Birds are beautiful to look at and listen to – but only up to a certain point. Once they start building nests on your porch or deck, they can quickly become a problem.
From causing damage to your home and blocking ventilation systems to transmitting diseases and building nests of flammable materials, there are many potential issues when birds come to nest nearby.
That’s why it’s important to keep birds from building nests around your home. Here’s how!
#1) Scare Them Away
Easily incorporate visuals and sounds into your yard to deter birds from nesting on your property.
Start with mounting a plastic hawk. Seeing their predator can scare birds from your area and keep them from nesting on your porch. To prevent birds from growing accustomed to the plastic hawk, move its position regularly.
Random flashes of light can startle birds that are trying to find quiet, undisturbed places for nesting. Incorporating mirrors can make birds think that their nesting site is already claimed. Use items from around the house such as a piece of aluminum foil and reflective wind chimes to try this tactic.
#2) Block Potential Nesting Areas
Make your yard less appealing to birds by removing bird feeders and bird baths. Complete pruning in optimal nesting locations to discourage unwanted nesting. If you still want birds around but just not on your porch, install some birdhouses in your yard.
Many birds enjoy nesting on ledges since they are flat. Adding a slope to these ledges can easily discourage birds from forming a nest there. Use blocks, boards and other material you have on hand to create a slope steeper than 45 degrees.
Instead of building a slope, loose springs can also be easily attached to ledges using hardware staples or clips. This, too, helps create an uneven surface for nesting!
#3) Bird-Proof Your Yard
Many times, homeowners complain about starlings or sparrows taking over birdhouses meant for wrens or bluebirds.
If you have unwanted birds nesting inside your birdhouses, easily keep them out by changing the size of the entrance holes. Install a front plate or small piece of pipe to create a tunnel to the birdhouse entrance.
Keeping dryer vents, pipe fittings, chimneys and small holes blocked around your home can deter birds from forming nests. Before you block these entrances with hardware mesh, wood scraps or other materials, ensure there are no birds inside.
Since birds can be persistent, it’s often necessary to use more than one natural method to prevent them from nesting on porches or decks. Never use poisons, sticky gel, or traps as these could result in injuries, illnesses and even fatalities.
Common Pest Birds in Hamilton / Burlington
Pigeons, Sparrows and Starlings are the most common birds you’ll find in the Hamilton Area that may nest on your porch. Pigeons rarely nest in trees, so the awning or window sill above your porch is a perfect spot to nest. Sparrows like to find small places to nest, so if you have any gaps in your porch roof, they’ll likely nest there. Starlings are similar in that they prefer small spaces to nest. Both of these birds will enter your home through a chimney, soffit, or stove vent if given a chance.
Still having nesting problems around your home? We can help! Contact us today to learn more about our complete, professional bird removal services in Hamilton and the surrounding areas.
