ᐅ Bird Nests Under the Roof – What Should You Do?

Hello everyone,

We own a house from Schwörerhaus that is now about 8 years old.

Over the past 4-5 years, we have been having increasing problems with bird nests under the roof and beneath the roof tiles. The roof tiles on the cross beam (see photos) unfortunately do not fully close on the side, which provides nesting space for birds that is being used. Does anyone know if this is normal (so far I haven’t seen a house with exposed tiles like this) and what could be done about it?

Another issue is that under the gutter, the roof is also not properly sealed (see photo with red arrows). Birds are nesting here as well. Does anyone know whether this incomplete closure is necessary or if it is a construction defect? The main problem is the large amount of bird droppings. I am quite concerned that the acidic droppings could cause damage under the roof, and it is certainly not ideal for the health of my small children. What could be done in this situation?

Schwörerhaus has not been able to assist us.

Thanks for your help and best regards,

Marco

Just take any grid and stuff it in there. Or you check every few days and destroy the nest early on. Nest building takes several weeks for many species...

After the nesting season, remove the nests and seal the entrances,
adjust the grids as needed, and cover them with bird protection nets.
Be careful not to get bird droppings in your eyes; wear safety goggles.

Thank you in advance for the responses so far!

Unfortunately, the house is very tall. The mentioned location is at a height of 8 meters (26 feet) and is very difficult to access.

Legally, removing nests can be problematic.
Do you have neighbors who don’t like you, or a local watchperson around?

Marco1978 schrieb:

Do you know if this is normal (so far, I haven’t seen any house with exposed bricks like this) and what could be done about it?

My neighbors have a 7-year-old Schwörer house, and the bricks look the same there.

Marco1978 schrieb:

Or is this a construction defect? The main problem is unfortunately the large amount of bird droppings.

I can’t imagine it’s a construction defect. Houses often provide opportunities for animals. If certain animals make use of that, it’s just nature and/or personal bad luck.
Our neighbors’ sparrows also like to sit on the gutter; at our place, they perch on the chimney and the flagpole, nests are built in the carport, and we leave them be. It only lasts for a relatively short time each year, and bird droppings are certainly common on many paths and terraces.
That’s nature. Ants are annoying too, and I actually believe they are the ones who rule the world 🙂
Swallows are even more troublesome…

Marco1978 schrieb:

Unfortunately, the house is very tall. The mentioned location is about 8 meters (26 feet) high and very difficult to access.

You can buy or rent scaffolding. In my opinion, with a two-story house, it's something you should have anyway. There’s always a reason to set it up. Or you can hire someone to do the job, but that will cost you.