Signs of Birds in Chimney & Attics

Damage & Diseases Caused by Bird Nests Need to be Handled Quickly & Effectively

The chirping of birds is an enjoyable sound — unless of course those birds are singing from inside the attic and chimney of your home or business.

Birds will nest in places that are protected from weather and high up from the ground so that their young are protected from predators.

In nature, nesting spots will vary depending on the species of bird. But spaces like attics and chimneys may also be suitable nesting places for birds.

These visitors and their nests can be an unwelcome sight for homeowners and business operators.

Effects of Untreated Bird Infestations

An uncontrolled bird infestation can lead to considerable damage to your home or business, as well as potential health risk caused by diseases spread by birds.

Diseases spread by birds include Histoplasmosis, Tuberculosis, Cryptococcus, Encephalitis, Toxoplasmosis, Chlamydiosis, Coccidiosis, and many others. It is also possible for these diseases to be spread through bird droppings.

Birds can also carry ectoparasites such a fleas, mites, lice and ticks.

And let’ not forget, birds can also infect food sources including animal feeders, flowers, buds, and fruits and vegetables.

Signs of Birds in a Chimney

Birds that typically nest in hollow trees may find comfort in building a nest inside a chimney.

If you suspect birds are living inside your chimney, there are a few things you can check for to be sure it is in fact a bird(s).

Birds inside of chimneys will make a lot of noise such as chirping, flapping, rustling, and scratching when trying to escape.

If birds are in fact living inside the chimney, there will be increased bird activity around your home. If your chimney flue is open, it’s possible to see birds flying in and out of the chimney.

Finally, a foul odor coming from your chimney could unfortunately mean that dead and decaying birds are inside.

A bird nest in the chimney can pose several dangers.

The nests themselves can block airflow, sending carbon monoxide and smoke into your home. In extreme cases this blockage may result in a fire.

Signs of Birds in the Attic

Entering through gaps in the roofline, soffits, fascia, and flashing can act as a point of entry for birds who are looking to build a nest in the attic.

The birds, once in the attic, will make loud noises including chirping, rustling, flapping, and scratching.

If there are baby birds in the nest, you could potentially hear constant chirping as the babies call for their mother.

The birds can damage, and even destroy, valuables that are stored in your attic, among make an unsightly mess.

While building a nest in the attic, birds will also look for numerous materials suitable for supporting their eggs and camouflaging themselves from predators. They’ll will search for materials such as twigs, leaves, yarn/rope, broom thistles, even silk from spider webs.

How to Handle Bird Removal Yourself

While there are many DIY efforts that some will suggest, these efforts can be quite dangerous, including getting rid of pigeons.

It’s also important to remember that many bird species are protected by law. With this in mind, bird removal needs to be handled with extreme care. 

Homeowners should also keep in mind the species of birds that are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that cannot be disturbed or evicted, like the Chimney Swift bird.

Chimney swifts, much like their name suggests, prefer to nest inside chimneys. These birds and their nests are protected by federal government.

Attempting to trap the birds yourself may be difficult and ineffective since traps will be most effective in feeding sites as opposed to nesting sites such as your chimney.

In addition, birds may become too disoriented inside your chimney to fly into a trap. This disorientation can lead to the bird becoming injured and stuck inside the chimney.

Avoid trying to encourage the birds to leave by smoking them out as the nesting material could cause a fire.

Depending on how many birds are living in your chimney or attic, it could be possible to scare them out. Making loud noises or shining a bright light where they’ve built their nest could encourage them to leave the building.

Do not try to simply remove the nest yourself as you may become exposed to dangerous diseases.

The best way to solve your bird problem is to contact a wildlife management professional immediately. They will be well versed in the laws for your area regarding any bird protections.

Catseye Pest Control technicians are trained in safe, effective, and humane methods of removal of birds.

Bird Removal & Exclusion

Removing birds from homes and businesses requires a careful eviction process from professional technicians, and that begins with an in-depth inspection of the property.

This allows our team to identify the species of bird inhabiting the home or business, what is attracting them to the structure, and if there is any damage or entry points that need to be repaired.

With these aspects identified, a solution can be determined and put into action.

Using a variety of visual and sound deterrents, the birds are encouraged to leave and not return.

Once the birds have left, our technicians are able to perform cleaning and disinfectant tasks that will eliminate the risk of diseases being spread by the birds or droppings.

For more extensive bird damage, and to prevent future nesting activity, Catseye technicians can install Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems — a permanent solution to nuisance wildlife.

Our state-of-the-art exclusion system is the best line of defense against nuisance wildlife for your home, business, or other structure on your property.

If you think you have a bird infestation, contact our wildlife management professionals today.