Due to the nature of a gutter system – it’s pretty self-contained and at a height out of view – it can be easy to ignore or not even see any issues. These qualities are also what make gutters a great place for birds to build their nests. In today’s tutorial, SPOUT Gutter Pros discusses what to look out for and how to deter birds from nesting in your gutters.
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Problems with Bird Nests in Gutters
It’s perfectly understandable to think that a bird nest in your gutters isn’t a big issue. You might even find it delightful. However, these nests can wreak havoc on your gutter system. Here are the top reasons why bird nests in your gutters can be problematic.
Health Concerns
Birds often carry pests and parasites. These include bird mites. These mites are known to migrate into homes once a bird has abandoned its nest. This can lead to skin issues and secondary infections among members of your household.
Noise
Also, birds in your gutters can lead to a lot of unwanted noise. Between tweeting and claw scratching, you might find yourself rudely awoken every morning.
Birds Getting Stuck
Another unfortunate issue is the potential for birds to get stuck in the downspouts. If they get stuck, oftentimes they can’t get out. Better to prevent the issue in the first place, so that the birds aren’t harmed.
Gutter Blockage
Gutters are essentially water management systems. They collect rainwater and divert it away from your home. This protects your property from water damage, mold growth, and a long list of other potential issues. Most of the time, the blockage is caused by debris – leaves, branches, and so on – but bird nests can be a big-time culprit, too.
When bird nests block the flow of water in gutters, this leads to the water flowing out of the gutters and onto your property. As mentioned already, this can be quite problematic. From sagging gutters to foundation damage to landscaping erosion, a bird nest can cause expensive damage.
Curb Appeal
Last but not least, birds nesting in your gutter system can affect the look of your home. As they settle in your gutters, their droppings can end up on a house’s exterior. These droppings can be pretty acidic, which doesn’t bode well for your home, car, and more.
If not dealt with properly, this can cause damage to paint, stain, and overall cladding (as well as any property the birds fly over). Plus, you’ll find yourself having to clean the outside of your house on a regular basis. Not a fun way to spend a weekend!
Best Ways to Keep Birds Away from Gutters
So, how do you prevent birds from nesting in your gutters? Here are the top tips.
Gutter Covers
Also known as gutter guards, gutter covers not only do a great job at keeping birds out of gutters, but they also keep debris from accumulating, clogging, and weighing down your gutter system. This helps to keep out pests while also significantly reducing maintenance.
Installed over the open face of gutter sections, these covers make it easy to clean and keep out unwanted visitors. With the use of holes or mesh material, the guards allow for the easy flow of rainwater into gutters.
Bird Repellent
As a highly effective deterrent, bird repellent is composed of substances that help keep birds from nesting. Coming in both spray and gel applications, you can source non-toxic and biodegradable versions of repellent to ensure the safety of animals and your family.
Decoys
If birds see predators, they are much more likely to stay away. Of course, you probably don’t want to actually introduce real predators to your property. The next best thing? Predator decoys. These can range from snakes to owls to electronic spiders.
Do keep in mind two things. First, these decoys can cause their own problems. If they fall into your gutters, you’ll end up with a blockage. Be sure to place them in a way that limits this possibility. Second, decoys have a limited effectiveness rate. After a while, birds will get used to them and eventually realize they are not a real threat.
Bird Spikes
These plastic spikes look similar to barbed wire but with long, blunt tips. Installed on gutters or on the roof just above gutters, bird spikes make it extremely hard for birds to land and build nests in a gutter system. This is a highly effective, virtually maintenance-free option.
High-Frequency Devices
Ultrasonic technology produces sounds that keep birds away without annoying yourself or the neighbors. These high-frequency sounds are out of the range of human hearing. It can be a costly option, however, as equipment can add up pretty quickly.
Other Tips
Along with the above recommendations, there are two other ways to deter bird nesting: remove food sources and install birdhouses or nesting boxes away from gutters. This way, you can still enjoy the presence of birds without having to worry about your gutter system.
At the end of the day, whatever you choose to do, it’s all about prevention and maintenance. Be sure to set up and stick to a routine schedule when it comes to checking, cleaning, and repairing your gutter system. It can go a long way in ensuring long-lasting use.
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