Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about keeping birds from nesting on porch lights:
What are some simple solutions?
- Install a plastic or mesh porch light cover
- Use a motion-activated light instead of a regular porch light
- Apply petroleum jelly or chili paste to deter birds from landing
Why do birds build nests on porch lights?
Birds often build nests on porch lights because the small space under the light provides shelter and warmth. The steady light also attracts insects which birds eat.
What are more extensive solutions?
- Replace the light with a flush-mount ceiling light
- Install metal spikes or coils around the light to block birds
- Use a drainage pipe cover over the top of the light
Why Birds Nest on Porch Lights
Many homeowners discover bird nests built on top of or directly under their porch lights. This happens because porch lights provide an attractive space for birds to build nests and raise their young.
There are a few key reasons why porch lights appeal to birds:
- Shelter – The small space under a ceiling mounted light fixture provides a covered shelter, protecting the nest from rain, wind and predators.
- Warmth – Light bulbs give off small amounts of heat, helping keep eggs and baby birds warm.
- Insects – The light attracts insects which birds eat, providing ample food.
- Elevated – Being elevated makes the nest safer from predators like cats, racoons and snakes.
- sturdy attachment point – The roof and light fixture provide a sturdy base to anchor the nest to.
In addition to porch lights, birds may target other areas under roof overhangs like light posts, signs, electrical boxes, vents, or doorbells. Any small sheltered space near an insect attracting light source can look like an appealing nest spot.
Problems Caused by Bird Nests on Lights
While bird nests may look harmless, allowing birds to nest on porch lights can cause a few problems:
- Fire hazard – Nests can contain dry grass, twigs and debris. This material up against a light bulb is a fire risk.
- Electrical problems – Bird droppings and nesting materials can corrode light fixtures, causing shorts and electrical fires.
- Light blockage – A large nest can totally obstruct the light from the fixture.
- Damage – Birds can peck at the light and mounting bracket, damaging the fixture.
- Unsanitary – Nesting debris and bird droppings can spread dirt and bacteria.
- Ongoing issue – If not resolved, birds will continue to nest at the site year after year.
It’s best to remove nests and prevent birds from rebuilding to avoid these types of hazards and damage. Taking action as soon as the first nest appears will save the most trouble in the long run.
Removing Existing Nests
If you already have an active nest on a porch light, here are some tips for removing it:
- Turn off power to the light at the circuit breaker before removing a nest.
- Wear thick gloves and a safety mask – droppings may carry diseases.
- Use a stiff broom or paint scraper to dislodge and sweep away the nest.
- Remove any remaining debris from the light fixture.
- Use mild soap and water, or a disinfectant spray to clean the fixture.
- Seal off any openings larger than 1 inch with caulk or expanding foam to block future nests.
- Turn circuit breaker back on and test that light is working properly.
Avoid removing nests with eggs or baby birds – this would violate federal law. If the nest is occupied, leave it untouched until the birds have left the nest, then remove it.
Preventing Future Nests
Once you’ve removed a bird nest from your porch light, there are several effective options to deter birds from rebuilding in the future:
Porch Light Covers
Plastic or metal light covers can block access to the interior space under ceiling-mounted fixtures:
- Plastic covers – Clear plastic covers screw or clamp onto most light fixtures. This allows light to shine through but birds can’t get in.
- Wire mesh covers – A mesh cage also prevents access while allowing light to pass. Galvanized wire won’t rust.
- Chain link covers – A cover made of overlapping chain link fencing can envelop lights of any shape.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can be added around a light to block birds from landing or building nests:
- Metal spikes – Stainless steel or plastic spikes affixed around a light prevent birds from perching.
- Coils – Spiky metal or plastic coils wrapped around poles or lights deters birds.
- Petroleum jelly – Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on surfaces where birds perch. The sticky substance makes them avoid landing.
Fixture Modifications
Swapping out the light fixture for a less nest-friendly option can also help:
- Flush mount lights – A flush mount ceiling light has no interior space for nests.
- Motion lights – Motion-activated porch lights only come on briefly when needed, making them less attractive.
- Larger fixtures – A larger chandelier-style fixture allows less space to build nests.
Scare Devices
Scare tactics like the following can frighten birds away from porch lights:
- Predator decoys – Plastic owls, snakes or hawks placed nearby may scare nesting birds.
- Reflective tape – Mylar reflective tape fluttering near lights deters birds.
- Sounds – Recordings of predator calls or distress cries triggers birds to avoid the area.
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Plastic light covers | Inexpensive, easy installation, lasts many seasons, allows light through | Can get dirty and reduce light output over time |
Metal spikes | Very effective physical barrier, long-lasting | More expensive, installation required, could harm birds if they land |
Motion lights | Deters birds without harming them, reduces energy use | Manual activation required, light only comes on briefly |
Owl decoys | Low cost, harmless, no installation | Less effective than physical barriers, can fade or blow away |
Conclusion
Preventing birds from nesting in porch lights takes some trial and error to find the best solution for your specific situation. The most critical first step is to safely remove any existing nests. Then, installing physical barriers like light covers provides an effective and long-lasting deterrent that humanely blocks birds from rebuilding in the protected space.
With a simple solution like a plastic light cover, and proper maintenance to ensure it remains in place, you can discourage nesting and avoid the hassles birds can cause. This allows both homeowners and birds to peacefully coexist and enjoy the outdoors.