A bird’s nesting season typically takes place from February, right through to August, with one of their general hotspots for nesting being in roofs and guttering. Roofs are vital sanctuaries for some birds because of the loss of natural nest sites. So, if you notice some overhanging branches in your gutter, it’s very likely that you have nest within it.
Unfortunately, the nesting materials can play havoc to your drains, causes blockage and further build up, but there are some dos and don’ts before you decide to try and remove a nest yourself.
Should you remove the nest?
Before you try to remove any nests from your guttering, we advise you do this outside of nesting season. Birds can understandably be quite protective of their nests and eggs, so attempting to remove them during this time is not only harming the lives of the birds, but also yours if you’re up high on a ladder.
Removing a nest can be much more difficult than it looks, so you may wish to contact your local wildlife authority for advice of how and if you can remove it. A professional is always best but if you do decide to remove yourself, always you ensure you have someone with you to help.
Preventing a nest
If you have a continuous problem with birds using your gutters and roofs as nesting spots, you could install metal spikes or other deterrents available to prevent bird landing, meaning no nests build ups. Speak to your local wildlife authority for advice.
Protecting your drains
You should try to have your gutters cleaned each year, to remove any build-up of debris which can ultimately find its way down your drains, potentially causing blockages and resulting in a much harder clear up. It’s always a good idea to have a professional do this for you, for your own safety. You could talk to them about installing a Gutter Guard too, which prevents debris ever coming down your pipe, which means your drains will be much happier for longer.
If you require any further information or would like to call out one of our expert engineers to help with any of your drain issues, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us on 0800 849 8099 or through our ‘Contact Us’ page.
