How to Stop Birds Nesting in Your Gutters?

Picture this. It’s a serene Sunday morning, enjoying your coffee, and then suddenly you hear it – the sounds of birds on the roof. You look outside and there they are, a family of feathered creatures that have decided to make the gutters their own house. It’s a common phenomenon in Australia – birds nesting in gutters. It looks cute to some, however, it’s generally a problem.

In this blog post you’ll explore why birds love to nest in gutters, the headaches they cause homeowners, and most importantly, how to stop birds nesting in gutters without harming the precious feathery critters. Let’s read along.

Why do birds love to nest in your gutters?

Animals won’t just randomly go into your house, and birds are no different. They must find one or several of these beneficial factors to be nesting in the roof.

Types of birds to nest in your gutters

When it comes to Australian homes, various bird species can find gutters and roof cavities quite inviting for nesting. While some are commonly spotted nuisances, others might surprise you with their adaptability to urban environments. Here are some of the frequent flyers you might encounter:

Pigeons

Pigeons boldly dominate the surroundings, whether outside or inside. With their dark grey heads and different shades of grey, these birds typically reach about 30 centimetres in length. They construct their nests using sticks, leaves, and debris, favouring flat surfaces like roof gutters and cavities for secure nesting spots. With a penchant for perching, pigeons contribute significantly to the bird droppings around buildings and roofs.

Sparrows

Sparrows may be small and look innocent, but they can be quite a handful. These birds are known for their aggression and skill at getting into tight spots, potentially causing damage to buildings. Using materials like straw, grass, feathers, and sticks, sparrows construct nests primarily in established dwellings such as houses and buildings, including gutters and roof cavities.

Common starlings

The common starling, infamous for its invasive nature, poses a significant threat to Australia’s native bird population. With metallic green and black-purple feathers stretching approximately 20 centimetres in length, these birds exhibit highly aggressive behaviour. They are known to take over existing nests of other birds, forcing them out. Common starlings show no preference for rural or urban areas, making them comfortable inhabitants of various environments.

Common mynas

An introduced species in Australia, common mynas are notorious for their aggressive and feral behaviour. Feeding on a wide range of items from insects to scraps and even small birds, they pose a substantial threat to native bird populations. Common mynas are increasingly prevalent in urban areas, including commercial buildings, homes, schools, and waste disposal sites, particularly along Australia’s East Coast.

Rainbow lorikeets

These colourful and loud parrots join Australia’s bird community. Rainbow lorikeets aren’t as common as pigeons or sparrows in gutters and roof cavities. Sometimes, they look for nesting spots in residential areas, like gutters and tree hollows.

What damage can bird nests do to your gutters?

Here’s a closer look at the potential damages. You might have to pay for fixing them if you keep the birds longer than you should:

After all the information discussed, it is clear that birds’ nests in your gutters can severely damage the looks of your house, and also, impact negatively on your house’s market value.

Solutions to prevent birds nesting in gutters

Fortunatelly, you have a lot of options to get rid of the bird from your gutters.

Install gutter guards

Mesh gutter guards are popular for keeping out birds and debris. They use wire or mesh screens to cover openings. This blocks birds.
Foam inserts are another option. They fit in the gutter, keeping birds out. Also, they allow water to flow.

Trim trees and bushes

Trimming trees and bushes near your home will greatly reduce the places where birds can perch or hide, making it far less inviting for them to settle in your gutters. With fewer branches or foliage available, birds will struggle to use them to access your gutters. Additionally, creating a more open space around your home will enable you to quickly spot and deter birds before they can consider building nests.

Use of bird repellents

Bird repellents, like sprays or ultrasonic devices, emit sounds or odours that birds hate. This discourages nesting in treated areas. Their effectiveness might vary, but regular use can maintain a bird-free environment.

Inspection and repair of roof structures

Regular roof inspections help identify potential entry points for birds, such as gaps or damaged areas. Prompt repair of these vulnerabilities prevents birds from accessing roof spaces and nesting in gutters, preserving the integrity of your home.

Installation of bird deterrent devices

Devices like spikes, wires, or visual deterrents can be strategically installed to make gutters less appealing to birds. These physical barriers or visual cues effectively deter nesting activity along gutter edges and rooflines.

DIY vs Professional installation options

Now a few words on installing gutter guards yourself versus having a professional do it.

For those inclined towards a hands-on approach, DIY installation entails purchasing protective gutter guards readily available at hardware stores or online. While this option may offer cost savings, it demands a considerable time investment and effort to ensure the guards are correctly installed.

On the other hand, professional installation offers a convenient alternative. By hiring experienced gutter installers, you can save time and rely on the expertise of specialists. Professionals assess the specific needs of each home and recommend the most suitable gutter guard system tailored to the property. This ensures proper fitting and long-term effectiveness, minimising the risk of bird nesting and other gutter-related issues.

Regular gutter maintenance

Regular gutter cleaning prevents bird nesting. Removing debris, leaves, and other materials makes gutters less attractive to birds. Homeowners can do it themselves or hire professionals for thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Share your successful strategies for keeping birds out of your gutters! Your thoughts and insights are valuable to us. Leave a comment below!