The best time to remove a nest from an attic, chimney or vent is after nesting season is over and the young have left the nest. Most birds only nest once per year; usually in springtime. The specific bird species must first be identified. Then you must confirm that all young have left the nest.
In our opinion they are an absolute necessity and one of cheapest forms of “insurance” you can buy. Insurance against water damage, fires and bird infestations.
We are licensed bird nest removal specialists in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. We can legally remove both live and dead birds from chimneys. The most common bird species to inhabit your chimney are chimney swifts, starlings, swallows and doves. Removal must be done humanly and legally before installing any bird-proof chimney caps or guards.
Chimney swifts are swallow-like birds that have become experts at nesting in chimneys. They start to enter chimneys in the springtime in VA, MD, WVA and DC. Being small, they can easily squeeze through damaged chimney caps. Their feces will smell in your chimney and they are loud chirpers. The Wildlife Center of Virginia reported that in 2021 the number of calls due to chimney swift issues is up substantially. Chimney swifts are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be removed until the hatchlings have left. If you suspect chimney swifts -or other birds- are nesting in your chimney, call us for an inspection and legal removal plan.
The USDA Wildlife Services branch considers pigeons THE most serious bird pest for human homes. That is because they roost in large groups and reproduce rapidly. Their droppings are highly toxic carrying a host of diseases that can contaminate large areas. We can install netting, use bird spikes or guards to keep them from landing on roofs, ledges and balconies. In some cases, professional bird repellents in gel/caulk form will be effective. In an attic, extreme care and full protective equipment is necessary. Dangerous dried pigeon feces, is usually airborne and highly toxic. We use professional trapping devices, one-way exclusion devices, and/or baiting. Once the attic is clear of birds, we will seal up entry points, sanitize the attic and remove/replace any damaged insulation.
We don’t recommend DIY bird nest removal but if you try it, do it carefully! Identify the species and make sure that the nest may be legally removed. Make sure there are no young birds or eggs present. Make sure to wear full protective clothing, gloves and a professional respirator to protect yourself from airborne pathogens. Before and after removal use a strong disinfectant to sanitize the area. Then install bird-proof exclusion devices.
As a homeowner you can take some steps to reduce the chances. Our best advice is proactive exclusion since it is much cheaper than removal. Have our free professional inspection. Other steps include:
- Keep bird baths and bird feeders far away from your house.
- Install birdproof vent covers, chimney caps and gutter guards. Seal attic vents with wire mesh.
- Install bird spikes in common nesting locations - porches, awnings, doors, window sills.
- Do periodic inspections to identify openings.
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Callus at (540) 441-7397 or schedule via our form. We respond quickly.
The price can vary widely based on the job. A simple dryer vent removal, sanitation and bird guard installation may be $180. Complex removal of birds nesting in your attic, including attic sanitation, may be $1,500-$4,000. The cost for a chimney cap- if needed- can vary between $100- $800 depending on size and material (copper being the most durable but most expensive). We will provide you with a firm quotation based on our inspection.