If you’re a Des Moines homeowner looking for how to stop birds from nesting, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’ve spotted birds hovering near your roof or already found the early signs of a nest, now’s the time to act—before it becomes a season-long problem.

The good news? Stopping birds from nesting is entirely doable with the right mix of prevention and timely action.

Bird nesting on outdoor light fixture – how to stop birds from nesting near your roof by calling Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management in Des Moines, IA

Let’s start with the most effective, homeowner-approved ways to keep birds from making your roof their next nesting site.

✅ Block Off Their Favorite Spots

Birds love ledges, vents, and tucked-away eaves. The key is making those places off-limits.

  • Bird spikes: These simple tools make it uncomfortable for birds to land, especially in high-traffic areas like roof edges and porch beams.

  • Vent covers and mesh: Birds only need a small opening to get inside. Seal it off before they try.

  • Bird netting: Perfect for covered areas where birds often build quietly—like under solar panels or overhangs.

These are long-term, physical birds nest prevention tools that work great for sparrows, swallows, pigeons, and more.

👀 Use Deterrents That Actually Deter

If birds are showing up but haven’t nested yet, there’s still time to shift the odds in your favor.

  • Reflective tape and flashers mess with their sense of direction and comfort.

  • Predator decoys, like owls or hawks, trigger instinctive avoidance.

  • Sound and motion devices can startle them before they settle in.

These methods work especially well when used early—before birds get attached to a spot. If you’ve been wondering how to prevent birds from nesting, this is a strong line of defense.

🏡 Make Your Home Less Appealing to Begin With

Sometimes, the most effective strategies are the simplest.

  • Trim back trees and overhanging branches to eliminate landing zones.

  • Store food and waste properly—even pet food can attract nesting birds.

  • Seal gaps along soffits, rooflines, and siding to prevent access.

These steps aren’t just about how to keep birds from nesting now—they help prevent repeat visits next year too.

Ready to get ahead of the problem? These tactics work best before birds get fully settled.

In the next sections, we’ll cover what to do if you’ve already found a nest, the types of birds to watch out for in Des Moines, and when it’s time to call in local professionals.

✅ Quick Tips Recap: How to Prevent Birds from Nesting Again

Already thinking ahead? Smart move. Once you’ve taken the first steps, staying consistent is what keeps birds from coming back. Here’s a quick recap to keep your home one step ahead.

📋 How to prevent birds from nesting around your home—at a glance:

  • 1

    Walk your property seasonally to spot early signs of bird activity

  • 2

    Keep rooflines clear—no leaves, no mess, no materials for nests

  • 3

    Do a yearly check of attic vents, soffits, and siding for small gaps

  • 4

    Switch up deterrents occasionally so birds don’t get used to them

  • 5

    Stay on top of tree trimming and keep branches away from the roofline

  • 6

    Store trash and pet food securely—don’t offer free room and board

  • 7

    Reapply or refresh netting, spikes, and decoys as needed

This simple routine is how you keep birds from nesting again—especially in the high-risk seasons like early spring.

Remember, prevention isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s part of protecting your home long-term. And when in doubt, it never hurts to have a local expert double-check your setup.

🪹 Already Found a Nest? Here’s What to Do

So you looked up and saw it—twigs, feathers, and maybe even a few little birds tucked under your eaves. At this point, the question shifts from how to keep birds from building a nest to what happens now that they already have.

Here’s what you need to know.

⚠️ First: Don’t Touch It Just Yet

It might seem simple to knock the nest down or clean it out, but in many cases, that’s illegal—especially if the nest is active.

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s against federal law to disturb or remove nests that contain eggs or baby birds. And in Des Moines, birds like barn swallows, sparrows, and starlings are often protected, even if they’re causing problems.

If the nest is inactive (meaning no eggs, no chicks, no recent activity), you’re in a better position—but it’s still best to proceed cautiously.

🛑 What Not to Do

  • Don’t spray, poke, or relocate the nest on your own

  • Don’t assume the birds have left just because you don’t see them right away

  • Don’t seal entry points until the nest is professionally cleared

✅ What to Do Instead

  • Observe from a distance to check for activity

  • Document what you’re seeing (it may help a removal expert)

  • Contact a professional wildlife control provider—especially one familiar with Iowa regulations

This is where Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management steps in. Our team handles legal and humane bird nest removal across Des Moines and knows how to safely remove active nests, clean up the area, and help ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Found a nest? Don’t guess—get it checked. That’s the safest way to protect your home, the birds, and yourself.

🛠 Why You Should Prevent Birds from Nesting in the First Place

It’s easy to underestimate just how much trouble a few feathers and twigs can cause—until the cleanup (and repair bills) start stacking up. That’s where birds nest prevention makes all the difference.

It’s not just about keeping your home looking tidy. Birds nest prevention helps protect your roof, wiring, and your health from droppings or parasites—all of which can lead to bigger issues if ignored.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Structural damage: Nests trap moisture against shingles and siding, weakening materials over time.

  • Fire hazards: Dry nesting materials near vents or wiring can spark serious problems.

  • Health risks: Bird droppings can carry bacteria, fungi, and parasites—all of which can pose risks to people and pets.

  • Recurring problems: Birds often return to the same nesting site year after year if it’s left unaddressed.

  • Unwelcome guests: Nests can attract other pests like mites, insects, or even rodents.

In short, a little prevention now can save you from a much bigger—and more expensive—problem later.

And if you’re unsure whether your home is at risk, a quick inspection from a professional can give you the peace of mind you need to stay ahead of it all.

🛠 Why Des Moines Homeowners Trust Bobcat for Bird Removal

When it comes to bird problems, a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works.

That’s why homeowners across Des Moines turn to Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management—a team that understands not just the birds themselves, but the homes and neighborhoods they target.

Whether it’s sparrows in your vent, swallows under the eaves, or pigeons roosting on your roofline, our specialists use humane, legal, and effective methods to remove the problem—and help prevent it from coming back.

We don’t just get rid of birds. We give you a plan, the tools, and the peace of mind to stay bird-free season after season.

Don’t just remove the nest—remove the problem. Let’s help you prevent it for good.

Gene Spaulding Des Moines, IA Branch Operator
About the Author

Gene Spaulding, Owner and Founder of Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, has been at the forefront of pest and wildlife control since 2008. With over 17 years of hands-on experience, Gene combines his expertise and passion to deliver effective and humane pest management solutions to homeowners and businesses across the Des Moines Metro area. Guided by the motto “Your Property, Our Priority,” Gene ensures that Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management remains a trusted partner for comprehensive pest and wildlife services.