The word pest is not commonly synonymous with birds, but if they’re causing damage to your roof, car, or property, you may make an exception. In fact, you may even be considering bird nest removal if you find them wreaking havoc consistently. Not only can nesting birds make quite a racket, but they can block stove, dryer and fan vents with their nesting materials, and clog gutters and drains. Plus, bird droppings contain uric acid, which can also damage car paint. So, while removing a birds nest may not be something you’ve worried about in the past, there are occasions that might necessitate a deeper look. If you’re thinking about removing a birds nest yourself, first consider that there are laws and risks that you need to be aware of.
Protect the Nest
Bird control is not as simple as just trying to figure out how to get rid of a birds nest. Many species are protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which “makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to Federal regulations.” Unless you’re an expert, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to differentiate protected birds from others, so it’s always recommended that you leave any bird nest removal to professional wildlife control such as Terminix® Commercial.
In addition to laws and regulations that must be followed, another consideration for professional removal is that birds can carry pathogens that may be dangerous to human beings. Transmitted in a variety of ways, microorganisms from birds can cause a range of communicable diseases. Nests can contain mites, parasites, ticks and other pests carried on the birds themselves, and are likely to remain long after the birds have left. It’s also probable that the nests will contain droppings, which amplifies the risk of handling.
The Facts About How to Get Rid of a Birds Nest
Birds build their nests to provide a safe, temperate space to lay their eggs. The locations they choose to nest in and the type of nest they construct are based on many environmental factors such as the species of the bird, presence of competitors, parasites and predators, temperature and humidity. While some birds build in trees and shrubs, others settle on grass or even burrow into the ground. Other species construct their nests on ledges, on building walls or roofs. No matter where you’ve seen them or what their impact is on your property, there are a few things to consider before attempting bird nest removal. Often, calling a professional is the best first step.
- Ensure the Nest is Inactive. Obviously, the preferable time for how to get rid of a birds nest is while it’s still being built. However, it’s possible you won’t notice the construction until it’s already inhabited. If birds or eggs are already present, do not attempt to relocate. Remember, bird nest removal of migratory birds is against the law and you’re better off waiting until after nesting season. It’s also not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with how to stop birds from building a nest in the first place.
- Check for Eggs. You may see eggs in the nest but can’t seem to locate the parents. This doesn’t mean the eggs have been abandoned. In fact, many birds wait before incubating, and eggs are viable for as long as two weeks from the time they are laid. It’s also possible that the adults have simply left the nest for a short period in order to feed or help the eggs cool down. Frequent disturbances from humans can result in the nest being deserted.
- Wait Until After Nesting Season. Most birds only nest once a year, but some species can have between four and five per year. The time that different species stay in the nest also varies greatly. Songbirds are usually ready to leave after two or three weeks, while raptors may stay for as long as eight to 10. Without knowing the particulars of every species, determining what to do and when can be a daunting task best left to professionals.
If a bird has taken up residence on your property in an unsafe location, is causing damage to your home or preventing space from being usable, it’s time to contact Terminix® Commercial. Whether you need professional bird nest removal or are in search of more information about how to stop birds from building a nest, our trained professionals will help determine the most effective course of action.
