Quick Answer
Having birds nest in your house can be both good and bad. On the positive side, it’s fascinating to observe birds up close as they build nests, lay eggs, and raise chicks. However, nesting birds can also create messes, spread mites, and potentially carry diseases. Most experts recommend discouraging birds from nesting inside homes but providing alternative nesting sites outside. Ultimately, the decision depends on one’s tolerance for the nuisances of indoor nests versus the enjoyment of witnessing nature firsthand.
Should You Let Birds Nest in Your House?
There are pros and cons to allowing birds to nest inside your home. Here are some things to consider:
Potential Benefits
– Educational opportunity to observe birds up close as they build nests, lay eggs, and raise chicks
– Joy of connecting with nature and wildlife right in your own home
– Some species like barn swallows eat insects and can help reduce flies and mosquitoes
– Nesting birds can provide pleasant birdsong inside the home
Potential Drawbacks
– Nesting materials and bird droppings can make a mess
– Bird mites and other parasites can be spread to humans and pets
– Possible transmission of diseases like histoplasmosis, Salmonella, encephalitis, and more
– Aggressive dive-bombing by protective parent birds
– Nesting birds may peck at windows or siding trying to get inside
– Eggs or baby birds may fall and die if nests fail or get disrupted
So in summary, allowing indoor nesting can be rewarding but requires tolerance for mess, health risks, property damage, and safety issues. Most experts advise against indoor nests for these reasons, while providing alternative nest sites outside.
What Kind of Birds Attempt to Nest Indoors?
Many species of birds may investigate or try to nest inside homes and buildings. Here are some of the most common:
Swallows
Barn swallows, tree swallows, and other swallow species often nest inside barns, sheds, porches, and other structures. They build mud nests and return to the same sites annually.
Phoebes
Eastern phoebes like protected ledges and will build nests on porch roofs, beams, garage door tracks, and more.
Robins
Robins may build messy nests on porch lights, wreaths, doorframes, windowsills, or gutters. They often choose sites close to trees or shrubs.
Pigeons
Rock pigeons, especially feral ones, will build nests on ledges, rafters, HVAC units, and other sheltered spots on or inside buildings. Their nests are crude piles of sticks and debris.
Finches
House finches often weave dense nests in concealed areas around porches, vents, gutters, or window frames. Other finch species may also nest indoors.
Sparrows
House sparrows and other small songbirds may tuck nests into crawl spaces, air vents, dryer vents, or other dark cavities inside or on the exterior of houses.
Starlings
European starlings nest incavities and will readily use openings in buildings. Their nests contain a jumble of grasses, twigs, and trash.
What are the Dangers of Indoor Bird Nests?
While fascinating to observe, indoor bird nests can pose health hazards, create messes, and lead to property damage. Some key risks include:
Parasites
Bird mites and other parasites can crawl off nesting material into homes. Mites bite humans causing rashes or allergic reactions.
Diseases
Bird droppings contain germs that can cause illnesses in humans ranging from psittacosis to encephalitis. Some are potentially fatal.
Messes
Nesting materials like twigs, grass, and trash can clog gutters or litter indoor spaces. Bird droppings mar walls, floors, and furniture.
Property Damage
Sharp bird claws and beaks can scrape wood and masonry. Nesting birds may repeatedly peck at windows or screens trying to get inside.
Fire Hazard
Nesting materials piled near light fixtures or other electrical sources can potentially ignite and cause fires.
Disturbance
Some species aggressively dive bomb humans that get too close to nests. Nest failures also often result in dead chicks.
For these reasons, indoor bird nests are best avoided whenever possible through humane exclusion or relocation methods.
How to Get Rid of Birds Nesting in Your House
If birds are trying to nest in or on your home, here are some tips for discouraging them humanely:
Remove nest starts immediately
Don’t let birds complete nests inside your home. Knock down any beginnings as soon as you notice them.
Block access holes
Seal openings in soffits, vents, chimneys, or gaps around pipes to deny birds entry. Use hardware cloth, caulk, wood, or metal covers.
Install bird netting or wire
Cover peaks, rafters, patio covers, or other common nest sites with netting or wire mesh to prevent access.
Use repellents
Apply sticky gels or spike strips near common nest areas to deter birds from landing. Use scent repellents cautiously inside.
Add scary deterrents
Hang rubber snakes, fake owls, or reflective tape near problem areas to scare off nesting birds. Move them regularly so birds don’t acclimate.
Trim back vegetation
Prune any bushes, vines, or tree limbs touching the house to eliminate nesting shelter and perches.
Being vigilant and using multiple exclusion methods is key to successfully keeping indoor areas nest-free. Seek advice from wildlife specialists if needed for difficult cases.
Should You Provide Birds Alternative Nest Sites?
When excluding birds from nesting in your home, also consider putting up alternative nest boxes or sites on your property. Here’s why this helps:
Gives displaced birds suitable nesting spots
Providing outdoor nest boxes lets you humanely redirect birds away from your house.
Supports local bird populations
Artificial nest sites help make up for loss of natural nest habitat like tree cavities.
Fun to observe
You can watch and enjoy nesting behaviors like birds feeding babies by situating boxes visibly.
Helps native species compete
Native birds will more readily use nest boxes than problematic invasive species.
Locate nest boxes away from doors or windows and follow tips to attract target species. Maintaining nests also ensures safe outcomes for eggs and chicks. With dedicated outdoor nest sites available, birds can successfully breed without conflict inside homes.
Tips for Attracting Birds to Nest on Your Property
To encourage desired bird species to use nest boxes or other outdoor sites on your land, consider these tips:
Choose an appropriate location
Pick areas away from disturbance but with shelter and suitable access like clear flight paths.
Install predator guards
Baffles, cones, or wires deter climbing predators like raccoons, cats, or snakes.
Select a box design they prefer
Opt for size, depth, entrance type, height, and materials preferred by the target species.
Use their preferred nesting material
Line boxes with twigs, grass, pine needles, or sand depending on the bird.
Clean boxes out annually
Clean-out prevents parasite buildups. Timing is key: avoid active nests.
Have multiple boxes available
More options help attract birds and reduce competition. Space boxes apart appropriately.
With the right features and placement for the species, nest boxes or platforms can provide safe, appealing alternatives to indoor nesting sites.
Outdoor Nest Box Mounting Tips
Properly mounting nest boxes is crucial so follow these tips when installing outdoor nest sites:
Place 5-15 feet high on pole/tree
Mount boxes out of easy reach of predators. Pole mounts work well.
Angle box slightly down
A downward tilt helps shed rain and keep contents drier.
Face entrance away from prevailing weather
Point the hole towards a sheltered direction to protect from wind/rain.
Ensure box is firmly stable
Check there is no wobble that could dislodge eggs or chicks.
Allow easy access for monitoring/cleaning
Don’t mount where you can’t easily open, inspect, and clean out the box.
Optionally add roofing
A simple angled roof further protects the box from the elements.
Clean and sanitize annually
Scrub with a dilute bleach solution and allow to dry completely before new season.
Proper setup makes for safer, more successful nesting. Follow instructions specific to different box designs too. Set up paired nesting boxes for species like bluebirds. With a well-mounted nest box, birds can safely raise young.
Tips for Monitoring Active Bird Nests
If you have an active bird nest on your property, here are some tips for safely observing without disturbing the birds:
Watch from a distance
Use binoculars and don’t approach within 30 feet of most nests.
Limit disturbance
Briefly peek then leave. Don’t linger looking in nest holes.
Avoid visits at vulnerable times
Don’t check boxes when birds are building, incubating eggs, or brooding.
Monitor noise levels
Whisper and move slowly. Loud noises or vibrations may scare brooding birds.
Never touch nests or contents
Don’t handle eggs, chicks, or nests to avoid accidental harm or parent abandonment.
Watch behavior for signs of distress
Flying off nests, agitated calls, or dive bombing indicate you’re too close.
Being quiet, quick, and distant allows enjoying the nests while ensuring birds continue to care for their eggs and young normally. Avoid over-handling nest boxes.
How to Identify Common Backyard Birds Nesting
If you find an active nest on your property, look for identification clues like these to determine what species it belongs to:
Bird Species | Nest Identifying Traits |
---|---|
Mourning doves | Fragile platform of twigs |
Robins | Cup of grasses and mud, often on structures |
Chickadees | Cavity nest lined with soft materials |
House finches | Woven cup nestled in concealed site |
Phoebes | Moss-covered mud nest on ledge |
Barn swallows | Mud jug nest lined with feathers |
Eastern bluebirds | Grass nest inside nest box |
Pay attention to nest location, materials, structure, and contents to identify whose nest you’ve found. Reference photos, apps, or bird guides for more details on different species’ nests. Proper identification allows taking appropriate steps to manage, monitor, and protect each nest.
Conclusion
Birds that attempt to nest inside homes or buildings can create interesting opportunities to observe nature up close, but also potential nuisances, hazards, and conflicts. While indoor nesting may seem appealing at first, the associated risks mean it is best to gently deter birds from nesting inside through humane exclusion and relocation to suitable outdoor nest sites. With appropriate alternative nest boxes available, property owners can still enjoy the wonder of nesting birds without the pitfalls of indoor nests. Following nest box best practices allows birds to safely raise their young while letting nature remain comfortably outside where it belongs. By understanding both a bird’s drive to nest and the practical reasons to avoid indoor nesting, homeowners can make informed choices that benefit birds and people alike. Using thoughtful methods to guide birds toward better nest locations ultimately fosters positive coexistence.