AIBU to ask the housing association to remove birds from my wall? And if I'm not BU, how can I make them do it?

[BirdwomanofAlcatraz]

There are birds in the outside wall of my bedroom. I first became aware a couple of weeks ago when I heard them scratting around in the early morning and saw them flying back and forwards, also that there is bird poo on the inside of my window.

I phoned the housing association and told them but they knocked me back on four fronts: 1) that they don't believe the birds are in the walls, I need to have footage of them going in and out of the wall (I'm on the third floor, they're quick, I've tried standing outside with my phone and pressing record but they're too quick for me, really I stood there for a long time like a crazy person but it's split second movements when they go in and out)
2) that the marks on the window are just marks. They're not just marks. It's actual bird poo dropping down the window on the inside
3) that there's a pandemic on. Yes I know this but this is an infestation and I am concerned if fleas etc are also dropping down the window
4) the birds are probably in the eaves. Well if they were I wouldn't be concerned, but they're not. They're in the space directly above my window. I have seen them with my own eyes going in and out and so have my neighbours. There is a gap in the wall that they're getting in and out of.

What can I do? I've submitted a complaint after they dismissed my request for maintenance but not heard anything. As far as I know landlords do still have a duty to ensure their properties are not infested, even at this time. I pay my rent every month and haven't asked for a repair before. This is driving me crazy.

How is the poo getting down the inside of the window? If there’s a gap then I’d suggest sealing it. Masking tape will do, or sealant if you have it.

Then leave them be until the babies have fledged. You can protect your health and safety without killing them!

But how can it run down the pane on the inside? I really don't understand that.

@Pickachew it's coming through the vents directly under where they are and dropping onto the inside of the window.

There are such strict regulations around nesting birds. I live in a HA flat. They’re building a new block opposite and planning was only granted on condition that any trees which needed to be felled were chopped down before nesting started. They were given a date by which they would have to do it by. Once the babies have fledged then they can do whatever needs doing to prevent them nesting there again. But truly getting non urgent stuff attended to is going to be just about impossible over the next few months.

Put on some rubber gloves and clean up? Just a thought.

Oh yes, it could be a gap if it's a sash window. In which case then masking tape will seal it.

@Timetospare ha ha - yes indeed. A simpler solution still.

Yes, I've taped over the vents and yes of course I clean it with bleach every day. I'm not a fucking moron. But it's dropping down because they're in the bloody wall and they're not going anywhere. Jesus Christ.

So there are vents in the ceiling? Any chance of a diagram?

I suppose if it was my house I’d either have to clean it myself or pay someone else to do it.

Two options for you right there, OP.

I have little blue tits nesting in the wall of my home, the shit doesn’t come in, and they usually disappear off after nesting season.

I’d find a way to stop the poop coming in your home.

They'll go when their chicks have fledged. Block it up before next year if you don't like them.

Technically the birds aren’t shitting inside your property by going on the outside of your windows so you can’t touch them until after the nesting season. You will just have to put up with it and wash your windows.

I personally love seeing the birds so active at this time of year!
Just be thankful it’s not a wasps nest in your eaves.

Also if birds have got into the attic space it’s a very expensive process to clean and restore the space which they will be reluctant to do atm I’d imagine.

@NorthernLass75 do you know if paying someone doesn't involve structural work? Because I can't do that, insurance wise.

Firstly, you need to make up your mind whether they are in your bedroom or in the roofspace of your block of flats.

Then you need to work out what species of bird they are.

Then you need to look up the nesting period.

and then you'll know roughly how long it will be before they fledge.

In the meantime, get some tape and seal whatever it is that's apparently providing a gap for excrement to get in.

With you being so high up, it wouldn't be a bloke with a ladder in any case - even without a pandemic on, that's never going to be a high priority for any landlord.

I'm really trying to understand but I just can't fathom how they are shitting down the inside of your window.
Can you pinpoint where they are getting in?

You’ll have to wait till the end of nesting season and get the hole filled in then. Can you not just close the vent?

I wouldn't want bird shit dripping in my house either. Can you post a pic of where it is coming through so we can suggest a way of effectively blocking it?

Oh ok sorry I missed your previous message. Block the vent from the inside, temporary solution. No more nails and a piece of wood will do.

If there is a way for bird shit dropping to get inside your windows, then how come it doesn't flood your flat through the same gaps when it rains?

Don’t use a drill or actual nails just strong glue.
Otherwise you might end up with bird blood and brains in your window.

Block the vent, clean as best you can and wait for them to go

Photo ?

do you know if paying someone doesn't involve structural work? Because I can't do that, insurance wise

You can’t pay someone to clean your walls and windows because of your insurance policy? That’s very strange. What insurance company are you with?

It's fine to move them on if they're actually shitting into your bedroom.

No, it's not fine
On so many levels It's not fine at all

YabvvvvvU