bird and gutters

How To Keep Birds From Nesting In Gutters

One of the most potentially damaging places around your home where a bird can set up a nest is in your gutters. The pressure of a large enough blockage can cause your gutter to detach from the rest of your home. Preventing a bird nest in your home’s gutters is an easy way to keep your home’s exterior looking great.

How Birds In Your Gutters Can Cause Serious Problems 

Birds nesting in gutters can lead to all sorts of problems as your gutter clogs up and water can’t properly drain away from your home, including:

  • mold building up on the roof
  • foundation damage
  • flooding your property
  • gutters sagging and possibly falling onto your property
  • bug colonies due to water pooling
  • damaged flower beds
  • water damage to the walls of your home

Why Birds Nest in Gutters

Birds seek out high places like gutters for shelter and support. Not only do they find a safe haven, but they also gain a strategic advantage for water and food. Don’t let unprotected gutters become a bird magnet that leads to drainage problems.

Ways to Keep Birds Out of Your Gutters

Unprotected gutters can lead to clogged drains, so learn how to prevent birds from building nests in your gutters.

Clear Debris Out From Gutters

Check out how clean the inside of your gutters are. Certain bird species (finches, starlings, and house sparrows) look for confined areas to set up a nest. Don’t make it easier and faster for them by having materials ready for them to use. Remove leaves, twigs, and other materials. Then, rinse out the gutters with a garden hose. You should be cleaning out your gutters twice a year to keep birds from nesting in your gutters.

Install a Leaf Guard to Prevent Nesting

Leaf guard installation doesn’t just make your gutters leaf free to prevent clogs; birds won’t be able to enter them either. Leaf guards leave breaks but they’re not thin enough to allow a bird’s beak in to reach the water. If the birds can’t drink the water they will look for water elsewhere. Put in the leaf guard system after a thorough gutter cleaning

Build a Birdhouse

Some people enjoy having birds around the exterior of their house peacefully chirping while they relax outside. If you want birds to have a safe place to nest, stop by your local home appliance store and buy a birdhouse for the backyard. Little to no installation required as many shops carry pre-assembled bird houses.

Bird Repellents for Gutters

Not everyone wants birds hanging around the house for a variety of reasons such as an easily excited pet. There are many gel, granule, and liquid based bird repellent products that do not physically harm birds. Instead, they give out a scent causing birds to fly away and find somewhere else to roost.

Products sending out a frequency so high people can’t hear, but birds do and run away are in the market also. Plus there are modern day scarecrows like fake owls you can install around the rooflines, but will only be useful if birds aren’t already nesting there.

Bird Spikes for Gutters

Deterrent bird spikes are the ultimate solution to keep birds away from your gutters. These strips consist of thin plastic panels with spikes that prevent birds from landing. Simply install them on your roof, just above the gutters, and say goodbye to unwanted birds.

Install Mesh Over Your Gutters

Home services professionals can clean your gutters and then install wire mesh over your gutters.

How to Get Rid of Birds Nest from Gutters

Are birds making nests in your gutters? This is more likely to happen in dry climates where the gutters stay empty for months. However, the issue arises when the nests cause clogs in your gutters during rainy weather. A nest in your gutter is unsafe for the birds and their babies. Before you try to remove a bird, make sure to check the bird protection laws in your area. If the bird and its nest are protected, you could face a significant fine for removing them. Seek help from a pest removal expert to remove the nest and get valuable advice on preventing future nesting.

Other Ways To Keep Birds Out the Gutters

Some of these like fake owls may not be HOA approved so keep that in mind. Also if you already have an issue with birds around your home, be aware of the Texas Parks and Wildlife guidelines for protected wildlife species

There are a few other options you may be surprised to hear about. Rubber fake snakes can scare off birds but need to be attached to something, so they don’t wash off in the rain. To stop birds from perching on the roofline, you can even install anti-perching devices. Patch any gaps in your roof since birds like to nest in these spaces and can use your gutters for quick access to water. Prevent birds from nesting in vents by installing a screen or a guard. Lastly, move any bird feeders away from your room to prevent birds from being attracted to your roof. 

For Amarillo homeowners experiencing issues with birds nesting around the roof and gutters, contact us today for further assistance.

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