How Much Does Bird Removal from an Attic Cost in the UK?

If recently you’ve been hearing strange noises in your attic, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves playing host to flocks of feathered freeloaders. While birds can be delightful in your garden, they cause headaches if they settle inside your house. The cost to remove birds from your attic also gets bigger the more you wait.

But before you embark on a quest to remove any birds from your loft, you need to know a few things.

Are birds in the loft a problem?

Yes. Having birds in your attic might seem harmless, but, in fact, it can turn ugly. In the UK, the most common bird freeloaders include pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows. These crafty critters can always find a way into your loft. And if that’s not the exact case, birds build nests in your gutters which you then have to remove somehow.

You might think a few birds in the attic is no big deal, but they can cause some serious headaches by causing…

Health risks

Bird droppings are like tiny biological grenades. They may carry a sneaky respiratory disease called histoplasmosis. If you inhale its spores from the bird poop, you can get symptoms akin to a nasty flu. So, if you decide to remove bird poop, definitely wear a protective mask. Sadly, that’s not all in terms of health risks.

Birds also play host to a range of parasites. For example, pigeons may carry mites, fleas and ticks. These parasites can spread throughout your house and affect your family and pets. Then not only do you have to check how to get rid of pigeons but also how much flea extermination costs.

Damage to your property

You might not think of birds as destructive forces, but give them a little time. They will turn your attic into a disaster zone.

For starters, the critters often peck and pull at roofing materials to build their nests. Gradually, any damage to shingles and tiles may allow water to seep in. Moreover, birds often nest in loft insulation, which can reduce its effectiveness. The result is an increase in your heating costs.

And speaking of heat, birds often use dry materials to build their nests. Think of twigs and leaves. If these nests are built near electrical wiring or other components, they can become a fire hazard.

Noise disturbance

Birds are most active at dawn, and that’s terrible news if you love to sleep in late. The constant noises from chirping, cooing, and movement can easily penetrate through ceilings.

Mind you, birds are not the only creatures that can invade attics. Mice, rats, and squirrels can also do that. You will get the same noise issues and even more severe damage because rodents gnaw on everything.

With everything said so far, you may have the following questions:

So, when you think about it, you not only have to pay the standard bird nest removal cost but also for repairs afterwards. Kind of puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? That’s why you shouldn’t wait if you suspect something.

Can you remove birds from loft?

In the UK, it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy a bird’s nest while it’s being used or built. This legislation applies to all wild birds, including sparrows and pigeons. Most wild birds, their eggs, and nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means that if you remove or destroy an active nest, you will get into some serious trouble with the law.

Now you may be wondering can you get fined for removing a bird’s nest? Well, according to gov.com you can get up to six months in prison plus an unlimited fine. The fine can be applied separately for each individual bird, nest, or egg. You can’t just shoo them away whenever you feel like it. You can generally remove nests only when they are no longer in use. You have to wait until after the breeding season has ended and the birds have left the premises.

So, what time of year can you remove bird nests? The safe window for bird removal typically falls between late summer and early autumn. That’s when the breeding season wraps up. During this time, nests are usually abandoned, and it’s safe to remove them.

Tempted to try and tackle the bird removal from the attic yourself? Think again. First, there are the legal risks. Second, there are financial risks. Botching a DIY removal can lead to property damage or incomplete removal. Finally, there are safety risks. Climbing into attics and dealing with birds can be risky—you might encounter aggressive birds or hazardous conditions, like weak roof structures or live wiring. And let’s not forget the spores you will likely inhale.

When it comes to bird removal from the loft, calling in the professionals is often the safest and most effective route. Professional bird removers are licensed and know the legal ins and outs. When they work, they use humane traps to safely capture and relocate the birds without causing harm. As part of the prevention process, professionals may install bird netting and or spikes.

How much does it cost to remove birds from your attic in the UK?

The average cost of bird removal from the attic in the UK ranges from £100 to £300. It can vary depending on several factors:

1. Species and number of birds – Seagulls are aggressive, therefore harder to remove. Starlings form large flocks, so there are more birds to remove. Basically, different bird species require different methods for safe removal and that affects the price;
2. Accessibility – The ease of access to your attic can impact the price. Hard-to-reach areas may require additional equipment or labour, and that always leads to higher costs;
3. Seasonal considerations – The removal after active season is generally easier and less costly. However, if the nest is blocking a chimney or ventilation, then urgent removal may be needed. That will increase the price, inevitably;
4. Geographic location – Costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK, with prices generally higher in urban areas compared to rural locations.

Once all these factors are cleared with the bird removal company of your choice, you will be visited by a team of professionals. They will likely use some of these removal and prevention methods:

Once you’ve evicted the feathered guests, it might be worth to consider how to tidy up and prevent future issues. Cleaning up after them is no small task. So, hiring professional cleaning services might add to the cost, but at least your attic will be clean from nasty dropping and nesting materials. Then there are the repairs. Fixing these issues might bump up the final bill, but you need to get your home back to its pre-bird condition.

How do I know if birds are nesting in my attic?

Here are a few telltale signs that you definitely have birds in your loft.

What to do if birds nest in your loft?

As you already know, it is best not to try to remove birds on your own. Instead, do this:

1. Contact professionals – Look for local bird control services with a good reputation for handling bird-related issues. Certified companies are the only ones who can remove birds from roofs legally;
2. Consider timing – If the birds are still nesting, you may need to wait until after the breeding season when the nest is no longer active. The company will likely tell you this and help you schedule an appointment after the breeding season;
3. Plan for cleanup and repairs – Once the birds have vacated, it’s time to address any mess or damage left behind. You might also need repairs to your roof or insulation;
4. Consider preventative measures – Once the birds have been safely removed, think about bird-proofing your loft to prevent future nesting. Professionals can help install netting, spikes, or other deterrents to keep birds from returning.