How to Keep Birds From Nesting in a Garage

The best defense is to make nesting areas hard to access for the birds.

Birds can be a nuisance when nests are placed in areas they are not wanted. Birds can carry disease, make lots of noise or just make a mess. The best way to keep birds from nesting in the garage is to prevent them from being comfortable in the area. Use all means possible to make the birds uncomfortable and the areas inaccessible for nesting purposes. The goal is to make the birds select another nesting location.

Things You'll Need

• Bird netting
• Bird spikes
• Bird repellent

Instructions

1. Close off access points for entry using bird netting. The netting is stretched over any small openings to prevent the birds from entering the garage. The netting holes should be smaller than the smallest birds nesting in the garage. Netting can be purchased at local hardware stores.

2. Place bird spikes in areas where the birds like to roost. The spikes are typically made of metal or plastic. The spikes should be the appropriate size for the type of bird nesting in the garage. For example, spikes meant for large doves will have no effect on sparrows.

3. Scare off the birds anytime they are noticed in the garage. The more the birds are harassed, the more likely they will move on. Yell at the birds or throw small items in the direction of the birds. Do not try to hit the birds with thrown items, the goal is to scare them away.

4. Destroy empty nests and spray bird repellent in the areas the nests have been placed. Birds will nest in the same spot year after year unless forced to nest elsewhere. Do not bother a nest that has eggs or hatchlings as it is both inhumane and may be against the law.

5. Trap live birds if all other methods have failed. Contact a local pest control company to assist in the capture and release of the birds. If you decide to trap the birds yourself make sure you are not breaking any laws;. Birds, especially migratory birds, may not be trapped during nesting season in many areas.

Tips & Warnings

• If you current feed birds, it may be advisable to stop. Do not provide free food to birds nesting in unwanted areas.

References

• The Daily Puppy; How to Get Rid of Birds in the Garage; G.D. Palmer
• US Fish and Wildlife Service: Backyard Bird Problems
• Clean Environment Janitorial Services: Got Birds? Top Ten Bird Problems