Can I remove a bird’s nest from my house?

Usually not while it is in use. In many countries, wild birds’ nests are protected by law while they are being built or have eggs or chicks in them, even on your own house. Once the young have left and the nest is empty, you can usually remove it, clean up and block the spot so it does not happen again. If you are not sure which side of that line you are on, ask before you act.

Droppings on the car every day or birds waking you before dawn make the wait feel long. It does end, though, and the fix afterwards tends to last.

Is the nest in use?

• In use: birds carrying in twigs, grass or mud; adults flying in and out; eggs; chicks calling, especially when a parent arrives.
• Probably empty: the young have flown, nothing has come or gone for a good while, and the nest is quiet at dawn and dusk.

Be patient here. Some birds raise more than one brood a season in the same spot, so a nest that went quiet can be used again. Watch from a distance rather than looking in, as disturbing the nest can itself be against the rules.

What the law usually says, and who to ask

It varies by country, by region and by species. In many places, the UK, the US, the EU and Australia among them, most wild birds and their nests in use are protected. Some species are treated differently in some places, and licences exist for genuine health or safety problems. We cannot give you a ruling for your home, but these people can:

• Your national or state wildlife agency.
• Your local council or municipality.
• A national bird charity, such as the RSPB in the UK.
• A licensed wildlife or bird control service, who should know the local rules.

Before a nest starts

If birds are only looking at a spot and nothing has been built yet, you can make it unattractive: cover the gap, fit a guard or close off the ledge. Once building has started, treat it as a nest in use and check the rules.

Once the young have left

1. Wear gloves, and a mask if the nest is dusty or full of droppings.
2. Take the nest out and bag it. Wet droppings before scraping them, never sweep them dry.
3. Clean the spot with disinfectant.
4. Block it before next season. Close the gap behind a light fitting, fit a mesh guard over vents, or fit spikes or netting on ledges. See birds nesting in vents and sealing gaps.

Safety first: anything above head height means a ladder, and roofs are a job for someone with the right kit. If a nest blocks a boiler flue, a chimney or a gas appliance vent, do not use the appliance and call a qualified engineer and your wildlife body together.

Gulls, and other special cases

Gulls on a roof need their own plan, because they defend their young and are protected in many places. See gulls nesting on the roof.

Brush turkeys in Australia are native and protected, and their mound is their nest. Removing it may simply mean it gets rebuilt, and it may not be allowed. Your state wildlife agency is the place to ask about your options. Meanwhile, protect beds with mesh, and keep in mind that the mound-building has a season. The birds guide covers deterrents that do not harm.