Can birds live in your walls?

Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | arjma

It may seem implausible, but the answer to the question “can birds live in your walls?” is an unequivocal yes. Birds, especially small species such as sparrows, starlings, and pigeons, are adept at finding shelter in the most unexpected places. One such place can be the walls of our homes. Birds may find access to wall cavities through small openings or damage in the exterior of a building, which they then exploit to create nests.

Birds in walls can present several challenges. Firstly, they can cause structural damage as they continue to burrow and nest inside the walls. Their nesting materials can also create a fire hazard. Secondly, birds can be noisy, particularly during mating season and when rearing their young, which can cause significant disturbance. Lastly, birds and their droppings can carry diseases that are harmful to humans.

While it may be fascinating to have nature so close, having birds living within your walls is not ideal for either the homeowner or the birds themselves. For homeowners, it’s important to regularly inspect the exterior of your home for any signs of damage that could provide access for birds or other wildlife. In case you do discover birds within your walls, it’s advised to contact a professional pest control service instead of trying to handle the situation yourself. They have the necessary expertise to remove the birds safely without causing harm.

On the other hand, for birds, living within walls is not a natural habitat and can expose them to potential harm. Human-made structures do not provide the same protection or resources that natural habitats do. Therefore, efforts should be made to encourage birds to nest in more suitable environments such as birdhouses or trees.

While birds can indeed live in your walls, it’s a situation that should be avoided and addressed if discovered for the well-being of both the residents and the birds themselves.