How to Stop Birds From Nesting in a Tile Roof

Starlings often make a nest under roofing tiles.

Clay tiles come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and patterns for roofs. They offer the home owner a long roof life expectancy of up to 100 years, according to the National Park Service. Unfortunately, the open ends of the tiles, where they meet the buildings eaves, are ideal nesting locations for a wide range of bird species. Eave closures and eave comb filler units work to successfully plug the tile ends to prevent birds from building nests within the tile openings. They are made of copper, aluminum, wood or simple plastic and come in a wide range of colors.

Things You'll Need

• Extension ladder
• Screw driver
• Hammer
• Eave closures
• Screws
• Nails
• Hand snips
• Eave comb filler units
• Spray foam

Instructions

1. Secure a ladder safely to the side of the house so it is level and will not tip or fall. Use an extension ladder if necessary to see the tiles closely.

2. Check the ends of the roofing tiles in October when the birds have finished nesting. Remove any nesting debris from the location and discard.

3. Fit the eave closures or eave comb fillers into the ends of the roofing tiles. Eave closures slide into place. Use a pair of hand snips to cut the comb filler units to fit the end of the roofing tiles.

4. Secure the eave closures using nails or screws depending on the variety of eave closure purchased. Nail or screw the eave comb filler units to the top of the fascia board. Angle the plastic fingers out towards the tiles. Lightly tap the nails or slowly screw the screws into the plastic to avoid cracking it. Avoid tightening the screws too tightly or the plastic may also crack immediately or over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Starlings, sparrows, swallows, swifts, owls and house martins are the most likely birds to nest under the protection of roofing tiles.

• If birds rarely nest in your roofing tiles consider simply remove the nesting debris and spray the gap full of spray foam for a quick, inexpensive fix.

• Eave comb filler units tend to be cheaper than standard eave closures.

• Never remove the bird's nest when the bird is still using it. The birds will often abandon their eggs or young if the nest is disturbed.

References

• Roof Consultant: Slating and Tile Tips
• The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Advice
• Cotswold Waterpark: Birds, Bats and Buildings
• National Park Service: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs
• Los Angeles Times: Keeping Birds From Nesting in Clay Tile Roof