Birds nesting in your roof, loft, gutters, or eaves can cause noise, mess, and even structural damage. It’s natural to wonder whether you can remove a bird’s nest yourself—but doing so without expert knowledge could land you in legal trouble and cause unintended harm. Here’s what you need to know.
The Short Answer: No, You Can’t Remove a Bird’s Nest Yourself (In Most Cases)
In the UK, it is against the law to remove or interfere with an active bird’s nest. This is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to:
- Intentionally damage or destroy a bird’s nest in use or being built
- Disturb nesting birds while they are laying eggs, incubating, or raising chicks
- Remove eggs or chicks from nests
These protections apply to all wild birds in the UK—not just rare or endangered species.
What Counts as an “Active Nest”?
A nest is considered “active” if:
- It is currently being built
- It contains eggs or chicks
- Parent birds are actively using it
Only once the young have fledged and the nest is no longer in use can it be legally removed or proofed against. Even then, caution is advised.
When Can a Nest Be Removed?
You can only legally remove a bird’s nest if:
- It’s completely inactive and abandoned
- The species is not protected (very rare in the UK)
- You have a specific license or permit—which only trained professionals typically obtain
- It poses a direct and immediate health and safety risk (e.g., blocking a ventilation duct), and even then, only with special authority
Why You Should Avoid DIY Nest Removal
Even if a nest appears abandoned, there are risks involved in attempting removal yourself:
1. Legal Consequences
Destroying or disturbing an active nest can result in hefty fines or even prosecution. Ignorance of the law isn’t a defence.
2. Misidentifying an Active Nest
Some birds, like swifts and starlings, reuse old nests. What looks abandoned may still be in seasonal use.
3. Health Hazards
Nests and bird droppings can carry diseases such as salmonella, ornithosis, and cryptococcosis. Handling them without PPE is dangerous.
4. Property Damage
Improper removal can cause damage to your roof, guttering, or insulation—and make it easier for birds to return.
Why You Should Call a Certified Pest Control Company Like Pest ID
At Pest ID, we are trained, certified, and fully compliant with UK wildlife legislation. Here’s why we’re the safer option:
✔️ We Know the Law
We assess each situation against the Wildlife and Countryside Act to ensure legal compliance. If a nest can’t be removed, we’ll advise when and how it can be proofed later.
✔️ Safe & Humane Methods
We use non-lethal, environmentally responsible techniques to deal with bird problems—minimising harm to both wildlife and your home.
✔️ Post-Nest Proofing
Once a nest is legally removed, we install professional bird-proofing such as spikes, netting, or sealing entry points to prevent re-entry.
✔️ Clean-Up & Sanitation
We remove droppings, debris, and nesting material safely and thoroughly—restoring hygiene to your property.
✔️ Prevent Bird Mites
Once there are no more squabs or adult birds using a nest, Bird Mites will often seek warm blooded mammals to feed from. If the nest is on the house, they will often enter the house and bite humans! Pest ID can help remove and prevent Bird Mites.
What to Do If You Have a Nesting Problem
- Avoid disturbing the nest. Don’t try to move or block access.
- Note the species and location if possible.
- Call Pest ID for a legal, safe assessment. We’ll advise you on the next steps—whether that’s immediate action or scheduling a proofing visit after the breeding season.
Need Help with Birds Nesting in Your Property?
Pest ID offers trusted bird control services across Essex, Kent & East London, including nest assessments, humane removal (where legal), and preventative proofing. We’re fully qualified, insured, and committed to resolving your problem safely and legally.
Contact us today for a free consultation and inspection.
