Birds can cause significant damage to your home and property, as well as your health. What many people don’t realize is that bird nest removal is federally regulated with several species of birds protected. These regulations prohibit the removal of these protected species and their nests. Birds can cause damage to your roof, to your vents, to your gutters and downspouts, and even the paint on your car. They also carry several pathogens that can be dangerous to human health.

So what can you do if you have a bothersome bird nest on your property? Check out these tips for bird nest removal.

  1. Prevent the nest before it’s built. Keep food scraps and trash secured tightly in containers. Keep bird feeders away from your home and only fill with enough food for a few birds. Clean up spilled birdseed immediately. Cover vents with covers or screens. Consider using bird repellents to discourage them from nesting near your home.
  2. Make sure the nest is inactive before removing. Check for the presence of either birds or eggs. Never attempt to remove if either of these are present. Sometimes eggs will be present without parents. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are abandoned. Wait until after nesting season to remove or relocate.
  3. Use safety precautions. Once you have determined it is legal and appropriate to remove the bird nest, use precautions to protect your health and safety. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and a respiratory mask. Spray the nest with antibacterial spray. Once you remove the nest, place it in a container or trash bag that is securely sealed and dispose of it in an outside trashcan. Clean the area thoroughly with disinfectant. Remove and dispose of gloves. Remove and wash clothing immediately in hot water. Wash your hands thoroughly, as well.
  4. Call a professional exterminator. It can be difficult to determine what species of bird has nested on your property. A professional wildlife control company can help determine this, as well as the legality of removal, and safely and humanely remove or relocate the nest. They can also evaluate your home to help identify areas where future nests are possible and help prevent nesting in the future.