Useful tips to deter birds nesting on roofs

Birds nesting on the roof is more than just a nuisance. Not only does the situation lead to unsightly staining, but it can also be dangerous to your health and damaging to your home. Fortunately, the problem can be handled with a few proactive steps and some useful roof maintenance tips.

Find out your home's credit score

Check your home condition score to find out!

Check it out

How can birds damage your roof?

When birds make a nest on your roof, they can really damage your roof. Let’s see how. 

Bird droppings can be a serious concern

Birds nesting in roof areas or under the roof tiles will make the space unsightly and smelly due to the bird droppings. These can cause zoonotic diseases such as cryptococcosis, chlamydiosis, and histoplasmosis. Moreover, bird feces, since it contains a high quantity of uric acid, can degrade your roofing material – rotting it over time.

Read more: How long do home roofs last?

Roof tiles may get damaged

If your roofing system has any loose or cracked tiles, crevices, and holes, birds can have a field day with them. It’s easier for them to build a nest underneath the roof tiles or on ledges. This can cause serious structural issues in your home.

There could be a debris buildup

Bird species such as pigeons, sparrows, and jackdaws have a habit of returning to the same nesting place repeatedly. That’s why discouraging these types of birds from settling on your roof becomes all the more important. The last thing you’d want is a rotting nest filled with excrement, rotten eggs, and dead chicks. Keep in mind that bird droppings, dust, bird debris, and infected feathers may be sucked into the house through air ventilators and air conditioners – leading to respiratory diseases. 

Rain gutters may get blocked

Birds often build nests in rain gutters, eaves, and near the roofline to get access to fresh water and good space. This can block your home’s drainage system – leading to water overflowing, roof leaks, or water pooling on the roof. All these will eventually lead to massive water damage. 

Nests may lead to a house fire

Bird nests are flammable as they are mostly grass, dried leaves, and twigs. If the nest is near electrical machinery (birds seek the warmth of machines), inside the chimney or ventilation system, it can be a fire hazard. The nest may even block the airflow from your home.

How can you deter birds from nesting in roof areas?

The solution is to equip your roof in such a way that it keeps the nesting birds away. 

Use eaves closures

Eaves are a common nesting place for most birds. They provide them the much-required shelter from the elements and predators. Using eave guards and protectors will help keep the feathered species at bay. With no visible gaps in your roofline, the birds will be unable to use the space. You may also benefit from bird guards for your chimney.

Utilize sound deterrents

Another method of nesting prevention is to install devices that can emit high-pitched noises. The sound is highly effective in stopping birds from entering your property.

The only drawback is that this will keep the birds away altogether. This may not be great for your garden or the ecosystem.

Plant decoy birds

This solution may sound a little silly but it works. You can plant fake birds of prey such as falcons, kites, or owls on the roof. Smaller birds will not take the risk of approaching your roof. However, this trick may not work after a while since birds can be smart enough to see through the plan.

Bird spikes and bird netting 

Accessories such as bird spikes and nets make it difficult for birds to land, stand, and navigate around a surface. They are too much hassle for birds. You can place the bird spikes on roof verges, ridges, vents, patio covers, and porches. Remember that they can look quite unappealing when laid out across your rooftop. More importantly, they can prove to be risky for roof contractors who climb the area for any repair work.

Any proactive measures to prevent birds from nesting?

If you perform regular roof maintenance, you may be able to keep birds away from your roof. Make sure there are no cracked, loose, or missing roof shingles or tiles that may become homes for nests.

Have licensed roofers inspect your roof for any damage or nesting spots. Unless it’s an active nest, you may remove the bird’s nest at the earliest opportunity. 

Moreover, make sure the birds have no easy access to food. You could eliminate their food source by installing bird netting around any fruit trees in your garden.

Keep your roof, eaves, and gutters clean as part of your home maintenance plan. Also, routinely carry out pest control measures. This will also aid in bird control. 

Last words

You need to tackle the problem of birds nesting on your roof so as to save yourself a great deal of hassle. While birds in your yard can be a lovely sight to wake up to, the nesting season can bring additional stress to a homeowner. The bird droppings can corrode a roof, pose a health risk to the inhabitants, block eaves troughs as well as vents, and lead to water damage. So, keeping the feathered friends from nesting on your roof with bird deterrents will keep your home safe and clean in the long term. 

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 23, 2023

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.