It is a surprisingly common situation. You go to open your front door and notice twigs, leaves, or even eggs tucked into your decorative wreath. Birds are resourceful, and wreaths look like ready-made nesting platforms. Before doing anything, it is vital to pause. How you respond matters for both the bird and you.
This guide explains what to do, what not to do, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Birds Choose Wreaths
Birds look for sheltered spots that are off the ground, protected from wind, and close to food sources. A wreath checks all those boxes. It is elevated, stable, and often mounted on a door that does not move much during the day. For a bird, it feels like a safe place to build quickly.
Many birds can complete a nest in just a few days. By the time you notice it, the nest may already be active.
First Question to Ask
Are There Eggs or Baby Birds?
This is the most crucial step. Look carefully, but do not touch the nest.
If eggs or baby birds are present, the nest is considered active. In many cases, it is illegal to remove or disturb an active nest. Even when it is not unlawful, removing it can harm the birds and often creates unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
If there are no eggs and no birds, the nest is likely incomplete and can be removed safely.
If the Nest Is Active
If eggs or baby birds are present, the best option is usually to leave the nest alone until the birds naturally leave. Most small birds only stay in the nest for a short period, often two to three weeks.
If the wreath is on a door you use frequently, consider temporarily using another entrance. Repeated door movement can cause the parent bird to abandon the nest, which puts the chicks at risk.
Avoid moving the wreath, spraying anything near it, or trying to relocate the nest. These actions often do more harm than good.
If the Nest Is Inactive
If there are no eggs and no birds, you can remove the nest carefully using gloves. Place the nest in a sealed bag and dispose of it. After removal, clean the wreath and the door surface to remove scent markers that may attract birds back to the same spot.
Once the wreath is clean you can spray Flock Free Bird Repellent Spray - Ready-to-use Bird Deterrent to deter future nesting. This all-natural product combines visual, scent and taste irritants which makes the wreath uninhabitable for birds. Tank Mix works best when sprayed weekly for 3 weeks in a row. Once activity subsides, you can drop down to monthly sprays. We recommend spraying the wreath and all surrounding landing areas.
Flock Free Grape Scent pucks are another product that can be useful in preventing birds from nesting in decorative wreaths. Simply peel back the foil and let the scent puck naturally evaporate. The vapors deter birds and can keep your wreath and surrounding area bird free. Be careful to keep the puck upright so it cannot drip if the wax melts.
RECAP
What Not to Do
Do not remove an active nest.
Do not spray repellents directly on nests or birds.
Do not try to relocate eggs or chicks.
Do not block the parent bird from returning to the nest.
These actions often lead to abandoned nests and can violate wildlife protection laws.
What You Should Do:
Be proactive.
Temporarily remove wreaths during peak nesting seasons, especially in spring.
Use all natural deterrent sprays & pucks.
Once a bird chooses a location once, it is likely to try again unless something changes. This is why prevention is important.
How to Prevent Birds From Nesting in Wreaths Again
Prevention works best when the space no longer feels comfortable or predictable for birds.
If you want to keep the wreath up, you can spray Flock Free Bird Repellent Spray - Ready-to-use Bird Deterrent or use Flock Free Grape Scent Pucks.
Final Thoughts
Finding a bird nest in your wreath can be surprising, but it is usually temporary. The safest approach is to determine whether the nest is active, give the birds time if it is, and then take steps to prevent future nesting once the nest is empty.
Birds are simply looking for safe places to raise their young. With a little patience and a few small changes, you can protect both your home and the wildlife around it.
If you are experiencing repeated bird nesting issues around doors, entryways, or structures, Flock Free offers educational resources and humane deterrent options designed to change bird behavior without causing harm.
