How To Get Rid Of Birds In Attic (8 Proven Methods)

Last Updated on Mar 08 2024

Whenever birds get into your attic, the results are a nightmare. Not only can they bring bugs, dirt, and leaves into your attic, but they can begin squawking early in the morning, robbing you of your peace of mind. Needless to say, birds are the last thing you want in your attic.

Luckily, there are ways that you can get rid of birds that are in your attic. Below, we go over four ways to remove birds already in your attic, plus four ways to keep them out. Use these eight methods to keep your attic free from birds.

How To Remove Birds From Your Attic

If birds have already made a home in your attic, you will have to remove the birds physically. Although some birds will leave on their own, birds are not likely to leave if they deem the area safe and near easy access to food. Here are four humane and safe ways to remove birds from your attic:

Use Humane Traps

Set up humane traps in your attic. These traps do not kill the birds. Instead, they trap the birds inside. Once the birds are trapped, you can release them outside in the wild. This method removes the birds without harming them.

You will likely need to lure the birds into the traps. The easiest way to do this is to add birdseed to the inside of the trap. The birdseed will also ensure that the birds have food to hold them over until you release them into the wild.

If you set up humane traps, check the traps daily. That way, you can release the birds as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you do not check the traps, the birds could die from lack of water, food, and stress while inside the trap.

Set Up A Sound Emitter

There are certain sounds that birds absolutely hate. If you invest in a bird sound emitter and put it into your attic, the birds will likely leave on their own. The idea is that the sound emitter releases a sound that the birds hate, thus driving them away.

The vast majority of sound emitters are designed for outdoor use, but they can be used safely inside as well. The sound will not only get rid of birds already in your attic, but it will keep the birds away if you leave the emitter in place. The only downside is that sound emitters are expensive.

Use Smells Birds Don’t Like

Just as there are some sounds that birds don’t like, there are also certain smells they don’t like. If you add these sorts of smells around your attic, the birds are likely to leave on their own since they hate the aroma.

There are tons of scents you probably have in your kitchen that will get the job done. Cayenne pepper, garlic, and peppermint oil are some of the most effective smells for deterring birds. Plus, the ingredients are completely safe for the birds. It won’t harm them. It will only scare them away.

Call A Professional

If you’ve tried everything else and cannot get rid of all the birds, it might be time to call a professional. A professional will be able to thoroughly remove the birds so that you don’t have to. Even the most stubborn of birds will be removed.

This is also an option if birds have made nests in your attic. Most bird nests are protected under law, which means you cannot remove them. Contacting a professional with the permit to remove a bird nest will ensure that the birds are safely relocated away from your attic.

How To Keep Birds Out Of Your Attic

Once you remove the birds from your attic, you have to go the extra mile to keep them out in the future as well. Here are four different ways that you can keep birds out of your attic after they have been cleared away:

Seal Up Your Attic

Sealing up your attic is the most important step for keeping birds out. If you fail to seal up the attic, birds will continue to get in. Look for any potential openings that birds can fit through, including holes, cracks, windows, and vents.

If you cannot create a complete barrier, such as around a vent, you can use netting or mesh. This will allow air to flow in and out of the attic as designed while keeping birds out.

It’s a good idea to check out your attic every year to make sure no new openings have been created. This will ensure that your attic stays sealed up. Plus, it will make your home more energy-efficient since the air is not escaping through small holes.

Use Bird Gel

Another way to seal your attic is to use bird repellent gel. Bird gel is an option if there are small gaps that cannot be completely plugged. It emits both ultraviolet light and peppermint oil. Together, the ingredients cause a burning sensation without actually burning the bird.

Because the gel creates an unpleasant sensation, birds will avoid the gel. Just insert the gel wherever needed. It will last between 2–4 years, but it is expensive.

Place Reflective Items Around The Attic

Birds are most likely to stay away from areas with frequent movement. You can create the illusion of movement by placing reflective items around your attic. The reflective articles will reflect light, encouraging the birds to stay away. You can use shiny tape, old CDs, or practically anything shiny to get this job done. It is effective and cheap.

Set Up Decoys

The last way to keep birds out of your attic is to set up decoys. Most birds will stay away from areas where they see owls and other large predators. Get a motion-activated owl to keep birds away. It’s a good idea to change the location every now and then so that the birds do not learn that it is fake.

Conclusion 

If you have birds in your attic, you will need to remove them. You can use humane traps, sound emitters, deterrent smells, or a professional to remove them initially. From there, seal up your attic and use bird gel, reflective items, and decoys to keep the birds from returning.

Don’t forget to keep your attic clean as well. Cleaning it up frequently is one of the best ways to keep birds, insects, and other critters far from your home. Plus, it’s nice to get rid of things you don’t need anymore. Good luck!

• Related Read: How to Stop Birds From Nesting on Your Porch (10 Proven Methods)

Featured Image Credit: Kincse_j, Pixabay