Birds might not seem like a big problem at first, but when they decide to turn your home or business into their nesting spot, they can quickly cause damage, health hazards, and costly repairs. Attics, vents, chimneys, and signage are all attractive to birds looking for shelter, and once they’ve moved in, they’re not always easy to evict.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we help property owners throughout Central Ohio identify and humanely remove birds from unwanted spaces. Here’s how to tell if birds are nesting in your building, and what you should do if you discover them.
Common Places Birds Nest in Structures
Birds are resourceful and often seek out safe, elevated, and enclosed areas to build their nests. On both residential and commercial properties, the most common nesting locations include:
- Attics and roof eaves
- Bathroom or dryer vents
- Chimneys and flues
- Soffits and fascia
- Signage or building overhangs
These areas offer protection from predators and the elements, making them ideal nesting spots, especially in spring and summer.
Signs That Birds Are Nesting in Your Home or Business
If you suspect birds have taken up residence, here are the signs to watch for:
Unusual Noises
Chirping, scratching, or flapping sounds coming from your walls, attic, vents, or ceiling are often the first signs of nesting birds. You’ll usually hear these during the early morning or at dusk.
Droppings Around Entry Points
Bird droppings accumulating on window ledges, patios, or near vents may indicate that birds are roosting or nesting nearby. Bird waste is not only unsightly, it’s also acidic and can damage surfaces over time.
Visible Nest Materials
Twigs, feathers, grass, or other debris around vents, in gutters, or on signs could be part of a nearby nest. Birds may also clog vents with nesting materials, creating fire hazards or ventilation problems.
Stains or Odors
Bird droppings and nesting materials can lead to stains on walls or ceilings, especially if nesting occurs in attic spaces. In some cases, you may notice unpleasant odors caused by waste buildup or deceased birds.
Inconsistent Airflow from Vents
If birds are nesting in your dryer or bathroom vents, you might notice that fans aren’t working properly or that airflow is reduced. This can also pose serious fire hazards if lint and nest materials accumulate.
The Risks of Waiting: Why Bird Nests Shouldn’t Be Ignored
It may be tempting to ignore a bird nest or assume it’ll be vacated soon, but that’s not always the case. Here’s why prompt action is important:
- Health Risks: Bird droppings can harbor harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites that pose health risks to humans and pets.
- Structural Damage: Nesting materials can clog ventilation systems, create fire hazards, and cause water damage.
- Repeated Nesting: Once birds successfully nest in a location, they often return year after year, bringing more noise, mess, and damage.
- Legal Restrictions: Some bird species (like migratory birds) are federally protected. Removing nests at the wrong time or without proper permits can lead to legal trouble.
What to Do if Birds Are Nesting in Your Building
If you discover birds nesting in your structure, follow these steps:
1. Don’t Try to Remove the Nest Yourself
Attempting DIY removal can be dangerous for you and the birds. Birds can carry mites or diseases, and disturbing a nest could result in fines if the species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
2. Contact a Wildlife Professional
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we offer humane bird removal services that comply with all federal and state regulations. We’ll inspect your property, identify nesting areas, and develop a safe plan for removal and prevention.
3. Secure and Seal Entry Points
Once the nest is safely removed, we’ll help you seal off vents, repair damaged soffits or rooflines, and recommend deterrents to keep birds from returning.
4. Clean and Disinfect
We can also guide you through or assist with the safe cleanup of droppings and nesting debris to eliminate odors and potential health hazards.
Keep Birds Where They Belong with Help from Dog Gone Wildlife
Birds nesting in your attic, vents, or signage might seem like a small inconvenience at first, but left unchecked, they can cause big problems. At Dog Gone Wildlife, we provide humane bird removal and prevention services across the greater Columbus, Ohio area, including Powell, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and beyond.
If you hear chirping in the ceiling or see droppings near your vents, don’t wait! Contact Dog Gone Wildlife today and let our professionals handle the problem safe!