Cleaning your gutters is an important part of home maintenance, and unfortunately for a lot of homeowners, it is not uncommon to be searching up, ‘how to get of bird’s nest in gutter…’ every once in a while.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to get rid of them as soon and as safely as possible as bird’s nests can create serious blockages and lead to water damage to your home.
In this blog post, we will give you some tips and tricks on getting rid of a nest in your gutter and also discuss some key preventative measures to make sure your gutters are maintained for years to come!
Why Do Birds Nest and Why Do They Make Them in Gutters Specifically?
A bird’s nest is a structure built by a bird to house its eggs and young. Nests are usually made out of twigs, grasses, and other materials, and are often located in trees or other high up places away from predators. Some small birds, like sparrows, tend to build their nests in gutters or other man-made structures as these provide easily accessible shelter from the external environment.
Gutters specifically provide a few key benefits for birds looking to build a nest. First, gutters tend to be fairly long and linear, providing the perfect structure for supporting a nest. Additionally, gutters are typically elevated off the ground – which helps protect against predators that might otherwise steal eggs or eat nestlings. Finally, they can also offer a steady supply of food if there happens to be a lot of insects or other small creatures living in the debris your gutter collects if not regularly maintained.
Signs that there is a bird’s nest in your gutter
If you notice any of the following signs, there’s a good chance you have a bird’s nest in your gutter:
- You suddenly have more birds roosting on your roof or flying around your home than usual.
- There are twigs, leaves, feathers and other nesting materials falling from your gutters or lying around your house.
- Your gutters seem to be sagging or pulling away from your roofline.
- There are bird dropping noticeably accumulating on your roof or underneath gutters.
- You hear an increase in chirping, cooing, or other bird noises coming from your gutters.
- You see small holes or openings in your gutters that were not previously visible.
The Dangers of Having a Bird’s Nest in Your Gutter
It’s important to keep your gutters clean and free of debris, including birds nests, as they can interfere with the flow of water resulting in water damage to your home. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged roofing, eaves and even foundations so it is important that you keep them as clear and well maintained as possible.
Additionally, if a bird’s nest is in close proximity to your home, it could also attract pests like rodents or insects that can carry different diseases. So make sure to clean your gutters regularly and to avoid these potential risks!
How to Get Rid of a Bird’s Nest Without Harming the Birds?
The best advice we can give is to wait until they have left. Once they’re gone, you can simply remove the nest and give your gutters a deep clean and repair any damages left behind. Please note that it is important to be cautious when removing or relocating seemingly empty nests because they may still contain eggs. Birds can stay away from their own nest for days at a time if necessary, so wait until you are absolutely sure that the birds have vacated the nest before attempting to remove it.
Additionally when removing bird’s nests it is strongly recommended that you take precautions for your own health and safety. Large quantities of insects and bird droppings can harbour disease and harmful bacterias. Therefore, make sure to wear protective gloves and possibly even a mask when inspecting and removing a bird’s nest. Once it is safely dislodged from your gutter, it is a good idea to spray the nest with some sort of disinfectant before bagging and binning it in an outside bin.
If you are unsure of the bird protection regulations in your area or do not feel confident removing the nest yourself then contact an experienced professional who can remove the nest for you.
What to Do if Your Gutters Have Been Damaged as a Result of Birds Nesting in Them?
If you find that your gutters have been damaged as a result of bird’s nesting, there are a few steps you can take to rectify the situation. First, assess the extent of the damage and decide whether you need to replace any sections of the gutter or if a repair will suffice.
Get in touch with us here at Gutter Maintenance for a specialist opinion on all of your guttering needs. We cover everything from gutter cleaning, repairs, replacements and prevention against future damage so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Once the damaged portion of the gutter has been replaced or repaired, take measures to prevent birds from nesting in your gutters again in the future. One option is to install wire mesh along the length of the gutters; this will keep birds out without impeding water flow and causing any further damage to your roofline.
Preventing Bird’s Nests From Forming in the Future
The best way to prevent birds from nesting on your property is to keep the area clean and free of potential nesting materials. Trim trees and shrubs regularly, and clear away any dead leaves or twigs. As mentioned above, it may be a good idea to install some kind of wire or covering to your gutters to keep them away. Birds are often drawn to properties with standing water, so preventing water accumulating in them will also be a deterrence. Lastly, consider installing a few birdhouses or nesting boxes in strategic locations near your house – this can provide an alternative for birds looking for a place to build their nests and take away from the appeal of nesting in your gutters.
Final Words
Thank you for reading! We hope that this article has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or need assistance with any gutter related issues please do not hesitate to reach out, we are here to help!