Remove a Bird Nest Safely and Legally

Things to Consider When You Remove A Bird Nest

While many people think you can just remove a bird nest in the Seattle area, it’s a little more complicated than that. Whether you’re trying to remove a bird nest for robins, crows, seagulls, swallows, woodpeckers or hummingbirds, there are laws that dictate how you can remove the nest.

It’s also important to point out that removing a bird’s nest comes with some health risk. Bird droppings and feathers can contain bacteria and parasites that are harmful and can lead to disease in humans. It’s best not to come in contact with feathers or droppings as you handle the nest.

Legally Remove a Bird Nest

In the US, including the Seattle area, there are regulations restricting when you can remove a bird nest that’s active. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it illegal to capture, kill, trade, sell or transport birds, bird eggs and even their nests.

These regulations are meant to protect birds and ensure their survival. While removing an abandoned bird’s nest is legal, if you need to remove an active bird’s nest, make sure to obtain a permit before doing so.

Safely Remove a Bird Nest

Bird nests are often built in high up places such as tree limbs, gutters, chimneys, and attics. If you’re using a latter to access these locations, make sure to place it in a stable position or have someone hold the latter while you remove the bird nest. 

How to Remove a Bird Nest

It’s important to make sure the nest is inactive before removing it. In Seattle, nesting season runs from April to June. If you need to remove a bird nest its best to do so outside this time frame.

Before removing the nest, you’ll want to watch the nest to make sure its inactive and you haven’t seen any birds coming and going for some time. Once you’ve determined the nest is inactive, there are no bird eggs or baby birds in the nest, you’ll want to gather some supplies.

Make sure to wear long sleeves, and a respirator if possible. Coming in contact with feathers and bird droppings can lead to health concerns. Even dust from dried bird feces can accidently be inhaled and contain bacteria and parasites so use precaution when handling the nest.

Next, use a latter if necessary to gain access to the nest. Always make sure to place the latter on a level, non-slippery surface and have someone hold it before climbing up to the nest. Once you gain access to the nest, gently remove it and any debris from the structure.

Birds can be messy so after you remove a bird nest, you’ll want to do some clean up. You can use an anti-bacterial spray or bleach and water to clean up the mess. While doing this, make sure to wear glove to avoid contact with contaminants.

After removing the nest, destroy and discard it along with other items containing contaminants. Note that keeping a bird’s nest is against the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 so after you remove a bird nest, be sure dispose of it.

Seattle Area Bird Nest Removal Service

Bird nests in high up places or nests in dryer vents can be difficult to remove. If you find it hard to remove a bird nest, there are bird control services in the Seattle area that can help.

Pest Fighter is a professional pest control company well versed in removing bird nests. Not only do we remove the nest we’re also skilled at utilizing bird deterrents to keep birds from coming back. We safely get rid of birds and make sure they won’t come back in the most humane way possible.