Do you have a problem with birds nesting in your gutters? You’re not the only one if you’re annoyed with birds roosting in your gutters.
Many people have this problem because birds like to construct their nests in gutters since they provide shielding and comfort from bad weather.
In this blog post, we will go over 10 bird-proofing ways to stop birds from situating themselves in your gutters.
Why Bird Nests In Gutters Is A Big Problem?
Gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. There are a number of problems arising from bird nests in the gutters, including water damage to your home.
1. Blockage of gutters
When they become blocked by bird nests, however, they can no longer perform this vital function.
2. Gutter damage
In addition to preventing water from draining away from your home, bird nests can also cause gutters to collapse, creating gutter damage and a serious safety hazard.
3. Gutter leaks
Nests can also lead to gutter leaks, which can then cause water damage to your roof and attic.
4. Bird droppings
Moreover, the droppings left behind by birds can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems in humans.
5. Disease transmission
Birds, in particular, pigeons are often thought of as dirty and dangerous because they can spread disease through feathers, saliva, and droppings.
The most common diseases linked to pigeons include Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, and Salmonellosis.
6. Noise and distress
Finally, the continuous cooing of birds can be extremely distressing for some people.
The constant chirping and flapping of wings from birds nesting in your gutters can be very annoying and distressing.
For all these reasons, it is important to remove any bird nests from your gutters as soon as you spot them.
Why Do Birds Choose Building Nests In Gutters?
Obviously, birds are quite intelligent animals that can build nests in many different places.
It’s not uncommon to see them construct homes in gutters as they offer a lot of space and some safety from extreme weather conditions.
Some of the reasons why birds opt for gutters over other locations include:
1. A Shelter For The Nest
The gutter provides a sheltered place for the nest away from predators and the elements.
They provide not only shelter from the wind and rain but also protection from extremely bad weather.
2. High Above The Ground
Birds are often attracted to gutters because they’re elevated from the ground and require less effort to reach.
In addition, nesting in gutters gives birds a good view of their surroundings, which can help them spot potential predators and food nearby.
3. Less Effort
Building a nest in a gutter is easier than building one on a tree or roof because it requires less effort and nesting materials.
Birds often take the easy way out by building their nests in gutters.
It doesn’t require as much effort as making a nest on something like a tree or roof, and thus is perfect for birds to spare more time in food foraging activities.
4. Close To Food And Water Sources
The appeal of gutters for birds is twofold–they offer both food and water sources.
Insects, small reptiles, and other creatures often get caught in the gutter system, providing a ready meal for hungry nesting birds. moisture.
And because they’re close to bird feeders or backyard water fountains, there’s an easy source of hydration nearby.
For all these reasons, gutters are often the ideal nesting spot for many birds, and also where you’ll find bird nests.
Which Birds Like Building Nests In Gutters?
If you have ever looked up and seen a bird’s nest in your gutters, then you may be wondering which birds are attracted to building nests there.
The most common culprits include pigeons, sparrows, and starlings because they offer the shelter and protection that these birds need.
Furthermore, they often prefer to build their nests out of man-made materials like twigs, paper, or string.
Because of this attraction to man-made materials, it is not unusual for these birds to cause damage inspection & gutter cleaning services can help ensure that your home is protected from water damage caused by clogged gutters or damaged roofs.
To keep birds from nesting on your property, you’ll need to do things such as clean out any potential nesting material from your gutters regularly or install owls around the perimeter of your home.
How To Prevent Birds From Nesting In The Gutters? 10 Proven Ways!
There are 10 proven ways you can prevent birds from nesting in your gutters, including:
1. Aluminum Gutter Covers
Aluminum Gutter Covers bird-proof your gutters, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning out nests. They fit snugly over the top of your gutters, forming a barrier that blocks birds from getting inside.
2. Gutter Guards Made Of Plastic Screen
Plastic screen guards are placed over the top of your gutters and prevent birds from accessing them by creating a barrier of fine mesh plastic screen that they cannot enter.
3. Bird spikes
Bird spikes are inanimate, either metal or plastic devices that prevent birds from landing on and nesting in your gutters. The spikes don’t damage the birds in any way; rather, they make it impossible for them to construct a nest.
4. Owl Decoys
Owl decoys are a type of bird deterrent that frightens them by making it appear as though an owl is present.
They do this by placing the decoy in the area where birds are nesting. By scaring the birds away, they prevent them from nesting in that undesirable location.
5. Rubber Snakes
Keeping birds at bay by using rubber snakes as bird deterrents is another way to scare birds away.
By displaying these near nests, it will give the appearance of a snake being close by – causing fear in the bird and ultimately leading to them not nesting on your property.
6. Bird Repellent
Bird repellent comes in the form of a liquid that is sprayed on surfaces where bird nesting has occurred.
The scent repels birds and discourages them from entering the area again. Not to worry, though – the repellent is also safe for humans and animals.
7. Sound Technology
Sound technology is a type of bird deterrent that uses sound to keep birds away.
This method can be used in two ways: either by playing a recording of bird distress calls or by using an ultrasonic device that emits a high-frequency sound outside the range of human hearing.
8. Install A Bird’s Nest Box And Bird Feeder In The Garden
By installing a bird’s nest box and hanging a bird feeder in different areas of your property, you will promote other birds to build their nests there as well.
The bird nest box can be established in a tree or on top of a fence while the bird feeder is hung from an accessible branch.
This gives birds not only a safe place to call home but also makes food easily available to them; two key reasons that may lead them to build their nests elsewhere – away from your gutters.
9. Replace With A New Version Of Bird-Proofing Gutters
Old and damaged gutters are a beacon for birds looking to nest.
You can replace them with bird-proofing gutters that are made of material unattractive to birds. Or, you could add a layer of bird netting on top of these gutters for extra protection.
10. Professional Gutter Cleaning Service
There are a few different ways you can prevent birds from nesting in your gutters. Perhaps the easiest way is to hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
They will clean your gutters and remove any potential nesting materials, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. This will prevent birds from being able to build a nest in your gutters.
You could also try installing guards or covers over your gutters which would make it more difficult for birds to access them altogether.
The above is just the top proven ways you can prevent birds from nesting in your home’s gutters but hopefully one of these methods works for you!
What To Do When Birds Have Already Nested In The Gutters?
Summer is unfortunately the time of year when birds are on the lookout for places to nest.
Your gutters could easily become one of their top choices if you’re not careful, which may seem fairly innocuous at first glance.
However, having a bird’s nest in your gutters can lead to various other complications down the road. So, what should you do upon finding bird nests in your gutters?
The best option would be to reach out to a professional bird control company that will know how best to remove these nests without causing any harm to the animals themselves in doing so.
They can also help to prevent future nesting by installing special guards or covers over your gutters. With their help, you can rest assured that your gutters will be free of bird nests all season long.
Conclusion
Having birds nest in your gutters can cause gutter damage, leaks, and disease transmission.
There are a number of ways to stop birds from nesting in your gutters, though, like installing bird spikes or guards.
Should you find that birds have already nested in your gutters though, it’s best to contact a professional bird control company.