Job Overview
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Structure: Two-storey detached brick home with an attached garage
Problem: Birds entering the attic through a soffit vent
Service: Humane bird removal and exclusion
Visits: 2
Summary
We responded to reports of birds entering the attic of a detached home in Barrie. Following a complete inspection, our team confirmed bird activity at a soffit-mounted wall vent. A humane one-way door was installed to allow the birds to leave naturally while preventing re-entry. During the exclusion work, an additional vulnerable soffit vent was secured with a galvanized steel cage. A follow-up visit confirmed that activity had stopped, the one-way door was removed, and the primary entry point was permanently sealed.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-storey detached brick home with asphalt shingles, aluminum soffits, and roof ventilation components. Multiple exterior vent openings and soffit penetrations were present, providing potential access points for birds seeking sheltered nesting locations within the attic.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported hearing bird activity coming from the roof and attic space. The concern was that birds had established access into the attic and were continuing to enter and exit the structure.
Inspection & Findings
During the initial inspection, Ardian confirmed bird activity at a soffit-mounted wall vent beneath the roof overhang. Evidence indicated that this vent was being used as the primary access point into the attic.
The inspection also identified a second soffit wall vent that remained vulnerable to future bird entry. Roof-level inspection confirmed that roof vents and plumbing vent flashings appeared intact and were not identified as active entry points.
The photographs show the roof surface and vent locations, the soffit vent before exclusion, the installation of a one-way door over the active opening, and the completed protective cage installed on the secondary vent.
Cause Analysis
Birds commonly enter attic spaces through damaged, uncovered, or oversized soffit vent openings that provide direct access into roof cavities. Once an accessible opening is established, the protected attic environment offers shelter from weather and predators. Securing all vulnerable vent openings helps prevent future access.
Treatment / Removal
Ardian installed a humane one-way door over the active soffit entry point. This allowed the birds to leave the attic naturally while preventing them from returning through the same opening.
The system remained in place long enough to confirm that activity had ceased before permanent sealing was completed.
Exclusion & Repairs
As part of the exclusion work, a second soffit wall vent was secured using a galvanized steel cage to prevent future bird entry while maintaining ventilation.
During the final visit, the one-way door was removed after confirming no further activity. The original entry point was then permanently sealed to restore the integrity of the soffit system.
Outcome & Confirmation
During the final inspection, the homeowner reported no further bird noises or sightings within the attic.
Our team confirmed that the one-way door had successfully allowed the birds to exit. The device was removed, all completed exclusion work was inspected, and no further activity was reported.
Technician Notes
Ardian confirmed that the birds were accessing the attic through a soffit wall vent. Humane removal was completed using a one-way door, followed by permanent exclusion of the primary entry point. An additional soffit vent was reinforced with a galvanized steel cage to reduce the likelihood of future wildlife entry.