Have you been hearing strange rustling or chirping noises above your ceiling? If so, there’s a good chance birds may have taken up residence in your attic.
Birds nesting in your attic is more common than many homeowners think, especially in Scarborough, where abundant green spaces, parks, and homes provide ideal nesting spots.
But what types of birds could be causing the commotion, and how can you resolve the issue safely and humanely?
Read on to find out more about Scarborough bird control and why professional attic bird removal by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is the solution you need.
What Birds Could Be Nesting in Your Attic?
Several bird species are known for finding their way into attics. These birds are often seeking shelter from predators or harsh weather, and attics provide the perfect spot to raise their young. Here’s a list of the most common birds that might be nesting in your attic in Scarborough:
European Starlings
European starlings are one of the usual culprits when it comes to attic infestations. These birds are small, speckled, and known for their loud vocalizations. They are cavity nesters, which means they seek out sheltered spaces to build their nests. Your attic vents or gaps in your roof make an ideal home for them.
Once inside, they can build large nests quickly, which might block vents or damage insulation. Not to mention, their droppings can create health risks for anyone in the home.
House Sparrows
House sparrows are another bird species that frequently nest in attics. These small but persistent birds love accessible entry points such as soffits, loose roofing tiles, or wall vents.
Left unchecked, house sparrows can quickly establish a colony, leading to noise, droppings, and nesting debris. They tend to pack their nests tightly with grass, feathers, and twigs, which can clog ventilation systems. Additionally, their nests often attract mites or other pests, adding to the issues they cause.
Pigeons
Pigeons are larger birds that can occasionally find their way into attics if there’s enough space. Their cooing sounds and the mess they create are obvious signs that pigeons are nesting in your attic. They often enter through broken windows, loose siding, or gaps under eaves.
Pigeons are not just messy, but can also carry diseases that spread through their droppings. Their larger size means they can cause even more significant damage to structures as they settle in.
Chimney Swifts
Although chimney swifts are more commonly found in chimneys (as their name suggests), they can sometimes make their way into attics through open vents or gaps. These birds are noisy and build stick nests that can cause blockages. Their nests are firmly attached to surfaces, which can make removal tricky and time-consuming.
Plus, their constant chattering can be highly disruptive, especially during the early mornings or evenings when they are most active.
Signs You Have Birds Nesting in Your Attic
If you suspect birds are nesting in your attic but aren’t quite sure, here are some clear signs to watch for:
- Noises: Chirping, rustling, or flapping sounds coming from above or behind walls.
- Nesting Materials: Twigs, leaves, and fluff around vents or on the ground near your home.
- Droppings: Accumulations of bird droppings near attic entry points.
- Bad smells: The combination of bird droppings and nesting materials can lead to unpleasant odours.
- Visible entry points: Holes, gaps, or vents with disturbed screens.
If you notice any of these, it’s time to act quickly. Birds nesting in your attic can cause property damage, spread mites, and leave a mess that’s tough to clean up.
Why Birds Nest in Attics
Birds are drawn to attics because they mimic their natural nesting environments while offering added protection. Attics provide warmth, shelter from predators, and a quiet space for raising chicks. However, while this is beneficial for birds, it’s far less convenient for homeowners. Bird nests can block vents, damage insulation, and create fire hazards if they are near electrical wiring.
How Do Birds Get Into Your Attic?
Scarborough homes, especially older ones, often have small vulnerabilities that birds can exploit. Common entry points include:
- Roof Vents: Vents without protective covers are easy for birds to slip through.
- Gaps in Roofing or Soffits: Loose shingles, siding, or soffit panels can provide access.
- Eave Gaps: Minor gaps between your walls and roof can serve as an invitation.
- Broken or Missing Screens: Faulty attic vent screens are a favourite entry point for nesting birds.
It’s vital to secure these gaps after safely removing birds to prevent future infestations.
Why Professional Attic Bird Removal Is Essential
While it might be tempting to handle the issue yourself, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Birds nesting in your attic require a humane and professional approach to avoid harming the animals or making the problem worse. That’s where we come in. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Scarborough uses expert techniques to remove birds safely while protecting your home.
Our one-way doors are a perfect example of this. These devices allow the birds to exit your attic but prevent them from getting back inside. Once they’ve safely left, we thoroughly clean the area, remove nesting materials, and seal off entry points to prevent a repeat infestation.
How to Prevent Birds From Nesting in Your Attic
Once we’ve removed the birds and secured your home, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future problems. Here are some tips to keep birds from coming back:
- Inspect your home regularly for gaps, cracks, or holes that birds could exploit.
- Install vent covers made of durable metal mesh to block entry through roof vents.
- Fix loose shingles or siding promptly to close off potential access points.
- Add visual deterrents near common entry spots, such as reflective tape or plastic bird predators.
- Trim trees and bushes near your roof to eliminate easy landing or nesting spots.
With these measures in place, you’ll minimize the chances of another bird problem.
Why Scarborough Homeowners Choose Skedaddle
Are birds nesting in your attic? Homeowners in Scarborough trust us for safe and humane bird control because we’ve built a long-standing reputation for reliability and expert service. We bring decades of experience in handling wildlife, and our focus is always on putting your safety and the well-being of the animals first. When you call Skedaddle, you’re not just getting attic bird removal. You’re getting customer care, detailed work, and peace of mind.
We understand the challenges of dealing with wildlife, and our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible. We don’t just remove the birds—we make sure they don’t have a way back in, protecting your home for the long term.
Time to Reclaim Your Attic
Birds nesting in your attic don’t have to be a homeowner’s nightmare. With professional services like those we offer at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Scarborough, you can enjoy a bird-free attic that’s safe, clean, and protected from future issues. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact us today to request an estimate to learn more.
Your attic deserves to be yours again. We’re here to help.