Although you would not think it with the adverse weather conditions we have had over the last while, spring is just around the corner. There is a noticeable stretch in the evenings. Soon swallows will magically reappear, buds will start to blossom and bees will start to fly.  What a great time of year.  Very soon birds will pair up and start constructing their nests in preparation for breeding.  Some species of bird such as starlings and jackdaws will often seek out natural or artificial cavities in which to build their nests. The smallest hole, gap or opening in your home could provide the ideal location, for starlings and jackdaws.

Some people don’t have a problem sharing their home with wild birds. But if you are having difficulty and are aware of some of the associated hazards of having wild birds nesting in your home you will want them out.

Birds nesting in attics and vents often carry in large amounts of foreign debris such as sticks and twigs, animal hair, tie-wraps, rubbish and cigarette butts into the nesting site. We have often removed multiple black bags of debris often containing large amounts of bird droppings sometimes even dead and decaying chicks from attics and lofts. Attics by nature are often dry, well ventilated areas that nearly always house water tanks for domestic use. When these bird droppings and other debris dry out, they create a dust that may contain harmful spores which can become airborne and could find their way into your uncovered water tank.

Bird faeces can contain a range of harmful bacteria and fungus. Ingestion of contaminated spores may lead to infection of Histoplasmosis  or Cryptococcosis  not to mention  E-coli. Starlings and Jackdaws are known to be host to a range of external and internal parasites; we have seen it many times that dirty nesting material can be an ideal location for a secondary insect infestation. Nesting material can block ventilation ducts and bird droppings can look unsightly on the front of houses and shop fronts.

If you have had birds nesting in your attic, loft or home last year the chance of them coming back to nest again this year is almost guaranteed.  It would be advisable to investigate just what harm has been done, how are they getting in etc.? We have seen many structural defects that would go unnoticed, such as cracked slates and roof tiles, missing mortar on gable ends, missing or damaged ventilation ducts and damaged or rotting fascia and soffit. Starlings and Jackdaws won’t ignore a safe and secure nesting site if one is on offer.  When they get in there they can damage roof felt which in turn can allow water in causing rot that may go unnoticed by the occupants until it is too late and structural damage has started.

Protect your family and home. Cover your water tank and take action against birds nesting in your home.  Always remember all nesting birds, their nests, eggs and chicks are protected by Irish and European legislation and it is a punishable offence to remove kill or tamper with them.

If you need any more information on our birds nest removal service why not take a look at our nest removal page or contact us for more advice. We are always happy to help or advise.