Starlings and other birds!

[ConfusedCheese]

Hiya,

I'm looking for a little advice on what I can do about a bird problem we seem to be having. I'm pretty sure we had some starlings nesting a little while ago. We could see them entering somewhere above the guttering, and could hear them scratching and scraping every morning (It almost sounds like they're in the house)! They stopped for a week or so, but seem to be making noise again.

I'm waiting to lend some ladders off a friend, but I managed to take some shots reaching out the window with my camera. I can't see any obvious nesting or holes, so I assume they're slipping in under the tiles somehow? Does this sound likely?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYHRl79jlB4

If this is the case, what would be the best remedy? I'm not very skilled at DIY but I don't think I can stand listening to them scratching indefinitely. I know I can't fix it until they've left the area.

I've checked the loft space and I can see no signs of entry. Its all boarded and well lit.

 

[Alastairreid]

Google eave comb fillers.

 

[ConfusedCheese]

Hiya,

Thanks for the reply. I did notice these during my searching, but for fitting I'd be required to remove the end tiles which is a job above my means. Are there any other solutions? Would for example expanding foam be a really bad idea?

 

[joe-90]

Yes it's a really bad idea. If you can't do it then get someone in who can.

 

[Diyisfun]

Expanding foam, may well push the tiles out of place, although it should expand to the easiest place, but not worth the risk.

 

[joe-90]

Ventilation issues.

 

[ConfusedCheese]

The main problem we have is we're renting and the landlord seems unbothered as they don't appear to be in the attic. The noise is so annoying though. I don't like the idea of forking out for a specialist to do the job on a house we don't own

 

[joe-90]

What about one of those ultrasonic devices in the loft?

 

[ConfusedCheese]

Ventilation issues.

In terms of ventilation, its only about 1 metre or so of guttering. The other side part of the front of the house has a gabel (which currently has swallows nesting in it, but they're no bother lol). The other side of the house is fine, especially as nobody sleeps there, so it may be ok.

I'll happily concede its not the best idea though.

Will have a read up on ultrasonic scarers

 

[joe-90]

Have you thought about a roll of chicken in the gutter and fed under the tiles? Silly things like that often do the job. It's only in nesting season that you even need it.

 

[ConfusedCheese]

That sounds like an idea. Do you think something like this might be of use?

http://www.birdstop.co.uk/stuf-fit_copper_mesh_wire.asp

Should help ventilate still as its a mesh, but hopefully be enough to stop the birds getting in

 

[Alastairreid]

Yes! the mesh should do the trick.

 

[joe-90]

Yeah I meant chicken wire not drumstick.

 

[Nige F]

Have you thought about a roll of chicken .

B*rnard *atthews do some Bootiful ones - frozen

 

[libby lou lou]

Yeah I meant chicken wire not drumstick.

LOL!!