How to Get Rid of Nesting Swallows

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By birdie
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Swallow Mud Nests

Here come the Swallows, it must be spring. Each year these beautiful birds begin to build their mud nests on our buildings, barns, homes and other areas like bridges. Swallows typically build mud nests close to overhead shelter in locations that are protected from both the weather and predators. Many cave and cliff dwelling species of swallow nest in large colonies. These large colonies have been known to take over the sides of bridges, railroad trusses and even buildings.

Swallows are excellent fliers, and use these skills to attract a mate and to defend territory. In general, the males select a nest site, and then attract a female using song and flight, and guard their territory. The size of the territory varies depending on the species of swallow; in colonial-nesting species it tends to be small, but it may be much larger for solitary nesters.

Pairs of mated swallows are monogamous, and pairs of non-migratory species often stay near their breeding area all year, though the nest site is defended most vigorously during the breeding season. Migratory species often return to the same breeding area each year, and may select same nest site if they were previously successful in that location. First-year breeders generally select a nesting site close to where they were born and raised.

Most species hunt over open country or near water.

In the United States, all swallows are classified as migratory insectivorous birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Swallows are also protected by state regulations. It is illegal for any person to take, possess, transport, sell, or purchase swallows or their parts, such as feathers, nets, or eggs, without a permit. As a result, certain activities affecting swallows are subject to legal restrictions, such as removing nests, capture and release or destroying the birds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bird Net 2000
Bird Slope
Bird Spike 2000
Ultranetting

Step 1

Nesting Sites
It is not yet fully understood what creates an ideal nesting site for swallows, it seems that architectural design does influence site suitability. Buildings with overhanging eaves at right angles with the wall are usually chosen sites. Sites where the overhang and wall meet at an odd angle or are rounded or concave are rarely used as nesting sites. The width of the overhang can also be important, few nests have been observed with a overhang of less than 6 to 8 inches.
The texture of the wall is also a factor; wood, stucco, masonry and concrete surface are preferred sites for attaching nests than say to metal. Swallows are known to move to nearby structures when control methods are applies at an existing nesting site.
Step 2

Damage
Swallows such as Cliff Swallows nest in colonies and are often found where humans live. Swallow colonies on buildings and other structures can become a major nuisance, causing thousands of dollars of damage from their droppings and nesting residue. Besides the unsightly mess that swallow droppings leave, they can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Their mud nests eventually will fall to the ground and can cause similar problems. Parasites can also be found in swallow nests, including swallow bugs, fleas, ticks, and mites; these may bite human and domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
Step 3

Control Methods
Exclusion:
Exclusion refers to any method that denies the bird physical access to a nesting site. It is a permanent solution that should be done before nesting begins. Plastic netting such as Ultra Netting available at Absolute Bird Control, is a good barrier between swallows and a nesting site. You should use a ¾ inch mesh size. The netting should be pulled taut to reduce flapping in the wind. Install net before the swallows arrive. It may be left up all year or taken down after the nesting season. It is best to secure the Ultra Netting using the Ultra Netting Poly Clips. Attach the netting to the outer edge of the eave of the home down to the side to the wall creating an 45 degree angel. This will keep the bird from getting into the sheltered space under the eaves of homes and buildings.
There are four methods that can be used to deter pest swallows from building their nests under the eaves of your home.
1. Netting attached from the outer edge of the eave down to the side of the building.

2. A curtain of netting attached to the eave, hanging about 4 inches out from the side of your home.

3. Projections, such as plastic or stainless steel bird spikes, along the junction of the wall and eave of your home.

4. A slippery panel, such as Bird-B-Gone, Inc. Bird Slope, to form a smooth surface under the eave of your home
Step 4

Bird Slope under an eave to prevent nesting

Substrate Modification:
Swallows like to build their nests on surfaces that will provide a good foothold for attaching the nesting materials. This would include rough surfaces like stucco. Creating a slick surface on the nesting walls will discourage the birds and they will look elsewhere to find a good nesting spot. You can use the Bird Slope product available at Absolute Bird Control to keep the swallows from building nest under the eaves of your home. It is easy to install and can be left up all year and painted to match the sides of the building. The bird slope creates a “slippery” surface for the birds, so they cannot build their nests under the eaves of your home or commercial building.
The best advise to keep swallows off of your home or commercial building is to do something before the swallows arrive. Put up netting, bird spikes, bird slope or other means of deterring nest building before the building begins. Once the birds arrive and start building, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them. There is a myth that hosing down the nests as they build will keep them from finishing. Not true. They are tenacious birds and will keep on building until the job is done. You must also be aware of the laws that protect these birds, you do not want to be fined! If you feel that you cannot do the work yourself, contact Absolute Bird Control, Inc. at www.absolutebirdcontrol.com, they have a network of Certified Installers that can help you get the job done.