3d ago

What would you do in this scenario?

Just noticed this when getting a new AC installed yesterday. Not sure if it's a bird or squirrel nest, or even active. It's super high up that I don't have a ladder to reach, also I am not super cool with being that close to electrical wiring but I feel like it's a hazard that needs to be removed. Anyone else experience this and what you suggest my approach should be or what service might need to be hired?

28 comments

Am I the only person wondering why the downspout is right by the electrical wires in the first place? I don't know all the things there are to know about code, but that seems bad, if for no other reason than it can result in things like this.
- Probably an old house and the downspout was there first, though it all depends on where in the world this is.
  Our next door neighbor's house has power come in like this and it was built in 1927, before it had electric. Our house, the electric is buried per code for newer construction and ours was built in 1997.
  
  It's not the power coming in like this as such but how close it is to the downspout. And I mean, if the power has to be there, the downspout really should be moved.
Everyone making a huge problem outta this. Wait until birds are gone if they're there (fall or winter is fine). Borrow a ladder (preferably fibreglass), and gently remove while wearing gloves. Doesn't look like any wires are damaged or at risk.
Someone else suggested a leaf blower. Might work. ;)
- Fuck no. I'm an electrician and wouldn't do that. A nick could be under that birds nest and you'd never see it. Call the utility company. They'll take care of this.
It probably dependes of your country but as a French, I would call the firemen. They are trained to removed some animals or to call the right professionnal for the job. They also are the specialist of fire hazard.
Call the power company. It's before their demarcation point. They should take care of it. Yes, it's probably ok to go up and "gently remove" it, but what if it's not. Don't fuck with that.
- My electric utilities demarc moves depending on where the problem is.
- This is the correct answer. It's the power company's problem. Weird accidents can happen.
Call the utility company
It doesn't look like the nest puts the building or electric service at risk, and it doesn't seem dangerous to the animal. If it were me, I'd probably just leave it until the best was empty.
Some jurisdictions don't allow people to mess with bird nests if there's birds using it, so check that first.
I'm surprised they allow power cables so close to a downspout. That wouldn't be allowed where I live.
- If it's a birds nest, the United States and Canada are some of those jurisdictions where you can't mess with bird nests. Unless it's a non-native species
After it’s vacated, use a long wooden pole to pull it out (maybe on a 3-6’ ladder) Observe for occupants using binoculars …
Do nothing. No danger is visible, just observe.
Leaf blower
You'll have to have the power temporarilly disconnected at the pole. Once you've done that, a good ladder would be far cheaper than hiring any professional, by a factor of 5 or 10 times.
- Eh. I don't see any compromised insulation on any of those wires. Honestly, I wouldn't even bother. Just head on up there with a nonmetallic ladder and poke that junk out of there with something nonconductive if you're worried. I ain't afraid of no volts. (And before anyone freaks out, that bare aluminum cable is structural, to prevent the wires from sagging. It's not carrying any current.)
  It seems to me that whatever built that nest decided to abandon it before moving in. There isn't any visible bird shit around it which there certainly would be if it had birds in it (especially ones big enough to drag those sticks up there) and the lack of chewed material around it indicates a lack of extant rodents.
  
  The bare cable may also be for ground, but it's hard to tell. Even so, shouldn't carry any current, unless there's a lightning storm happening
- This place is turning into reddit
Wait till winter so that you don't mess up with this year's reproduction process.
Pest control company maybe? Not sure if they’ll be willing to mess with live wires though. Probably good to mention that when you first call so they know what they’re dealing with.
Just get up there and gently remove it, if it bothers you. You're not going to shock yourself.

28 comments