
Birds are a welcome sight in gardens and parks, but when they decide to nest in your home, it’s a different story. Bird infestations can lead to damage, health risks, and a lot of inconvenience if not managed properly. Knowing the best time of year to watch for bird infestations and how to prepare can save you from bigger headaches later on. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of any potential bird problems.
Key Seasons for Bird Infestations
Bird activity is not constant throughout the year, and there are specific seasons when you’re more likely to see them trying to nest inside your home.
Spring (Nesting Season)
Spring is prime time for birds to build nests, as they’re looking for safe places to lay eggs and raise their young. If you notice birds circling or spending extra time on your roof, eaves, or near vents, they might be trying to build a nest in your home. This season sees a flurry of bird activity, and it’s important to keep an eye on any early warning signs before they settle in and become a bigger problem. Here’s a guide to installing anti-bird net so you can be proactive before a nest is built.
Autumn (Migration and Shelter)
Autumn is another critical time to watch out for bird infestations. Many birds are migrating to warmer climates, but some species seek out shelter to overwinter. As temperatures drop, birds look for warm, dry spots to hunker down, and your home can be a perfect refuge. If you see birds trying to squeeze into small gaps or finding cosy corners under your roof, you may have an infestation on your hands.
Winter (Overwintering Birds)
Some birds decide to stick around during the winter months, and if they’ve already found a warm, protected spot, they won’t leave until spring. Overwintering birds often stay hidden, but the buildup of droppings or the sight of birds flying in and out of your attic or vents can be a clear sign of a problem. Winter infestations are particularly tricky because they often go unnoticed until more serious damage is done.
Preparing Your Home for Bird Season
The best defence against bird infestations is preparation. Taking a few preventive steps before peak bird seasons can save you from a lot of hassle down the line.
Inspect Vulnerable Areas
Start by checking common entry points where birds might get in. This includes your attic, vents, chimneys, and roof eaves. Look for any cracks, holes, or gaps that could allow birds access to your home. Early detection is key to preventing an infestation.
Install Bird-Proofing Measures
Bird-proofing is a smart move if you’ve had issues with birds in the past or live in an area with high bird activity. Installing bird spikes on ledges, netting over open vents, or mesh coverings for chimneys can make it much harder for birds to settle in.
Clear Gutters and Roof Spaces
Birds love to nest in areas filled with debris. Make sure your gutters and roof are free of leaves, sticks, and other materials that could attract birds looking for a place to nest. Regularly cleaning these areas can reduce the likelihood of birds making themselves at home.
Keep Trees and Shrubs Trimmed
Overhanging branches near your roof can act like bird highways, making it easier for them to reach your home. Keep trees and shrubs around your house trimmed to limit access points for birds.
Bird Infestation Problems You Might Not Have Thought About
Health Hazards
You have to remember that birds are wild. This means that they can carry diseases, which can make you sick. But, what most people don’t realise is that their droppings can carry diseases. This means that you’re at risk just from trying to clean up your property. There are also some airborne pathogens that can be spread through the bird feathers and when you’re near them.
Aggressive Behaviour
Most people don’t realise that birds can get aggressive. They can get bold if they think that food is available. But, they also become protective of their nests. So, if they’ve built a nest on your property, they can attack people that are too close. While you might see some funny videos of this online, you have to remember that seagulls can be dangerous. They can fly up to 25 mph, which can cause injuries if they get you. What’s more, it can be a scary experience and one that deters your visitors.
Blocked Guttering
One thing you don’t want to happen is for your gutters to get blocked. Unfortunately, this can be a consequence of letting a bird infestation happen. Since they’re going to be flying to and from your building with materials for their nest, they can cause problems with the gutters. This can lead to blockages, which don’t allow the water to flow away. Consequently, there can be overflowing water and leaks. Of course, this can lead to property damage that you’ll have to attend to.
Being Disrupted
It’s not until birds are living at your property that you realise how noisy they can be. In particular, they’re known to chirp early in the morning and they do this during the breeding season. This can be enough to disturb your sleep. They can also be vocal during the day if you’re near to their nests, which can interrupt what you’re doing if you’re trying to concentrate.
Conclusion
Understanding the best times of year to watch for bird infestations, like spring and autumn, can help you stay prepared and protect your home. By taking preventive steps like inspecting vulnerable areas, installing bird-proofing measures, and regularly monitoring your home for signs of bird activity, you can avoid costly damage and health risks. If you suspect a bird infestation, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals for safe removal and guidance.
Leave a Reply