
Empty and abandoned nests do not need to be removed for ecological reasons. They often fall apart on their own over time. You can remove them for aesthetic purposes or to prevent parasites from gathering.
How do you get rid of sparrow nests?
House sparrows are an invasive species not protected under federal law. You can legally remove sparrow nests at any time by hand or using a high-pressure hose. Take action before the breeding season starts to prevent them re-nesting repeatedly on your property.
What smell do birds hate to keep them away?
Birds have a strong sense of smell and dislike the scent of certain products. Some options to repel them include essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree oil, or predator urine from foxes, coyotes, etc. Use absorbent materials soaked in the repellent substance.
Will mothballs keep birds away?
Mothballs containing naphthalene or pdichlorobenzene can temporarily repel some birds with the strong chemical odor. Place them around areas where birds are trying to build nests or roost. Reapply after rain. Use caution, as mothballs can be toxic to pets and harm desired wildlife too.
Why you should not remove bird nests?
There are a few reasons it’s best not to remove bird nests:
- It can harm or kill young birds and eggs.
- Adult birds may abandon the nest if disturbed.
- Nest removal is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act while occupied.
- Empty nests provide habitat for insects and invertebrates.
- Nests supply nestlings of future generations with building materials.
Avoid removing any active nests. Wait until young have fully fledged and will not return before taking action.
Can you touch a bird’s nest with babies?
It’s best not to touch an active nest with eggs or babies. Adult birds may sense the human scent and abandon the nest. Nestlings are also very fragile. If you must handle a nest for emergency relocation, take extreme care and wear thick gloves to avoid transferring oils from your skin.
Do birds reuse the same nest?
Some birds like bald eagles, ospreys, and barn owls reuse the same nest year after year. Others like robins build a new nest each season, but may still return to the same general site or territory. Birds that nest in cavities or structures are more likely to repair and reuse an old nest.
Why are birds suddenly nesting on my house?
If birds have suddenly started nesting on your home in areas where they didn’t before, here are some potential reasons:
- A new protrusion, ledge or cavity has created an ideal nest spot.
- Nearby trees have been cut down, forcing birds to find a new site.
- An existing access hole was uncovered during repairs or remodeling.
- Overgrown vegetation is providing cover too close to the house.
Identify and eliminate what is attracting birds to start nesting. Take preventative action before the next breeding season.
Conclusion
Removing a bird’s nest from your home must be done carefully and at the right time to avoid harming protected species. Monitor nests closely to determine when they become inactive. Use humane deterrents to prevent rebuilding and reduce nesting spots around your property. With some diligence, you can successfully convince birds to nest elsewhere without causing harm.