You know that gentle flapping sound above your ceiling? If you live in Cape Coral, chances are a few uninvited feathered guests have found their way into your attic. It happens more often than you might think, especially with all the cozy nooks and warm shelter attics offer. While birds can be fascinating to watch outdoors, sharing your home with them can create quite a mess—and even lead to some headaches down the road. But don’t worry! If you’ve discovered birds nesting in your attic, professional pets and bird removing services offer a safe, humane way to encourage them to move out. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned, step by step, so you can get your attic back without any drama—for the birds or yourself.
First Signs: Is There Really a Bird Upstairs?
Before you rush up with a broom or call in a professional, pause and make sure you’re actually dealing with birds. Attics can play host to all sorts of critters—squirrels, raccoons, or even rodents. Birds usually give themselves away with soft cooing, fluttering wings, or the sound of feet scurrying across your ceiling. If you spot feathers, droppings, or even hear tiny chirps, it’s a good bet you’ve got birds moving in.
Take a stroll around the outside of your house. Look for small gaps near the eaves, missing vent covers, or holes under the roofline—these are prime entryways for our feathered friends. If you see birds flying in and out, you’ve found their front door.
Gentle Steps to Encourage Birds to Leave
Now, you might feel tempted to just plug up the holes and be done with it. But wait! Birds, especially if they have eggs or chicks, can get trapped and panic, which isn’t good for them or you. Here’s how I like to handle it:
- Pick the Right Time: Early evening is best—birds are usually out searching for food and you’re less likely to disturb any young ones.
- Make It Unwelcoming: Open windows or attic vents if possible (and safe), so the birds have an easy escape route. Try playing gentle sounds or leaving a bright light on up there for a while. Birds prefer quiet, dark spaces, so a little disruption can encourage them to move on.
- Wait and Watch: Give it a day or two. If you still hear activity, check for nests with eggs or chicks. If you find any, it’s best to wait until the babies can fly before sealing things up.
Blocking the Welcome Mat: Closing Up Entry Points
Once you’re sure the birds have left (and not just hiding in a corner), it’s time to bird-proof your attic. This part is crucial—otherwise, you’ll be back to square one in no time.
- Inspect Thoroughly: Take a close look at every possible nook and cranny around your attic. Flashlights help a lot—shine them into dark corners and vents.
- Seal Carefully: Use hardware cloth, sturdy mesh, or wood to cover up holes. Make sure vent covers are secure but still allow for airflow. Avoid using anything birds might peck through, like thin plastic or tape.
- Double-Check: Walk around again after a few days just to be sure nothing was missed.
When to Call for Backup
Sometimes the situation is a little more complicated. Maybe the birds just won’t leave, or you’ve found a nest you’re not sure how to handle. In those cases, it’s totally fine to call a local wildlife professional. They know how to safely relocate birds and can tackle tricky spots without harming anyone involved. It’s also a good idea if you’re worried about bird droppings, which can sometimes carry germs or parasites.
| Step | What To Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check for Birds | Listen for sounds, look for feathers or droppings, inspect entry points. | Confirms you have birds (not another critter) and finds their way in. |
| Encourage Exit | Open escape routes, use light or sound, wait for them to leave. | Lets birds leave safely on their own without harm. |
| Seal Entry Points | Cover holes and vents with strong mesh or wood. | Keeps new birds from coming back in. |
| Call a Pro (if needed) | Contact wildlife removal if birds won’t leave or you find a nest. | Handles tough situations without risking harm to birds or yourself. |
