Birds are one of the most majestic creatures in the world. They provide ecosystem services, including acoustic enrichment, pest control, seed dispersal, and visual enrichment. Birds give songs that people enjoy, control pests in our gardens and outdoor spaces, and scatter seeds to help our urban areas.
Birds quickly adapt to urban environments, with pigeons, sparrows, Indian mynas, and starlings being the main invasive species. Although having birds in urban areas may bring you closer to nature and have that calming feeling, birds in urban areas will eventually seek out your roof as it offers a cozy, warm and safe environment for them to rest and raise their young. Birds nesting on your roof can lead to some structural issues in your home or establishment, which is something you want to avoid.
How Can Birds Damage Your Roof?
Birds can cause severe damage, particularly if you have a bird's nest in the exact location yearly. Nests can quickly stop water flow, resulting in rainwater backing up in your gutters and under the roofing structure. Bird's droppings are acidic and can even damage asphalt shingles, which no home or establishment owner appreciates. To minimize the probability of birds nesting in your ceiling or attic, here's what you need to do:
- Have Your Attic or Ceiling Inspected
- First, it is best to have your attic or ceiling checked. You can do this by yourself by installing a ceiling vent or hiring a professional roof contractor that you can search online. When hiring roof contractors, ensure that the company has good reviews and years of experience to prevent costing more because of unaware mistakes.
- Check for Potential Food Source
- Birds nest on roofs, attics, or ceilings for easy access to food and protection from the elements. One solution is to eliminate their food source. However, this doesn't mean you need to remove your garden or cut down nearby fruit trees. Installing bird netting near fruit trees or your garden area can prevent birds from reaching the food supply and makes your property less appealing to these feathered creatures.
- Bird Stops and Nets
- If you've got pigeons or starlings making their homes in your attic or ceiling, it's time to think about bird stops or bird nets in your home. Bird netting sits over your roof area and prevents birds from getting to your roof and inside your attic. Bird stops are placed at the front of the tiles to prevent small birds from turning the tiny areas into nesting spots.
- Bird Scarers
- If all options fail, you can also try installing bird scarers under the roof of your establishment or home. These tiny devices scare birds away from under your roof. Usually, a small scarecrow, a dummy owl, or a sound bird repellent make both large and small birds think that predators inhabit the area. Because of animal instincts against potential dangers, they will want to avoid these bird deterrents.
- There are several models of bird repellents and scarers available on the market. The most effective and realistic models have light-reflecting eyes. You can add moving components such as wings to make a bird scarer more authentic.
- Bird Repellents or Bird Spikes
- Birds nesting in your attic or at the roof's edges can pose some disadvantages, such as water blockages that can destroy the quality of your ceiling. Luckily, bird spikes may be a solution to this pesky challenge. The spikes don't hurt the birds but are a good deterrent. The spikes are angled forward and backward, preventing the birds from accessing a clear nest space. They can still sit or land on the spikes, but they probably won't stay long.
- What if Your Ceiling or Attic is Currently Occupied with Nesting Birds?
- Leave it alone if you have an active bird nest on the roof. Wait until the chicks have fully developed and matured or until the nest is empty. Afterward, you can remove it and start installing your preventive measures.
The Bottomline
When securing the quality of your roof, taking preventive measures to stop the invasion of animals or insects can ensure the safety of your home and establishment. In addition, keeping your ceiling and attic in optimum condition will prevent further damage to your structure which can cost more on repairs or maintenance.