Of all the pests that could invade our property, the last critter you might label a “pest” are birds. While birds aren’t as creepy as spiders or as gross as cockroaches, their activity can pose health risks to humans and create major headaches. Unfortunately, many features of our property like chimneys, culverts, covered patios, gutters, and balconies are the ideal nesting place for many bird species. When birds take up residence where they shouldn’t, they can cause costly damage. Dealing with birds yourself is highly inadvisable, which is why Cramer Pest Control offers bird control services as part of our outdoor pest control program.
Bird Control For Homes
Chimneys 
Unlike other areas, where birds and their nests may be visible, chimneys are different. Birds could make their nest in your chimney, and you may not realize it at first. Here are some common signs that indicate a bird roosting in your chimney:
- Sound – If you hear unexplained scratching, chirping, rustling, or flapping, it could be a sign of birds present in your chimney. Baby birds are hungry critters and will chirp, almost constantly waiting for their mother to bring them food.
- Sight – If you have left the flue open, you might see birds in your home. If your flue is closed, watch the chimney from outside your home and see if any birds fly into it.
- Smell – All those birds have to go to the bathroom sometime, and their droppings will fall down the chimney, leaving you with a foul odor. It also could be the case that a bird has died in your chimney and is beginning to decay.
Gutters
In addition to the parasites and pathogens we’ve already touched on, birds nesting in your gutters can cause structural damage. Gutters are meant to move moisture away from your home, but a nest will act as a dam and block the flow of water.
- Roof damage – The roof’s wooden components, specifically the fascia board your gutters are attached to, are especially vulnerable to moisture damage.
- Leakage – The combined weight of bird nests, debris, and rainwater could cause sections of the gutter system to pull apart at the seams.
- Sagging – All that extra weight from the bird activity could cause your gutters to sag, resulting in structural issues as well as potential mold and mildew growth.
- Cracked walls and foundations – When that water is falling directly against the house, it could result in cracks in the foundation or walls of your home.
Decks, Patios, Balconies
These areas tend to be more open, so you’ll likely notice a problem faster than a bird in your chimney. Generally, the worst damage you’ll get is a lot of bird droppings, which look horrible, smell horrible, and can ruin furniture. However, you likely won’t have as big a problem with structural damage as you would with a bird’s nest in gutters and chimneys.
How To Get Rid Of Birds In Outdoor Areas
What Not To Do
Understandably, you’d want to get rid of birds invading your home, but certain bird control methods are ill-advised and even illegal in some cases.
- Trapping – Trapping birds is more effective if placed near a feeding site, not a nesting site. It’s more hassle than it’s worth for you as the homeowner.
- Smoking – This could harm yourself or others and create a fire hazard. It may even result in the death of the birds you’re trying to remove, which could lead to bigger headaches. (Remember that foul odor we talked about?)
- Scaring – Birds can become disoriented in small narrow places like chimneys. You might think shining a light or making loud noises will scare the bird off, but if it becomes disoriented, it might decide to go back to sleep in its nest.
- Nest removal – This is not a good thing to try on your own. Mother birds can be extremely protective of their young and will attack you. Birds are hosts for many parasites and diseases, and by handling the nest, you could come in contact with that. And lastly, you could find yourself in legal trouble. If the bird that chose to nest in your chimney is on the list of protected species, you could face big fines.
As frustrating as it is, the best thing to do is call Cramer Pest Control. We have the training and equipment to get the job done safely, so you don’t break any laws, hurt the bird, or expose yourself to harmful diseases.
How To Keep Birds Out Of Your Home
Once the birds are removed and their damage cleaned up and repaired, there are some steps you can take to prevent avian problems in the future.
- Chimney cap – This will prevent birds from roosting in your chimney. It’s basically a screen for your chimney.
- Bird repellent – This is a non-toxic substance that creates a sticky environment and is uncomfortable for birds to land.
- Spikes – Like the repellent, these little spikes don’t give the birds a chance to land near openings that otherwise would be good for nesting.
- Gutter covers – Gutter guards prevent leaves and large pests like birds from entering your gutters. They’re not only great for keeping birds and leaves out but also reducing the maintenance of your gutters overall.
Find Outdoor Pest Control Near Charlotte
If you’ve got birds nesting in problematic areas like chimneys, gutters, attics, garages, or any other area they shouldn’t be, give Cramer Pest Control a call. We have over 20 years of experience dealing with birds and the damage they can cause to our property. Our outdoor pest control program will help you identify where the birds are nesting, any damage, how to repair it, and how to prevent future bird issues. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, give us a call at (704) 763-0204 for North Carolina or (803) 802-7540 for service in South Carolina. Or you can leave us a message online.
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