When you look at a bird, your first thought is usually about how pretty it is, not that it is a potential threat to your house. Like most wildlife, birds care most for self-preservation, not material goods. Your house is nothing more to them than a possible feeding and nesting site. Unfortunately, with that attitude comes what people might deem reckless behavior that inevitably damages a house. If a homeowner does not contact bird removal services quickly, these awe-inspiring, winged creatures can cause significant property loss and expense.

Bird Damage: 4 Concerns for Milwaukee Homeowners

It is hard to believe that relatively small animals can cause any real damage to property. Still, you cannot think of damage as an immediate consequence. In most cases, birds unintentionally cause a minor problem that evolves into something more significant and costly, which is why immediacy and urgency are so important. If you have a fair number of birds around your property, you want to be on the lookout for four potential problems.

1. Scavenging in the Attic

Because many bird species are so small, they can find their way into tight spaces. Depending on the size and species of bird, an opening as small as 3.2 cm is accessible. Your home might have hidden openings, especially around the roof, permitting access to attic spaces. During the spring, when birds are building nests, they will scavenge all areas for nesting materials, including your attic.

Annual roof inspections should address any concerns about vulnerabilities, but professionals should perform the assessments. A homeowner may not know what to look for and can possibly miss vulnerabilities in roofing materials.

2. Nesting in Gutters

Birds love to nest in high places; they also want to nest near abundant food and water supplies. Unfortunately for homeowners, gutter systems represent an ideal nesting location. Birds will often build their nest somewhere along the gutter and downspout system. Sometimes, the animal tucks its nest under the eaves in the crook of the downspout. Still, other times, it will install its nest in the gutter, creating blockages.

The blockages may not bother the bird because they will lead to standing water and more insects. The water and the bugs mean the bird doesn’t need to go far for food. A nest requires removal when it is obstructing the home system, but do not perform DIY removals, call wildlife control in Milwaukee for the safety of the animal, its eggs, and yourself.

3. Transmitting Diseases and Parasites

Birds are carriers of several diseases and parasites, often transmitted through contact with their droppings. Bacteria and viruses are transmissible to pets and people, which is why most professionals advise people to stay away from wildlife. Also, birds might carry fleas, ticks, or mites, all of which are also problematic for people and pets. If a bird nests near a roof vent or other home access point, these parasites and bacteria can travel into your home.

4. Damaging Chimneys

Some birds nest in hollow trees and might see your chimney as a similar abode. Nesting in a house’s chimney is dangerous for the occupants and the animal. A bird nest can block the vent’s opening, causing smoke and carbon monoxide to come back into the house. Also, nests are flammable, so it is a fire hazard and risk to the animal.

Damage Mitigation: Professional Cleaning and Prevention

For those wondering how to get rid of birds’ nests, it’s quite simple: call a wildlife professional. Professionals can safely remove the nest and clean the surrounding area to ensure the health and safety of the wildlife and homeowners.

If you have a bird’s nest somewhere in your house, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and request safe removal. The service will send a team of qualified technicians to assess and resolve the matter.