How Much Does It Cost to Remove Birds from an Attic? (2023 Update)

When you’re lying in bed at night and hear a noise in your attic, your first reaction may be fear. Then, curiosity sets in. What could be up there? Is it an animal? Unfortunately, for many homeowners, animals get inside. Birds are one of the most common creatures to make their way into your attic space and give you nightmares when you aren’t aware of what’s going on.

The big question, however, is how much does it cost to have birds removed once they take up a residence? Normally, this cost is between $100 and $300 but that isn’t set in stone. Let’s take a look at the different prices for removing a bird from your attic so you can better understand what you’re facing when this situation arises. Bird removal from your attic typically costs around $100 to $300.

The Importance of Bird Removal

While you may not consider a bird in your attic to be too much of an issue, the truth is that it can be quite dangerous. The biggest concern when having wild birds in your home is the potential diseases they can carry. It isn’t often that a bird bites a person, which they can, but most likely it’s the bird’s droppings that could cause the issue. Avian Bird Flu, West Nile Virus, Pigeon Lung Disease, and E. coli are only a few of the diseases a bird can transmit. There is also the concern with mites, fleas, and ticks nests or nesting materials present.

Another issue when it comes to birds in your attic is structural damage. Whether it is one bird or a family nesting in your attic, droppings can cause damage to your flooring and eaves. You will also find that most birds will peck which can damage your walls, wiring, and lighting in the home.

There is also the potential for human or pet interaction when a bird has taken up residence in your home. When you step into your attic, the bird may swoop or attempt to attack. This is especially true if they have eggs or baby birds in their nest. You’ll also have the unfortunate issue of all the noise they can make. These noises can easily keep you up at night or frighten you if you aren’t aware of what’s making them.

How Much Does Bird Removal Cost?

Several factors come into play when it comes to the cost of bird removal from a home. One, of course, is the area. Bird removal from your attic typically costs around $100 to $300. Unfortunately, this cost is for crows, pigeons, and wrens which are the most common types of birds to make their homes in these areas. If the bird in your attic is identified as another bird species, many of which are protected, the costs naturally go up. Here’s a look at potential costs associated with different types of birds that may call your attic home.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

Like with most services, bird removal should be done by a professional. Wildlife agencies and exterminators know more about the laws and regulations regarding birds in your area. They will assess the situation and determine when and how to safely remove the birds without breaking any laws or harming the animals in the process.

Here is a look at a few additional costs you may face when it comes to bird removal from your attic.

Initial Assessment

Before removal is done, the professional you contact will want to do an initial assessment to learn what type of bird is in your attic, how many, whether they are a protected species or migratory bird, or if they have chicks or eggs in the nest. Normally, this fee is separate from the cost of bird removal and will cost you an additional $50 to $100 depending on the fees the company charges.

Emergency Removals

If you suddenly hear a bird after professional hours or one is causing damage to itself or your home, you may require emergency bird removal services. If you simply cannot wait for a routine appointment an extra fee of $100 to $200 may be charged on top of normal bird removal costs.

Dead Bird Removal

The process of removing a dead bird is a bit different from catching and relocating a live animal. It can also be more dangerous for the professional. If you need this service provided, expect to pay between $100 to $400 with costs elevated if there are multiple deceased birds in your attic.

FAQ

When Can Birds Be Removed from My Attic?

Your first instinct may be to get birds out of your attic as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, that can’t always be the case. If the birds in your attic have an active nest, with chicks or eggs inside, professionals feel it is best to wait until that nest is no longer being used to move it. If the birds are beginning to build a nest, removal is permitted.

You’ll also find when it comes to birds that it is unlawful to move or destroy a migratory bird’s nest without a permit. This is why you should reach out to professionals for an assessment before any action is taken.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bird Removal?

Unfortunately, when it comes to the cost of removing birds from your attic, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover the process. Your policy will also most likely not pay for any damages the birds cause to your home. This is why it is suggested that you reach out to a professional quickly so they can remove the birds before too much damage takes place.

How to Keep Birds Out of Your Home

If there is an opening in your home for a bird to enter, most likely, they will come. They will also come if there is food available. To prevent this from happening, using wire mesh, bird netting, fake owls, and even scarecrows is your best bet. This will prevent the birds from taking up residence and make your attic seem less comfortable. It will also help if you trim your hedges and keep your trash cans secure to avoid attracting birds to your home.

Conclusion

Reaching out to a professional for bird removal can be expensive, but it is far more affordable than the potential fines you could pay for doing it yourself and doing it wrong. When you hear a bird in your attic, your best option is to reach out to someone quickly. This will help prevent you from paying for further damage to your home or potentially coming into contact with something that could make you and your family ill.

Featured Image Credit: Max Nustedt, Unsplash