How to Rid Your House of Birds

Pigeons

Do you have birds crashing through windows and flying out of your fireplace? This might be a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The Birds," but anyone who has ever had a problem with birds in their house knows that it is not always easy to get them out.

Things You'll Need

• Bird traps
• Bird repellent
• Life-sized model owl

Instructions

1. Remove all nests and eggs from the house. Birds typically like to nest in places high off the ground, so start in the attic and work your way down. Check in rafters, holes in walls, and in closets.

2. Seal off any areas where the birds are coming in. If you are unable to do a permanent fix, pieces of plywood nailed over the holes work well. Seal any broken windows.

3. Set bird traps and bird repellents in your house. Depending on how many birds are in the house, you may want to use one or several traps on each floor. When buying bird repellent, look for one that has been approved or recommended by the Audubon Society, as these are the safest and tend to work the best.

4. Collect the traps and set the birds free in a place that is a considerable distance from your house. It is best to wait one or two days before collecting the traps to be sure that all birds have been caught.

5. Place a life-sized model owl on the roof of your home or near the birds' point of entry. This will frighten away any birds from trying to enter your house in the future. Move the model several feet every week or so, or the birds will become familiar with it, and it will not be as effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat this process as many times as necessary until all birds are gone.

• There are many laws protecting birds, be sure to check with your state's laws before doing any pest control to make sure you are in compliance.

References

• How to Get Rid of Birds
• Humane Wildlife Control - How to Get Rid of Birds

Resources

• National Audubon Society