What happens if birds get in your attic?

Table of Contents

Birds in the attic can cause significant damage, health hazards, and noise disturbances; prompt action is crucial to humanely and effectively resolve the problem and prevent future infestations. What happens if birds get in your attic? It’s a serious concern requiring immediate attention.

Introduction: An Uninvited Aviary Guest

Discovering birds nesting in your attic can be a jarring experience. While we often appreciate birds in our gardens, their presence inside our homes, particularly in a space like the attic, presents a host of problems. Ignoring this issue can lead to costly repairs, health risks, and persistent disruptions to your household. Understanding the implications of avian squatters is the first step towards resolving the situation safely and effectively.

Why Attics Are Attractive to Birds

Attics provide birds with ideal conditions for nesting and roosting. They are generally:

Sheltered from the elements (wind, rain, snow).
Relatively safe from predators.
Warm, especially during colder months.
Quiet and undisturbed, offering a sense of security.

Common entry points for birds include:

Damaged or missing roof tiles.
Gaps in soffits or fascia boards.
Unscreened vents.
Open chimneys.

The Potential Damage Caused by Birds

What happens if birds get in your attic? The consequences can be extensive and varied.

Structural Damage: Bird droppings are highly corrosive and can damage insulation, wood, and other building materials. Nests can block vents, leading to moisture buildup and potential mold growth.
Fire Hazard: Nests, composed of twigs, leaves, and other flammable materials, can pose a significant fire hazard, especially if located near electrical wiring.
Health Risks: Bird droppings can harbor various diseases, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through inhalation or direct contact. Bird mites, which feed on birds, can also infest your home and bite humans.
Noise Pollution: Birds chirping, flapping, and moving around in your attic can be incredibly disruptive, especially early in the morning.
Secondary Infestations: Bird nests can attract other pests, such as insects (mites, beetles, flies) and rodents.
Contamination: Bird feces contaminate insulation, drywall, and stored items. This is especially concerning when the attic is used for storage.

Addressing a Bird Infestation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with a bird infestation requires a multi-faceted approach. It’s crucial to act quickly and humanely.

Identify the Bird Species: Knowing the species can help you understand their nesting habits and potential for spreading disease.
Determine the Extent of the Infestation: Assess the number of birds present and the level of damage.
Wait for Nesting Season to End (If Possible): If the birds are nesting, it’s generally best to wait until the young have fledged before removing the nest. However, this may not be possible if there are significant health or safety concerns. Check local regulations regarding nest removal.
Safely Remove the Nest and Debris: Wear protective gear (gloves, mask, eye protection) to avoid contact with bird droppings and potential diseases. Place the nest and debris in a sealed plastic bag for disposal.
Clean and Disinfect the Affected Area: Use a disinfectant solution to thoroughly clean and disinfect the attic. Allow the area to dry completely.
Seal Entry Points: Identify and seal all entry points to prevent future infestations. This may involve repairing damaged roofing, installing screens over vents, and sealing gaps around pipes and wires.
Consider Professional Assistance: If the infestation is extensive or you are uncomfortable handling the situation yourself, contact a professional wildlife removal service.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with a bird infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Regularly Inspect Your Roof and Attic: Look for signs of damage or potential entry points.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Birds can use branches to access your roof.
Install Bird Deterrents: Consider using bird netting, bird spikes, or other deterrents to discourage birds from landing on your roof.
Seal Potential Entry Points: Seal any cracks or holes in your roof, soffits, and fascia boards.
Cap Your Chimney: Install a chimney cap to prevent birds from entering your chimney.
Maintain Your Gutters: Clean gutters regularly to prevent them from becoming nesting sites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring the Problem: Delaying action will only worsen the situation and increase the potential for damage and health risks.
Using Harmful or Inhumane Methods: Avoid using poison or other methods that can harm birds or other animals.
Failing to Properly Clean and Disinfect: Thorough cleaning and disinfection are essential to remove bird droppings and prevent the spread of disease.
Not Sealing Entry Points: Failing to seal entry points will simply allow birds to return.
Attempting to Handle the Situation Without Proper Protection: Wearing gloves, a mask, and eye protection is crucial to avoid exposure to bird droppings and potential diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What diseases can I get from bird droppings in my attic?

Bird droppings can transmit several diseases to humans, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These diseases are caused by fungi or bacteria present in the droppings and can be contracted through inhalation or direct contact. Proper cleaning and disinfection are essential to minimize the risk of infection.

How do I safely remove a bird nest from my attic?

Always wear protective gear such as gloves, a mask, and eye protection when removing a bird nest. Carefully remove the nest and debris and place it in a sealed plastic bag for disposal. Then, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area with a disinfectant solution. Avoid direct contact with the nest and droppings at all costs.

Is it legal to remove bird nests with eggs or baby birds in them?

Many bird species are protected by law, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US. It is generally illegal to disturb or destroy active nests without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency for guidance before removing a nest with eggs or baby birds. What happens if birds get in your attic? This question is secondary to the protection of these species.

How can I tell if I have a bird infestation in my attic?

Signs of a bird infestation include hearing chirping or fluttering sounds from the attic, seeing birds entering or exiting your roof, finding bird droppings in the attic, and noticing nesting materials (twigs, leaves) around your roof or gutters. Regular attic inspections are helpful for early detection.

What type of bird deterrents are most effective?

Effective bird deterrents include bird netting, bird spikes, bird repellent gels, and visual deterrents such as scarecrows or reflective tape. The best deterrent will depend on the type of bird and the location of the problem. Consider combining multiple deterrents for optimal results.

How much does it cost to remove birds from my attic?

The cost of bird removal can vary depending on the extent of the infestation, the type of bird, and the location of the problem. Professional bird removal services may charge anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable companies before making a decision.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover bird damage in my attic?

Whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will cover bird damage depends on your specific policy. Some policies may cover damage caused by birds, while others may exclude it. Contact your insurance company to inquire about your coverage.

What should I do if I find a dead bird in my attic?

Wear protective gloves and use a shovel or other tool to carefully remove the dead bird. Place the bird in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it properly. Then, clean and disinfect the area where the bird was found. Always take precautions to avoid contact with dead animals.

How long will birds stay in my attic?

Birds may stay in your attic for several weeks or months, depending on the species and whether they are nesting. Some birds may return to the same nesting site year after year if no preventative measures are taken.

Can I trap birds in my attic and release them elsewhere?

Trapping and relocating birds can be challenging and may not be effective. Birds often have strong homing instincts and may return to your attic. It can also be stressful for the birds and may be illegal in some areas.

Is it safe to use mothballs to repel birds from my attic?

While mothballs are sometimes used as a bird repellent, they are not very effective and can be harmful to humans and pets. It’s best to avoid using mothballs and instead opt for safer and more humane bird deterrents.

How do I prevent birds from nesting in my gutters?

Regularly clean your gutters to remove leaves and debris that can attract birds. Install gutter guards to prevent birds from building nests in your gutters. Maintaining clean gutters is a crucial step in preventing bird infestations. What happens if birds get in your attic? If you don’t prevent them from nesting in your gutters, this becomes a far more likely scenario.