Did you know that even a gap the size of a quarter is big enough for a bird to sneak into your attic? Birds can cause serious problems if they make a home inside your house. Searching for bird exclusion and removal near me, it’s key to check for entry points. A thorough inspection helps keep birds out and protects your home. Here’s how we can get ahead of the problem before it becomes a bigger one.
1. Understand Why Birds Enter Homes
Birds don’t break into homes for fun. They’re looking for warmth, food, or safety from predators. Attics, vents, and chimneys are cozy and quiet places for nesting.
Once inside, birds leave droppings, feathers, and bugs. These can lead to health issues like histoplasmosis. Plus, nests block airflow, which may raise fire risks.
That’s why it’s smart to stop birds before they get in. Let’s walk through the steps to do that. It’s easier—and cheaper—to prevent a problem than to fix it later.
2. Start with a Roofline Walkaround
The roof is the most common bird entry zone. Here’s how to check it:
- Look for loose or missing shingles.
- Check flashing around chimneys and vents.
- Spot any small holes or gaps.
- Inspect soffits for signs of rot or sagging.
We should walk the perimeter of the home and look up. Use binoculars if needed. Look for signs like nesting materials poking out or droppings under eaves. If something looks off, it’s best to take a closer look. Damaged or weak areas are bird magnets.
3. Inspect Vents, Chimneys, and Openings
Birds love vents. Bathroom and kitchen exhausts are warm and easy to enter.
Check these common spots:
- Dryer vents
- Attic fans
- Gable vents
- Roof ridge vents
- Chimneys
Use a flashlight to look inside. Listen for chirping or scratching. Feel for drafts—it could mean a seal is broken. Install screens or vent covers if they’re missing. These can keep birds and even raccoons out. Speaking of which, if you’re also seeing larger animals, raccoon removal near me may be another service to consider.
4. Look for Nesting Clues Around the Home
Sometimes the birds leave evidence before we see them.
Before searching for a “bird exclusion and removal near me,” Check for:
- Twigs or leaves tucked near beams or vents
- White streaks (droppings) on walls or under eaves
- Noises early in the morning, especially in the walls or ceilings
These signs often mean birds are testing your home for entry. Even if they’re not inside yet, they’re trying to get there. It’s better to act now than wait until they nest.
5. Check Inside the Attic and Crawlspaces
After the outside, go inside. Grab a flashlight and head to the attic.
Look for:
- Droppings
- Feathers
- Twigs or nests
- Holes where light shines through
If birds are already inside, you’ll often hear them. Movement, scratching, or flapping noises can signal a problem. Once spotted, don’t try to remove birds on your own. It’s best to leave that to professionals. If you’re also experiencing animal noise at night, raccoon removal near me can handle those cases as well.
6. Know When to Call the Pros
While DIY inspections help, some bird entry points are tricky to spot. Pros use thermal cameras, ladders, and other tools.
Consider calling in the experts if:
- You see signs but can’t find the source.
- Birds return after you remove nests.
- There’s more than one entry point.
If you’re already Googling bird exclusion and removal near me, it might be time to hire a pro. It also means they can do humane exclusion. That means sealing holes only after birds leave safely. That’s especially important if young birds are still inside.
7. Don’t Forget the Garage and Basement
While birds don’t usually enter through the basement, garages are a common spot.
Check these areas too:
- Gaps near the garage door seal
- Open windows or vents
- Holes near rafters
Leaving the garage door open too long invites birds in. If one gets trapped, it may start nesting fast.
8. Seal and Prevent Future Entry
Once we’ve found all possible entry points, it’s time to seal them up.
Use:
- Steel mesh for vents
- Caulk for small cracks
- Foam sealant for gaps in siding
- Hardware cloth for large holes
Do this only when we’re sure no birds are inside. Otherwise, they may get trapped and die, which creates other problems. Also, trim back tree branches that hang close to the roof. They serve as easy launch points for birds and even raccoons.
Conclusion: Keep Birds Out Before They Get In
A home inspection is the first—and most important—step in bird exclusion. We don’t have to wait for the nesting season to take action. With early checks and innovative sealing, we can protect the home, the family, and even the birds.
Need help right away? Contact Media Animal Control for safe, thorough, and effective removal. They also make sure birds don’t come back.
Birds belong outside—not in our attic. Let’s keep it that way, together.
