How to get rid of birds in your attic? Weigh DIY versus pro bird removal

Having critters make their way into your attic is an unpleasant experience that often requires pest control experts. Birds are no exception. Removing them before they cause significant damage can save you money and hassle, no matter what kind of bird enters your home.

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While you can try DIY bird removal, our experts recommend calling in pros. Mela Singleton, owner of 911 WildLife in Houston, estimated that the bird removal process costs between $150 and $350. The price varies based on the existing condition of the attic, whether it’s easy to access and navigate, and whether the professional needs to knock down a wall to remove the bird.

Of course, the best way to keep birds out of your attic is by preventing them from entering in the first place. “In the case of pest bird control, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., vice president of Public Affairs and Chief Entomologist at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in Fairfax, Virginia.

We turned to Fredericks and Singleton for wildlife removal expertise. Here is everything you need to know about how to get rid of birds in your attic without harming them.

Why do you have birds living in your attic?

During the warmer weather, it’s not unheard of to find birds nesting in your attic. However, that means the avian creatures found their way in, likely through an opening in the roof or siding that was not sealed properly. These openings might as well have welcome signs for birds who want access.

In contrast to rodents such as mice, who can squeeze into a tiny hole, birds typically don’t want to be confined, Singleton said. However, birds can occasionally find themselves trapped in unusual spaces. Here is why:

• Entering through openings: If your attic isn’t entirely sealed, birds can find a way inside. Watch out for siding cracks — an opening that lets in a stream of light can be wide enough for a bird to enter. Birds that nest in tree cavities are most likely to infest structures, according to Fredericks. European starlings, pigeons and house sparrows are very common.
• Flying in by mistake: Occasionally, birds who careen through the sky can accidentally fly into an opening and get trapped, whether it’s a chimney or dryer vent. Also, birds roosting in the eaves and gutters may unintentionally find their way in.
• Seeking shelter: Birds frequently seek a hideaway from predators and the elements. Any hole that leads to an open cavity is susceptible.
• Nesting: Birds bring their nesting materials into open cavities to welcome baby birds. “When they’re laying eggs, that is definitely when they would be more prevalent,” Singleton said.

What can you do to get rid of birds that live in your attic?

First, conduct a site survey of your attic. This involves locating the specific area of the problem, such as where the bird is gaining entry.

Then, determine if the bird can enter and exit repeatedly. “When you have a bird in your attic, you have to question whether that bird is trapped in your attic, or if it’s getting in and out of your attic intentionally,” Singleton said.

DIY approach

The NPMA does not recommend do-it-yourself methods of bird removal. Instead, the organization recommended that people who suspect birds inside their home call a licensed professional.

This is important since your area may have federal, state and location regulations for specific bird species. Doves and owls fall under federal protection, for instance.

Those who want to tackle bird removal on their own must first inspect the home’s exterior to determine an entry point.

To remove a bird from the space, Singleton recommended going to a hardware store or sporting goods store and purchasing a net. It will cost you around $20.

If the attic has windows and doors, make sure they are all open. As you try to capture the bird with the net, it will look for an exit strategy and hopefully fly out of those windows, Singleton said. Once you find the bird, approach with caution and carefully capture it with your net.

After the bird is no longer in your attic, check that there isn’t a nest or baby birds in the space. While some nests can be removed, migratory bird species’ nests should not be touched. This is when calling a wildlife expert is vital.

Once your attic is bird-free, you can seal off the openings.

Professional pest control

A licensed professional can take an in-depth look at your home to identify the location of the bird entry. Then, they can identify the type of bird species involved, recommend control procedures and establish a humane way for removal and management.

If you call in a professional, they will likely use a net to remove a bird from the attic. Pest control companies can also provide a deodorizing and decontamination service.

Can birds living in your attic cause damage?

Birds in your attic can cause damage — from annoying chirping noises at odd hours of the day (this is particularly true for Starlings) to unsanitary bird poop that can be a health risk and requires significant clean-up with a high-powered disinfectant.

“Droppings can also lead to structural damage because they can cause components of buildings to degrade leaving an unsightly and unsafe mess behind,” Fredericks said.

While birds can wreak havoc on your home, they also destroy patio furniture by picking at it to serve as nesting material.

Their pesky behaviors cause more than a mess. Birds can be a significant health hazard to humans and their pets. “For instance, European starlings have more than 25 diseases and ectoparasites associated with them, their nests and droppings,” Fredericks said.

Ectoparasites —  mites, ticks, fleas and bedbugs — can bite humans or infest domestic animals. You’re looking at discomfort that is more than a nuisance.

While attics are common spots for birds to fly into, they’re not the only ones. Singleton noted that soffits, gutters, drains, dryer vents and other openings are frequently visited by birds.

Birds interested in your abode can indicate a greater problem. Spotting woodpeckers banging at your house could indicate that you have a termite problem and need an inspection.

How do you prevent birds from coming back to your attic?

The best method to prevent birds from returning to your attic is by sealing entry points and keeping vent covers in good repair. Check that vent covers are secure and replace malfunctioning or damaged sections. Apply metal flashing, or use the same type of material your home has as siding to cover up any holes.

If that’s too expensive, consider 1-by-1-inch wire mesh, but be aware that is a less permanent solution. Bird spikes, reflectors, ramps and bird gel (a tacky repellent) can be used to prevent birds from landing on your house in the first place.

“No matter what kind of animal it is, it’s always the same: get the animal out of your home, leave them in their natural territory, and then repair or defend the home against them reentering,” Singleton said.

What’s next?

For all animal infestations, the first step toward solving the problem of intruders in your attic is by identifying it — do you have birds, bats or rodents? As long as you know how to navigate your attic safely, perform an inspection.

If a DIY approach is more than you bargained for, contact a pest control company. The pros should spot problem areas and point out if the birds’ food source, say termites, is part of a bigger problem (wood rot).

Homeowners should also evaluate the state of the roof. Too many cracks and openings might warrant a roof inspection.