A bird nest on your porch can be an unwelcome surprise for any homeowner. Not only can it lead to messes and noise, but it can also pose health and safety risks if left unaddressed. Birds often choose porches and other sheltered areas to build their nests, taking advantage of the protection these spaces offer. Whether it’s sparrows, pigeons, or starlings, these birds can create sanitation issues, block vents, and cause damage to structures.  

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve seen this issue countless times across London, Ontario, and we know how frustrating it can be. The good news is that there are humane, safe, and effective ways to deal with it. These include removing the nest safely and learning steps for prevention. 

Below, we’ll walk you through actionable steps for addressing nests, keeping your porch bird-free, and preventing issues from recurring.  

Removing a Bird Nest Safely  

The first step in managing a bird nest is safely removing it—but timing and method are critical to ensure both safety and compliance with wildlife protection laws. Many bird species, especially native ones, are protected under the Migratory Bird Act. This means removing nests with active eggs or chicks is prohibited until the birds have left.  

Here’s what you should do to handle the situation properly:

Confirm Species

Identify the type of birds that are nesting. Some species, like house sparrows and starlings, are not protected by law and can be addressed immediately. However, pigeons, gulls, and doves may fall under specific guidelines, so it’s important to check regulations.  

Assess Nest Activity

If the nest contains eggs or chicks and belongs to a protected bird, removal should wait until the fledglings have matured and left. This usually takes about 2-4 weeks.  

Call Professionals
At Skedaddle, we prioritize humane methods and full compliance with local laws to remove nesting materials and ensure your porch is safe and hygienic once the birds are gone. Calling wildlife professionals like our team at Skedaddle can help ensure you are following the laws and protecting wildlife. 

Prevent Birds Nesting On Your Porch  

After removing the nest, the next priority is keeping birds from returning. Birds are creatures of habit, and once they’ve identified your porch as a nesting site, preventing them from rebuilding is crucial.  

Here’s how to deter birds effectively and humanely:

1. Seal Entry Points: Birds often use holes or gaps in structures to access sheltered areas. Inspect your porch for openings in soffits, eaves, or rooflines and seal them with durable materials like mesh screens or hardware cloth.
2. Install Physical Deterrents: Use humane deterrents such as bird spikes, netting, or angled strips to prevent birds from perching or nesting on flat surfaces. For example, installing netting around the top corners of your porch can discourage roosting without harming birds.
3. Add Visual Deterrents: Birds are wary of movement, so consider hanging reflective materials, such as aluminum strips or wind chimes, to keep them away. Balloon decoys with eye print designs can also serve as a deterrent.
4. Utilize Sounds: Devices that play predator calls or distress sounds can be effective in deterring birds from nesting. Just ensure the sound levels and timing won’t disturb you or your neighbours.
5. Remove Food and Water Sources: Birds are drawn to areas where food and water are available. Avoid leaving out birdseed or breadcrumbs near your porch, and ensure there are no open water sources nearby.
6. Regular Maintenance: Prevention is ongoing. Frequently check your porch for nest-building activity and address it early. A few twigs today can turn into a full-fledged nesting site tomorrow if ignored.

Why Bird Nests On Your Porch Matter

Now that we’ve covered removal and prevention, it’s important to highlight why this issue matters. A bird nest might seem harmless initially, but it can escalate to more significant concerns for homeowners.  

• Structural Damage: Nests built in vents, gutters, or beams can block air circulation, disrupt drainage systems, and strain the integrity of building materials. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs.  
• Health Risks: Bird droppings accumulate near nesting areas and are dangerous when inhaled. Diseases like salmonellosis and histoplasmosis are common risks associated with birds. Feces may also harbour parasites and create unsanitary conditions.  
• Fire Hazards: Dry nesting materials like twigs, grass, and feathers can pose a significant fire risk when close to electrical fixtures or exhaust vents. This makes early detection and removal critical for safety.  
• Recurring Issues: Birds are drawn to areas where they’ve successfully nested before. Without effective prevention strategies, you may find yourself dealing with the same issue year after year.  

At Skedaddle, we’ve worked with countless homeowners in London and understand the unique challenges posed by bird-related issues. A proactive approach and professional support go a long way in ensuring your home remains safe and stress-free.

Prevent Birds Nesting On Your Porch Effectively  

To effectively prevent a bird nest on your porch, consistent action is key. While some deterrent methods may provide temporary relief, a comprehensive prevention plan ensures long-term success.

• Use Bird-Friendly Modifications: Instead of solely focusing on deterrents, encourage birds to nest in safer spaces. Birdhouses placed away from your home can provide a suitable alternative.
• Commit to Seasonal Inspections: Twice a year, inspect your porch for early signs of nesting activity. Spring and summer are prime times for nest building, so being proactive helps avoid problems.
• Get Professional Help: Bird nesting issues can sometimes extend beyond DIY efforts. Hiring experienced wildlife control specialists like Skedaddle ensures humane removal, thorough cleanup, and effective prevention tailored to your home’s requirements.

When to Call Skedaddle

If you are dealing with persistent bird nesting issues or notice signs such as excessive droppings, structural damage, or loud bird activity around your porch, it may be time to call Skedaddle. Our team of professionals specializes in humane wildlife removal and prevention services tailored to address your unique situation. 

Attempting to handle bird nests on your own can risk harming the birds, violating local wildlife protection laws, or worsening the problem if not properly managed. By contacting Skedaddle, you can rely on our expertise to perform comprehensive inspections, safely remove birds if necessary, and implement advanced prevention techniques to keep your property secure. 

Acting early can prevent costly damage and the potential spread of diseases associated with bird droppings. Reach out to Skedaddle Wildlife Control in London today for prompt, professional support to ensure a safe and bird-free home environment.

Take Control Of The Issue  

If you’re dealing with a bird nest on your porch, there’s no need to handle it alone. At Skedaddle, we’re here to assist homeowners in London by offering humane, safe, and effective solutions backed by over 30 years of expertise.  

Whether it’s removing an active nest or implementing long-term deterrent strategies, our team is ready to help. Together, we can ensure your home remains clean, safe, and free of nesting birds. Contact us today to learn more about our bird removal and prevention services!