While it’s always preferable to keep birds from nesting in or around buildings, this is a common occurrence. Many homeowners only discover a nest when they find telltale signs of bird droppings piling up on the ground below.
Wild birds can carry a host of diseases and parasites. If you find an active nest around your home or business, it is important to take safety precautions to protect your health while letting Mother Nature complete her cycle undisturbed.
What to Do if a Bird Makes a Nest on Your Porch
Nest building takes time, so if you notice birds constructing a nest on your porch, take action immediately. There are many ways to make them feel unwelcome and look for an alternative spot. You can wear gloves and remove the nesting material or spray the area out with a hose. Repeat every day until you are sure that the birds have moved away. Only do this during the initial stages of nest construction. If it is a native species, once the eggs are laid it is illegal to disturb the nesting or harm the birds.
If you find a completed nest on your porch, enjoy observing the process from a safe distance. Try not to go too close, and move slowly when walking past. Most small birds have short nesting seasons, so you can watch the little family grow and fledge before taking proper precautions to prevent them from using the area again.
Should I Remove a Bird’s Nest?
It is against the law in the United States to remove or destroy any active nest of a native bird species. Moving a nest that contains eggs or hatchlings will almost certainly result in the parent birds abandoning the nest, so it should never be attempted.
When Should Bird Nests Be Removed?
When birds build nests in inappropriate spots, like under eaves, or inside small openings on your buildings, wait until they have completed the nesting cycle before proceeding with removal. Once you are certain the birds have moved out, the empty nest can be removed. Here’s what to do:
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling airborne particles.
- Add the empty nest to your compost bin or tie it up securely in a refuse bag.
- Use a chlorine bleach solution to clean and disinfect the area thoroughly. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth is also a natural way to control bird mites or fleas in the surrounding area.
- Take preventive measures to keep birds from using your buildings as a safe haven in the following breeding season.
Contact Urban Jungle for All Your Bird Removal and Cleanup Solutions
Take action to prevent birds from nesting in and around your home or business. Our team at Urban Jungle are certified Bird Barrier installers and can also provide bird exclusion and sanitation services. For long-term solutions that work, contact us today!