Birds in the Attic?
This is the season where the birds are nesting and if your house looks inviting to new flying tenants then read on. There are many means of getting rid of these attic dwellers. Exclusion is one of the simplest ways of keeping the birds out; this mechanical removal of birds and their nests is a good option only for control of house sparrows, starlings and pigeons. Other options include chemicals, repellents and other more violent means. Whatever methods are used, the first step is always to identify the birds causing the problem, and to discover what is attracting them. Once these are determined, there are usually two options: remove what is attracting the bird, or exclude the bird. Generally the most successful methods rely on exclusion and/or habitat modification. Exclusion can include many options including: frightening the birds away with scare tactics such as lasers, lights, flags, balloons, scare eyes, hawk/owl/snake likenesses, aluminum pie pans, and the classic scarecrow. The scare tactics must be used for several days. More effective exclusion methods include: latex caulk, metal wool, metal spikes, screen wire or hardware cloth to seal nesting and roosting spots on building exteriors. The solution to bird problems is often complicated, labor intensive and expensive.
