While Melbourne birdlife can beautiful, when birds decide to nest in or around your home, they can cause problems, especially if you have solar panels. Whether they’re making a mess or causing damaging your property, it’s important to handle the situation in a humane way. Fortunately, there are effective and ethical ways to trap birds and deter them from coming back. Here’s what you need to know about safely managing unwanted feathered guests.
Why Birds Are a Problem
While most birds are generally harmless, they can cause a range of issues when they settle too close to home.
Nests often attract other pests and insects. If birds set up shop in your eaves or gutters, it could lead to infestations of unwanted critters seeking shelter or food. Additionally, bird droppings can cause significant damage to your property. The acidic nature of bird faeces can corrode exterior surfaces, ruin paint finishes, and even lead to roof damage and solar panel damage over time. Some birds, like pigeons, can also be particularly noisy, disrupting sleep and daily activities
Birds and nests pose health and safety risks as well. Birds often become territorial during breeding seasons and may aggressively defend their nests and this behaviour could result in injuries for unsuspecting passersby or pets who wander too close. They can also carry parasites and diseases that may affect humans and pets.
Understanding the potential complications that come with birds nesting around your home will empower you to take action and protect both your property and peace of mind.
Humane Bird Trapping Methods
If you need to remove birds from your home or property, utilising humane traps allows us you to capture birds without causing harm, ensuring that they can be safely relocated to more suitable environments.
Live Bird Traps
Live bird traps are designed to capture birds without harming them. These cages allow birds to enter but not escape, and they can later be released safely in an appropriate area. Some key tips for using live traps effectively:
- Bait the Trap – Use birdseed, grains, or fruit to lure the bird inside.
- Monitor Regularly – Check the trap frequently to ensure birds are not left inside for too long.
- Release Responsibly – Relocate birds to a safe area away from homes and urban centres.
Funnel Traps
These traps have an entrance that allows birds to walk in but makes it difficult for them to exit. Funnel traps are often used for smaller birds like sparrows and finches. Once caught, they can be safely relocated.
One-Way Doors
If birds are nesting inside your chimney or roof space, installing a one-way exit door can allow them to leave but prevent them from re-entering. This method is best used in combination with sealing entry points to ensure they don’t return.
How to Prevent Birds from Coming Back
Trapping birds is only a temporary solution if you don’t take steps to prevent them from returning. To effectively keep these feathered visitors at bay, consider employing a combination of strategies that deter them from nesting or roosting near your property.
Start by identifying and sealing any entry points. Birds can find their way into small gaps in eaves, vents, and other openings. By ensuring these areas are securely closed off, you create an unwelcoming atmosphere.
Utilise visual bird deterrents such as reflective tape, predator decoys, and ultrasonic bird repelling devices. These items create a sense of danger for birds, discouraging them from approaching your home.
You should also consider installing bird spikes or mesh bird netting on surfaces where birds tend to perch. This physical barrier makes it uncomfortable for them to settle down and establish a presence.
Lastly, maintaining cleanliness around your yard is essential. Ensure that food sources like pet food or open rubbish bins are not easily accessible to attract birds.
When to Call a Professional
If birds are causing significant problems or are difficult to remove safely, consider contacting an expert in bird trapping. Melbourne is home to an array of professionals who have the tools and knowledge to handle bird removal humanely and in compliance with local wildlife regulations.
Birds are an important part of our ecosystem, but when they become a nuisance, it’s important to handle the situation responsibly. Using humane trapping and deterrent methods ensures that you, your property and the birds stay safe.
If you’ve made the switch to solar and you’re dealing with persistent bird issues, reach out to the team at Bird Proof Solar today. We can help with a tailored plan to safely remove and deter birds form you roof, ensuring your solar system stays in top condition. We bird proof properties all over Melbourne from Caroline Springs to Frankston and all round. We can also help with affordable solar panel cleaning. Melbourne’s Bird Proof Solar is your trusted choice for effective bird proofing solutions. Call 1300 121 591 now.