Bird proofing your home

Birds can be lovely outside, but some may cause damage to your home if allowed entry to it to nest, roost or look for food. Australian native species such as cockatoos can cause immense damage to wooden structures of a home in some areas of Australia. Using netting, spikes and other preventative measures can ensure that your home remains undamaged by birds. Government website Development Assessment Forum is a source on information on control measures for pests such as birds.

Bird damage to homes

Pigeons, starlings and seagulls can cause damage to homes by fouling with droppings, and may also contaminate rainwater tanks via droppings on the roof. Starlings along with several other species such as blackbirds and swallows also love to nest in the eaves of your roof, which can cause mess and fouling from droppings.

Cockatoos, corellas and galahs can cause immense structural damage to your home simply by ripping the wood off in their powerful bills. It should be noted that these are native birds and therefore are protected; you should not attempt to harm them but should seek advice from your local council on how to control the problem.

Proofing against bird invasion

There are several ways to ensure that your home is not invaded by pest birds.

• Close up any gaps in your roof or other entry points to your home. Under roof tiles, the roof "valley", drain pipes, chimneys and vents are all vulnerable to bird entry.
• Bird wire and netting, pop riveting tin or aluminium sheets may be used to close gaps and secure any inviting entry points
• "Avistrand" wire strung at about 10 - 20 cms above roosting height can deter birds from sitting in usual spots
• Bird-ex plastic strips will also deter birds from landing
• "Bird spikes" can be attached to landing points to deter landing
• Iridescent or reflective strips glued to the outside of your home can be effective deterrents (these may also save your fruit trees)
• Bird scarers can include visual scarers such as cut out cats and "eyes", or auditory ones such as humming lines

Bird problems in the home

Birds can cause damage to your home, may spread diseases such as bird mites and can foul your home and water supply. Easy preventative measures such as closing entry points, making roosting and landing areas unattractive and repelling birds with scarers and reflective items will safeguard your home without causing the birds any harm. By protecting your home you can enjoy it and the wildlife, knowing that each is safe from the other.