Introduction

Birds nesting in your home’s walls can be a significant nuisance and potentially cause damage. This guide will provide you with useful information on how to handle this issue, ranging from initial detection to safe and effective removal.

Dealing with Bird Nests in Walls

Sometimes birds may choose to nest inside the walls of your house. In such cases, you need to act promptly and strategically to encourage them to leave and prevent future nesting.

1. Disrupting the Nesting Area

Play loud noises or music near the nesting area. Birds tend to dislike disturbances, and this can encourage them to leave.

2. Bird Deterrents

Installing bird deterrents like bird spikes or netting can make the nesting area less attractive to birds.

3. Sealing Off Nesting Areas

You can block the birds’ access to the nest by sealing off any holes or openings in your walls.

4. Legal Considerations

If the birds have already laid eggs or hatched babies, it may be illegal to disturb the nest. In such cases, wait until the chicks have fledged, then take action to prevent future nesting.

Getting Professional Help

When dealing with birds in walls, it’s often best to get professional assistance.

1. Bird Rehabilitation Centers

Certified bird rehabilitation centers can provide help in removing the nest and caring for the birds properly.

2. Wildlife Rehabilitators

It’s important to avoid calling a wildlife rehabilitator as they may not be trained or insured to handle the situation without causing damage.

3. Exterminators

If you’re concerned about potential damage caused by birds, consider calling an exterminator to handle the situation.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some ways to deter birds from nesting in your walls.

1. Bird Repellents

Research types of sounds or scents birds dislike and use them as deterrents.

2. Consulting Experts for Special Cases

If you have woodpeckers making holes in your walls, consider consulting an expert to identify the best approach for dealing with them.

Dealing with a Bird Trapped in the Wall

If a bird gets trapped in your wall, follow this guide for safe removal.

1. Locating the Bird

Listen for chirping or fluttering sounds to determine the bird’s location.

2. Creating an Opening

Safely create an opening for the bird to escape.

3. Coaxing the Bird Out

Use gentle methods like shining a flashlight or playing bird sounds to encourage the bird to leave on its own.

4. Seeking Professional Help

Contact a professional wildlife removal expert if needed for safe and humane removal.

Common Birds Found in House Walls

It’s beneficial to know the common birds you might find in your walls.

1. House sparrows
2. European starlings
3. Swallows
4. Chimney swifts
5. House finches
6. Pigeons
7. Grackles

Preventing Birds from Nesting on Your House

A few proactive steps can help prevent birds from nesting on your house.

1. Install bird deterrents

2. Keep your gutters clean

3. Trim trees and shrubs

4. Seal up openings

5. Remove food sources

6. Use decoys

7. Install screens

8. Don’t provide nesting material

9. Consult a professional if needed.

Detailed Guide to Handling Bird Infestation

1. Confirm the Infestation

Inspect the area visually or listen for loud chirping or squawking sounds starting around dawn and continuing throughout the day.

2. Identify Entryways

Inspect the walls for cracks, fissures, or holes that allow birds entry.

3. Use Bird Repellent

Optionally, use a commercial bird repellent or a dog/cat repellent around the affected areas inside the walls to discourage birds from staying.

4. Seal Openings

Completely seal any openings found around your home, whether or not they show signs of use by birds, to prevent re-entry.

5. Observe Exit Times

Watch for the times when the birds leave the nest, typically in the morning, to find food, and continue throughout the day.

6. Lock Them Out

Once you confirm no birds or hatchlings are left behind, seal all entryways to prevent their return.

7. Dispose of Eggs or Hatchlings

If any eggs or young are left behind, retrieve and dispose of them quickly to avoid decomposition and bad odors.

8. Take Preventative Measures

Inspect and maintain the exterior of your home, repair damages to the eaves, roofline, and windows, put up bird block in soffits, screen chimneys and vents, and eliminate standing water sources.

9. Consider Bird Houses

If birds are prevalent in your area, consider putting up bird houses around your yard to offer them an alternative nesting area.

10. Contact Professional Animal Control

They will efficiently and safely remove the birds and dispose/relocate any eggs or young while complying with relevant laws concerning bird species.

11. Retrieve Birds Physically

If birds are stuck in the wall, and previous methods fail, you may need to physically cut out a portion of the wall to remove the bird(s) and then repair the wall.

12. Learn about Bird Species Protection

Ensure that the bird you want to remove is not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as interfering with protected birds without approval can lead to legal repercussions.

Final Note: Cleaning Up After Birds

If you have pest birds, it’s important to know how to clean bird poop off painted walls or other surfaces. For painted walls, mix two cups of dish soap into three gallons of water for an efficient cleaning solution

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I deter birds from nesting in my walls?

You can deter birds by making the nesting location less desirable. This can be achieved by removing food sources, using bird deterrents such as spikes or netting, and by sealing potential entry points.

2. What should I do if a bird is trapped in my wall?

First, locate the bird by listening for chirping or fluttering sounds. Then, create a safe opening for the bird to escape, and gently coax it out. If you are unsuccessful or unsure about the process, call a professional wildlife removal service.

3. Can I just vacuum out the birds stuck in my wall?

No, it is not safe or humane to use a vacuum cleaner to remove birds. Contact a professional for safe removal.

4. What are some common birds that may nest in house walls?

Common birds that nest in house walls include house sparrows, European starlings, swallows, chimney swifts, and house finches. Pest birds like pigeons and grackles may also get stuck in the walls.

5. Are there any legal issues with removing birds from my walls?

Yes, if birds have laid eggs or hatched babies, it could be illegal to disturb the nest in some regions. Furthermore, some bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so you must ensure the bird you want to remove is not protected.

Conclusion

Birds nesting or getting trapped in walls can be a challenging problem for homeowners. This comprehensive guide provides useful steps to prevent, manage, and resolve this issue safely and humanely. Remember, it’s crucial to balance the safety of the birds with the need to protect your property. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you are unsure about any step of the process. With a careful and considerate approach, you can effectively manage and prevent birds from nesting in your home’s walls.