how to stop swallows nesting on your house

2 min read 17-01-2025

how to stop swallows nesting on your house

Swallows are delightful birds, but their nests under your eaves can create a mess. Their droppings can stain your siding, and the nests themselves can become quite large and unsightly. This guide offers humane and effective methods to discourage swallows from nesting on your property without harming them. Remember, many swallow species are protected, so harming them or their nests is illegal in many areas.

Understanding Swallow Nesting Behavior

Before attempting to deter swallows, it's important to understand why they choose your house. Swallows typically nest in sheltered areas, often under eaves, overhangs, or bridges. They prefer locations offering protection from predators and the elements. Knowing their preferences helps in choosing the right deterrent.

Why Swallows Choose Your House

Shelter from the elements: Your house provides protection from rain, wind, and sun.
Protection from predators: The structure of your house offers safety from cats, snakes, and other predators.
Accessibility of nesting materials: Nearby mud, grass, and twigs provide readily available building materials.
Established nesting sites: Once a swallow nests somewhere, they're more likely to return to the same location in subsequent years.

Humane Methods to Deter Swallows

The goal is to make your home less attractive to swallows without causing them harm. Here are several humane methods:

1. Physical Barriers

Eave covers: Installing mesh netting or plastic sheeting under your eaves prevents swallows from accessing these areas. This is a highly effective deterrent.
Bird spikes: These are small, pointed plastic or metal spikes placed along ledges and beams where swallows might nest. They prevent birds from landing and building nests.
Smooth surfaces: Swallows prefer rough surfaces to build nests. Painting eaves or other areas with a smooth, glossy paint can discourage them.

2. Visual and Auditory Deterrents

Shiny objects: Hanging reflective objects like CDs, aluminum foil strips, or mylar balloons can scare swallows away with their movement and glare. These need to be moved periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
Predatory decoys: Placing artificial owls, hawks, or snakes near potential nesting sites can deter swallows. However, these aren't always effective long-term; swallows quickly learn to ignore them.
Ultrasonic devices: Some devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to birds but inaudible to humans. The effectiveness of these devices varies, and their use can be controversial.

3. Cleaning Up Existing Nests

Once breeding season is over (usually autumn), carefully remove any existing nests. Dispose of them properly to avoid attracting swallows back the next year. Thoroughly clean the area to eliminate any lingering nesting materials or scent.

Things to Avoid

Avoid harmful methods that may injure or kill the swallows. This includes:

Poison: Never use poisons or harmful chemicals to deter swallows.
Trapping: Trapping swallows is illegal in many areas.
Directly harming nests or birds: This is cruel and illegal in most places.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with swallows nesting on your house is to prevent them from nesting in the first place. By implementing the preventative measures described above before the nesting season begins, you can significantly reduce the chances of having to deal with nests later on.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling to deter swallows on your own, consider contacting a wildlife removal specialist. They have experience in dealing with bird issues and can offer additional solutions.

Remember, patience is key. Swallows are persistent, and it may take time to find the most effective method for your situation. Prioritizing humane methods will ensure both you and the swallows can coexist peacefully.