How Do I Remove a Birds’ Nest?

• By Andrew Fox
•

Birds are lovely, but they can wreak havoc on your home. From clogging your gutters to blocking vents on your roof for the dryer or stove, damaging your roof, and ruining the paint job on your car. If you’re considering removing a birds’ nest from your Aurora home, you’ll need to follow careful steps. You don’t want to hurt birds or accidentally disturb incubating eggs.

Furthermore, there are federal laws under the Migratory Bird Act that come with hefty punishments should you move the nest of an endangered species. Before you follow our steps, it’s imperative that you get in contact with a Wildlife Control Company to verify that the species of bird you’re dealing with doesn’t put you at risk of breaking federal law. Once you’re cleared to proceed, follow our steps, and if you have questions along the way, contact your Chicogoland home inspection experts, the BrickKicker! 

Birds’ Nest Removal in Three Easy Steps

We’ve broken the process of how to remove a birds’ nest down into three easy steps. Follow them to effectively and safely remove your birds’ nest: 

  • Wait for Nesting Season to End: The majority of bird species around Naperville only nest once a year, but some species nest as many as 4 to 5 times a year. To determine if your birds’ nest is in or off season, grab your bird guide, identify the bird species you’re dealing with, and google its nesting schedule. If the nest is active, it’s best not to disturb it. 
  • Inspect the Nest: If it’s the off-season, you still need to check the nest for signs of activity. If you find eggs in the nest, don’t touch it. The mama bird has likely left only temporarily to find food and allow the eggs to cool down.  
  • Relocate the Nest: If you’ve determined that nesting season is over and the nest is inactive, it’s time to proceed. Remember that birds’ nest often contains mites and pathogens that are dangerous to humans. Take caution by wearing latex gloves and a long sleeved shirt. Also, before you handle the nest, spray it with an antibacterial solution. Then, seal the next in a ziplock bag and dispose of it in the trash. Finally, spray the area where the nest was with a strong disinfectant, and immediately wash your clothes and hands in hot water. 

Should I Remove a Birds’ Nest From Outdoor Lights?

Absolutely. If the bird lays eggs, federal law prevents you from disturbing the nest, so you won’t be able to make use of your light. Act fast and follow all of the aforementioned steps. 

How Do I Prevent Birds’ Nests on My House?

The single most legal, safe, and effective method is to prevent birds’ nest before they happen. Here are a number of things you can do to help prevent birds’ nests:

  • Move bird baths and bird feeds away from your house and towards the edge of your property. 
  • Install gutter guards. For window sills, eaves, and other good nesting spots that aren’t in your gutters, install perch repellents. 
  • Tightly fasten your trash bags and make sure there isn’t food lying around your garbage cans.  
  • Install visual repellents– statues of foxes, owls, and coyotes. Make sure to move them, as the birds will wise up if the statues stay in one place. 

Reach Out to the BrickKicker for Help in Chicagoland 

If you have more questions about how to remove a birds’ nest, how you can prevent birds’ nests on your house, or whether you should remove a birds’ nest from outdoor lights, call the BrickKickers for answers. Our phone number is 800-821-1820. If you need a home inspection, be sure to explore our Chicago home inspection services, and if you have other home care questions, be sure to explore our blog for other helpful guides.