Removing bird nests from your property is dangerous and possibly illegal. It is better to learn how to keep birds away from house and property lines, preventing them from nesting there in the first place. Unfortunately, that may be easier said than done because birds are determined and capable creatures.
Prevention Methods To Try
Depending on the species, birds may build nests in the spring, summer, and fall, meaning most of the year, you will need to focus on preventative maintenance and tactics, which can be overwhelming. Thankfully, you can partner with a wildlife control service to make the process more manageable.
If you prefer to go it alone, just remember, you will need to remain vigilant and careful. Also, understand that not all prevention methods are effective with all species. Still, there are a few tactics you can try that seem to be more effective than not.
1. Don’t Feed Them
If you want to keep birds away from your property, the worst thing you can do is feed them. Providing feed encourages the animals to return and nest near the food source.
While many people love bird feeders, they only encourage nesting behaviours. Obviously, you cannot force your neighbours to take down bird feeders or refrain from free-feeding. You can ask them nicely to avoid feeding the birds, but most likely, you will have to make do with keeping your yard seed-free.
2. Tidy Up Your Yard
Skedaddle bird removal experts recommend cleaning up your property to prevent birds from nesting. For example, prune dense growth to eliminate potential nesting spots. Also, trim overgrown trees to limit cover and protection from predators.
Also, rake your lawn and keep all loose debris, like twigs and dried leaves, picked up. Birds collect these loose materials to build their nest.
Birds may also go through your trash, looking for materials to use in their nests. You can prevent this by using trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
3. Install Motion Activated Lights and Sprinklers
Light can intimidate or scare some nocturnal species of birds. Installing motion-activated lights makes the lights seem more intimidating because they respond to the birds’ movements.
For birds active during the day, you can install motion-activate sprinklers. While they may not be as effective, they can help keep birds off your lawn.
Wildlife Control Services in Newmarket
It is best to hire a wildlife control service like Skedaddle to handle bird prevention and removal. The company knows which species are protected and which aren’t. They also understand the primary motivators of different species, meaning they can help homeowners change their properties to prevent nesting.
Skedaddle technicians can help homeowners by installing galvanized steel screening, which prevents birds from accessing wall and roof vents. The company will also inspect the entire exterior of the home to locate any holes or cracks large enough for birds. Technicians will use an exclusion sealant to fill in these holes and gaps.
Finally, the team may install bird netting, wire to keep birds from building nests. The netting is used to prevent birds from getting under overhangs and awnings. The wire makes flat surfaces uncomfortable for birds, preventing them from roosting on ledges, chimneys, eaves, and much more.
If you are worried about birds nesting on your property, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property inspection. The company will send a team of qualified wildlife technicians to assess the property and determine appropriate preventative measures. If you want, the company can work with you to develop an ongoing property maintenance plan, ensuring your home is protected all year.