Birds in the Attic: Noise, Mess, and Mites

While we often think of raccoons or squirrels as attic invaders, birds are a frequent culprit. Starlings, sparrows, and pigeons often exploit broken vents or gaps in eaves to build large, messy nests in attics. Unlike a squirrel that brings in a few leaves, birds bring in pounds of straw, grass, and debris, creating a significant biohazard.

How Do Birds Get In?

• Gable Vents: If the screen is torn or missing, it’s an open door.
• Soffits: Loose vinyl soffit panels can be pushed up by determined birds.
• Roof Returns: The small gap where a lower roof meets an upper wall is a favorite nesting spot.

The Dangers of Attic Birds

1. Histoplasmosis

Bird droppings (guano) accumulate quickly under the roosting area. As the droppings dry, a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum can grow. If you go into the attic and disturb the dust, you can inhale spores that cause a severe respiratory infection known as Histoplasmosis.

2. Bird Mites

Bird mites are tiny parasites that live on birds and in their nests. When the baby birds leave the nest (fledge), thousands of mites are left behind looking for a food source. They will migrate down through light fixtures and vents into bedrooms, biting humans. While they can’t survive long on human blood, the infestation is psychologically terrifying and itchy.

3. Insulation Ruin

Large amounts of bird droppings will ruin insulation, requiring expensive removal and replacement.

Professional Bird Removal

Bird removal is complicated by federal laws (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) protecting most native species. You cannot simply destroy a nest with eggs.

1. Identification: We identify if the birds are a protected native species or an invasive species (like Starlings or House Sparrows).
2. Removal/Exclusion: If flightless chicks are present, we may need to wait until they fledge. Once the birds are out, we install one-way devices that let them fly out but block re-entry.
3. Sealing: We install heavy-duty screens and covers that birds cannot peck through or remove.
4. Cleanup: This is vital. We wear HEPA-filtered respirators and protective suits to remove the nest and droppings safely, treating the area to kill mites and bacteria.

If you have birds in your belfry (or attic), call HWCS for a safe, legal, and sanitary solution.