Do you love the sound of birds? If you’re lucky, you’re hearing a dove waking you up before dawn. Perhaps you enjoy the sound of roosters waking up next. We often think of birds – singing and igniting a sense of delight.
Yet, sometimes the opposite is true. In your home, are you fighting with the birds? Whether at home, at the office, or in your apartment, birds on the roof could be a source of distress.
If you’re feeling constantly annoyed with your bird visitors, it’s time to take action. Let’s look at how you can restore your peace and calm—without harming the birds that have taken up roost on your property.
Investigate The Situation
Here are three specific actions to take to identify your problem and find the best course of action.
- Determine the species. What species of birds are flocking to your roof? Are you fighting to keep the pigeons away? Are you fed up with sparrows, blue jays, crows, starlings, or swifts? Get to know the species that are calling your roof home.
- Check local laws. Many communities legally protect species of birds that are endangered. You need to understand the community, city, and federal laws, before taking action. Some coastal areas are restricted, especially during nesting seasons. Know your community guidelines – before attempting to remove the birds.
- Talk to your neighbors. Long-time residents will know the history of your area. Get out and talk with people who are familiar with your neighborhood. Listen to their stories. You’ll discover what people have tried in the past. You’ll find out what has worked and what hasn’t been successful.
Evaluate Your Options
Birds are on your roof, but it’s hard to see what’s going on from the ground. What can you do to get a better sense? Get help from a bird-control expert. Bird control experts are trained in handling these problems. They will suggest different bird removal solutions such as setting traps, removing bird nests or using ultrasonic devices.
Check The Roof
Birds may be nesting in your home. Birds often build nests inside the chimney or in the roof. Homeowners often find these places are dangerous and difficult to access.
Many homeowners and business owners hate heights. They are reluctant to climb around on a roof or enter a chimney. It’s wise to exercise caution. Exploring the roof can be dangerous, especially if you are not comfortable with heights.
Instead of grabbing a ladder and doing something risky that might inadvertently put you in danger’s way, find a good roofer. Do a quick online search by typing in “how to hire a good roofer,” and you’ll find reviews for professionals in your area.
As you explore online reviews, make sure that you find roofers who are licensed, bonded, have liability insurance, and are local. A good rule of thumb is to contact those who have good standing in your community. Good roofers are usually in business for three or more years, have great online reviews, and have awards from local media.
Once you find a reputable roofer, get an appointment soon as possible. The sooner you know the extent of the problem, the sooner you’ll start to enjoy some quiet.
Keep Birds Away
Let’s fast forward. With the help of an expert roofer, you’ve taken care of the problem. The birds are no longer residing on your roof. But, your work is not done.
You still want to take a very important step: keep the birds away. Experts will recommend various solutions to prevent birds from returning, including netting, perch-repellent gel, anti-roost strips, and decoys.
- Netting helps to block the birds off completely. You can hang netting from the roof.
- A perch-repellent gel is a sticky substance to put on ledges. Birds feel uncomfortable staying on the ledges, so they fly away to another location.
- Anti-roosting deterrents strips are often used on commercial buildings. These strips contain small metal pins that keep birds from landing.
- Decoys are fake predators. Plastic or wooden owls or hawks create an illusion that keeps smaller birds away. You often see these decoys on homes, offices, and boats.
Wrapping It Up
If birds are flocking to your roof, take action. With a little effort, you can achieve the peace you deserve. You may even start to enjoy the presence of birds that you want – such as a dove welcoming the day.
Featured Image by Thomas B. from Pixabay
