Birds on your roof always look cozy. Especially when they start building nests. But they can cause serious problems. From damaged roof tiles to clogged gutters and noise pollution – it is important to take measures. But how do you do this in an animal-friendly way? In this blog, we discuss effective, animal-friendly bird protection without harming the animals and explain what not to do.
Why can birds on your roof cause problems?
Many bird species like to nest under roof tiles or in gutters. However, this can cause considerable damage:
- Damage to roof tiles and roofing
Birds often look for small openings to build a nest. They can shift roof tiles, causing leaks. - Clogged gutters
Branches, leaves and droppings accumulate, which can cause clogs and flooding. - Noise pollution
Especially during the breeding season, birds can make a lot of noise, which can be disturbing.
- Health Risks
Birds can carry diseases and parasites such as lice and mites. Pigeons in particular are a major cause of health problems here. Especially since bird droppings can end up anywhere. Pigeons are sometimes irreverently called the rats of the skies for a reason. - Birds under solar panels.
When you have solar panels, chances are that birds will nest under them as well. This can have serious consequences for the birds and for the panels themselves. Cables can be damaged, and the performance of the panels can deteriorate. But they can also do damage to themselves. The eggs can become too hot from the high temperatures of the solar panels. Whereby they get cooked and die. By keeping birds out in an animal-friendly way, you prevent these problems without harming nature.
What is an animal-friendly bird barrier?
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep birds out effectively and humanely. Because besides the fact that there is a fine, most of us don’t want to hurt the birds either. Therefore, if you love animals or naturally, you can find other ways to keep the birds away without hurting or killing them. These are some of the best animal-friendly methods:
- Bird-proof strips
These flexible strips with small pins make it unattractive for birds to land without injuring them. The birds will then move more quickly to another roof. - Mirrors or reflective objects
Moving and shiny objects, such as aluminum strips or special reflective tapes, keep birds at bay. - Ultrasonic sound systems
Some devices emit sound waves that birds don’t like, but are inaudible to humans. This is a very good way to keep birds away because they basically just avoid your house. You don’t have to chase them away anymore because they fly right away to another place.
- Magnetism
This advanced method uses a magnetic field to ward off birds. Birds have a natural navigation system based on the Earth’s magnetic field. The system creates an artificial magnetic field that disrupts this internal compass of birds, causing them to become disoriented and choose to avoid the treated location. - Gutter grates
By putting a grate in your gutter, you prevent birds from building nests here and causing blockages. There is a chance that the leaves and other things will also attract birds again. So it is important, though, that you still keep the grates clean. - Fake birds of prey
A plastic or wooden replica of a bird of prey, such as an owl or hawk, can deter birds. Be sure to move these regularly, though, or birds will get used to them.
What you absolutely must not do?
While it is understandable that you want to get rid of the nuisance, there are certain methods that you absolutely should not use. Some are even prohibited because the birds are protected species. There can be high fines if you take the wrong measures. So the following things are best not to do:
Nest removal
In the Netherlands, nests of protected birds are protected by law. Removing them without exemption is punishable by law. Always check with your municipality whether you can have nests removed. Never do it yourself on your own initiative.
- Poisoning birds or using scare wire
This is not only cruel, but also illegal. - Apply sticky substances to the roof
Some people try to keep birds away with sticky substances, but this can cause serious damage to the animals. - Shooting or trapping – Killing or trapping birds without a permit is illegal and can result in large fines. Even if you were to capture the birds humanely. It is still illegal to keep them in captivity.
Long-term sustainable solutions
Want to get rid of bird nuisance long-term? Then it’s smart to invest in sustainable solutions. Make sure you always have this installed by a professional. These are a few examples of animal-friendly bird repellents you can deploy on your roof and surrounding area:
- Make your roof unattractive to birds
Seal openings with bird-friendly materials and make sure there are no food sources nearby.
And an ultrasonic solution can already prevent them from landing on your roof. - Install a green roof
This provides a natural habitat for birds without damaging your roof. - Encourage natural enemies
Birds of prey such as owls and sparrows can help regulate bird populations naturally.
Conclusion
Birds on your roof can cause a lot of nuisance, but with animal-friendly bird protection, you can prevent damage without harming the animals. Choose methods such as bird-resistant strips, reflective objects and ultrasonic sound systems. Avoid harmful or illegal techniques, such as removing nests or using sticky substances. Want a long-term solution? Then provide an unattractive roof or encourage natural enemies.
With the right approach, keep your roof bird-free in an animal-friendly way! 🕊️
So you can enjoy the birds nesting in the trees or forest but not on your roof. And of course, if you really like birds, you can always get a pet. You don’t have to let those nest on your roof.
Always check with the municipality when you have nuisance birds and what best to do with the nests. You can also hire a professional service to have the nests removed. But always get good advice because birds is often a sensitive topic with the municipality.
At OFSsevices, we use an animal-friendly bird barrier to keep birds away so you don’t have to chase after them. And stuck with laws that stop you from removing nests. Contact us for tips and information.
