Quick Answers
Birds nesting on your porch can be a fun experience to observe nature up close. However, it also comes with some downsides like nests getting messy and the possibility of attracting other unwanted pests. Here are some quick answers to common questions:
– Bird nests don’t usually damage structures, but their droppings can stain surfaces. Place boards or trays under nests to catch mess.
– Birds can carry mites, ticks or fleas. Wear gloves when removing old nests and clean the area thoroughly.
– Nesting birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It’s illegal to remove or disturb active nests during breeding season.
– Deterring birds from nesting is easiest before they start building. Block preferred spots, use harmless repellents or install deterrents early.
– If a harmless species has nested, consider letting them stay until the young have fledged. Removing active nests with eggs or babies is illegal.
– It’s advisable to remove empty nests in the fall to avoid recurrent nesting next year in an inconvenient spot.
Should You Let Birds Nest on Your Porch?
If you discover birds building a nest on your porch, balcony or outdoor fixtures, you have some options to consider before proceeding:
Pros of Allowing Birds to Nest
– Enjoy watching nature: Observing birds nesting, laying eggs and raising young can be an enriching learning experience, especially for children.
– Help wildlife: Providing nesting sites and shelter helps support local bird populations. Many species are declining due to habitat loss.
– Minimal work: If you place a tray underneath, birds can nest without you having to do much maintenance to clean up.
– Humane: Removing or destroying active nests with eggs or babies would kill vulnerable wildlife and is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Cons of Bird Nests on a Porch
– Messy droppings: Bird droppings can stain or dirty the porch or outdoor furniture. Place plastic sheeting or trays underneath to catch excrement.
– Possible pests: Old nests can harbor mites, ticks, fleas or other insects. Use gloves when removing them and clean the area thoroughly.
– Nuisance noise: Some birds start calling very early in the morning. Nesting birds may also dive bomb if feeling threatened.
– Risk of damage: While rare, large nests built over time could potentially dislodge gutters or cause minor structural harm.
– Recurring nests: Birds often return to the same spot repeatedly if not deterred. This can become an annual issue.
When to Avoid Removing Nests
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits tampering with active nests during the breeding season as it would kill vulnerable baby birds and eggs. Here are some tips:
– Don’t remove nests with eggs or babies – this is illegal and inhumane.
– Don’t disturb nests once birds start sitting on eggs. They may abandon the nest.
– Don’t trim branches or dismantle nests when young are still developing in spring and summer.
– Wait until babies fledge and leave nest before removing it. This is usually safe late summer.
– In fall, remove empty nests to avoid recurrence of nesting in undesirable spots next year.
Tips for Deterring Birds From Nesting
To humanely prevent birds from building nests in an inconvenient area, take action before nest building begins in spring:
– Install bird deterrents like wire mesh, metal spikes, wind chimes or visual repellents early in season.
– Use harmless odor repellents made with mint, garlic or citrus oils early on porches.
– Block off overhangs, cavities or sheltered spots birds favor with boards, wire mesh or other barriers.
– Trim back branches and vegetation near the porch to remove nesting sites.
– Scare birds away with sounds or harmless predator decoys in problem areas.
– Apply non-toxic bird gel repellent on surfaces where birds attempt to build nests.
When Can You Remove Nest Safely?
The best practice for removing bird nests on your porch is to wait until it’s vacant of eggs, babies and adult birds. Here are some tips on safe nest removal:
Avoid Disturbing Active Nests
Never tamper with nests that contain:
– Eggs – Adult birds will incubate for up to 2 weeks before eggs hatch
– Babies – Young develop in the nest for 2-6 weeks generally before fledging
– Parent birds – They may abandon nest if scared off during breeding
Wait Until Nest Is Empty
It’s safest to remove vacant nests:
– After babies fledge and leave nest, typically by late summer
– In fall when birds have migrated and nests are unoccupied
– In winter when no breeding activity is underway
This prevents killing vulnerable young and avoids deterring nesting birds when they have few options.
Take Precautions When Removing
When removing old nests, take care to avoid health hazards:
– Wear thick gloves, mask and coveralls – old nests often have mites
– Seal up removed nest in plastic bag and dispose to avoid spreading pests
– Treat area thoroughly with diluted bleach or other disinfectant
– Check for and seal small gaps where birds entered to build nest
Following these tips will allow you to remove nests safely and humanely!
What Are the Laws Around Bird Nests?
Several federal laws protect migratory birds and their active nests. Here are key facts on the legality of allowing or removing bird nests:
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
– Prohibits killing, capturing, selling or disturbing migratory birds, nests and eggs
– Applies to over 800 species, including common porch nesters like robins and sparrows
– Fines up to $15,000 and prison time for knowingly taking nests with live eggs or young
Endangered Species Act
– Protects endangered species like bald eagles from nest interference
– Civil fines up to $25,000 for disturbing endangered species’ nests
Local and State Laws
– Many prohibit removing active nests or harassing nesting birds
– Some require permits for removing nests, even inactive ones
– Check your state and city laws before taking action on nest removal
Exceptions
– Inactive nest removal allowed once birds and young have left
– Destroying empty nests in winter is not prohibited
– Exceptions for health hazards or property damage threats
Options for Bird-Friendly Nesting Sites
Instead of having birds nest in problematic spots on your porch, you can proactively offer them safer, designated areas to build their nests:
Install Birdhouses
– Mount birdhouses on poles away from porch
– Select house design and entrance hole size for desired species
– Clean out old nesting material annually after breeding season
Provide Ledges Under Overhangs
– Install sheltered wooden ledges suited for robin and swallow nests
– Ensure ledges have rain covers to keep nests dry
– Position under eaves or balconies away from high traffic areas
Erect Nesting Platforms
– Build or buy nesting platforms for birds like osprey and eagles
– Install tall platform on roof, pole or tree to get nests off the porch
– Ensure safety with railings and non-slip surfaces since platforms are high
Offering bird-friendly nesting spots makes it easier to deter them from settling where you don’t want them.
How to Clean Up After Bird Nests
Old bird nests can leave behind messes that raise health concerns if not cleaned properly:
Risks
– Droppings – Contain bacteria like E. coli, salmonella
– Feathers – Harbor dust mites and skin irritants
– Ectoparasites – Mites, fleas and ticks can infest nests
– Diseases – Histoplasmosis fungus may be present
Safety Gear
Wear protective equipment when removing and disposing of nest debris:
– Respirator mask or dust mask
– Goggles for eye protection
– Gloves thick enough to resist bites and scratches
– Coveralls or long sleeves/pants
Removal Methods
– Seal nest debris in plastic bags for disposal to prevent spread of hazards
– Lower nest remnants down carefully if on a height versus dropping
– Mist nest and surrounding area with disinfectant solution before removal
Clean-up Products
– Disinfectants – Bleach solutions or commercial disinfectant sprays
– Enzymatic cleaners – Help remove stuck-on excrement stains
– Deodorizers – Eliminate lingering odors and repel new nesting
Prevention
– Remove nesting spots to avoid repeated nesting in same areas
– Use wire mesh, spikes or other deterrents to block birds
– Fill gaps in eaves, vents and crevices so birds can’t access to build
Following proper clean-up procedures helps protect against diseases that bird nests can spread. Monitor areas for new nest building and take preventative action before birds settle in again.
Tips for Identifying Problem Bird Nests
While many birds create harmless nests, some species should raise red flags about having them on your property:
Pigeon and Starling Nests
– More likely to carry mites, ticks and fleas
– Droppings are corrosive and can damage structures
– Higher risk of contracting histoplasmosis from dried droppings
Sparrow Nests
– Very messy with lots of droppings below nests
– Prone to infestations of bird mites
– Non-native house sparrows are aggressive and may attack humans
European Starling Nests
– Starlings are an invasive pest species, known for taking over nest sites
– Large communal nests can become heavy and potentially damaging
– Starlings are very noisy and territorial during breeding season
Swallow Nests
– Often attached to structures, which makes them hard to remove
– Can prevent access to lights, cameras, vents where they nest
– The mud nests tend to crumble and require frequent rebuilding
Identifying high risk bird species can help motivate removing their nests promptly and humanely before breeding gets underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs a bird is about to build a nest?
Birds often exhibit typical behavior prior to nest building like:
– Carrying twigs, grass or other nest materials to a site
– Frequently visiting specific sheltered spots and perching there
– Territorial displays chasing other birds away from prime location
– Pairing up with a mate repeatedly near a potential nesting area
– Making a small cup shape with their bodies while repeatedly turning in circles
– Digging out a shallow cavity for more enclosed nest types
How long does it take birds to build a nest?
Nest building time can vary by species. On average most birds take 1-2 weeks to construct a complete nest. Smaller nests may only take 3-5 days while large raptor nests can take up to 6 weeks to build fully.
What’s the best way to remove old nests?
To safely remove, first seal up nest debris in a plastic bag. Then use thick gloves and grasp the nest at its base near the structure if possible. Slowly wiggle and pry the nest loose, catching falling pieces in the bag below. Mist any leftover debris with disinfectant and use a wire brush to clear residue.
Can you touch baby birds in a nest?
It’s best not to touch hatchlings in nests unless necessary. Adult birds may sense human scent and abandon the nest. If you must move young, wear thick gloves and handle carefully without squeezing. Get them back in the nest or to a wildlife rehabilitator promptly.
How do you stop birds from rebuilding nests?
To deter nesting in the same spots, install barriers like wire mesh, string netting, metal spikes or visual repellents. Use odor deterrents and noise makers early in season. Trim back vegetation and plug up cavities and nooks they previously used to nest in.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to allow birds to nest on your porch requires weighing factors like enjoyment of nature, health risks, mess, damage potential and legality. Avoid removing active nests with eggs or young, as that is hazardous to wildlife and illegal. Implement humane deterrents early before nesting starts. With some planning, you can provide birds with safer nesting options without having them take over your porch!
