Birds in the eaves

[Elle]

I am at my wits end, having been woken up at the crack of dawn for 2 years, by birds in the eaves of my roof. The opening has been blocked up before, but they always manage to fight their way back in. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to deter them from setting up residence in there? Maybe something that I can put in there which they are averse to?

[katejess]

I have the exact same problem with starlings and although I have contacted the owner of the building, they wont do anything about it. It drives me crazy. I lie in bed at night and it sounds as though the little swines are playing catch in my attic. Because I don't own the building, there is little I can do about it, but perhaps this falls under the heading "pest control"? Sorry, that wasn't any help, but I just wanted you to know that you aren't the only one with this problem.

[Elle]

Thanks anyway Katejess. Nice to know you're feeling my pain! Anyone out there that can help us both?

[DavidUK]

I've had the same problem for years, too. I rang the RSPB last year for advice but all they told me was that it is illegal to interfere with the birds while they are nesting (and I wouldn't want to harm them anyway). I think the only solution is to wait for them to go on their holidays then block up the openings. The trouble is, there doesn't seem to be any time of the year when they are not there (I don't want to shut them in). Anyway, as you say Elle, it's nice to know we're not alone.

[Elle]

You're probably right David. I think the last time the roofer came round, he must have blocked it up while the birds were still in there, and they fought their way out, leaving the gap open for more to come in. I don't want to harm them either, just deter them, but it looks like I'll have to do as you suggest.

[quattro]

One idea I have recenty seen to deter swallows and house martens was what looked like a pom -pom like the ones used by morris dancers suspended in the gable end of a house usually used by birds . It seemed to be made out of a bin bag cut into strips and it blew about in the wind it was a bit unsightly but it does'nt have to stay there all summer and after the birds have been deterred a few years I'm sure they would give up trying

[Elle]

Hmm....Interesting idea. I wonder why it works? Maybe it's just the movement in the breeze that scares them away.

[Elle]

No cat, I'm afraid. I don't think they're even in a part of the roof that a cat could get to.