How to Clean Purple Martin Houses

Known as probably the best natural bug reduction predator, the purple martin's lively activities can entertain for an entire summer afternoon. The purple martin is a very clean bird that requires its "apartment" style dwelling to be maintained on an annual, early springtime basis. By following a basic process, you can clean a purple martin house and be ready to welcome this natural bug eater.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Water hose
• Bucket
• Household bleach
• Scrub brush
• Fresh water

1. Lower the purple martin house from its elevated pole. Use the screwdriver and open every cavity on the house. Generally, a single screw will allow access to every "apartment" on the house. It is easier to clean the entire house structure at one time.

2. Remove all the old nesting materials from the house. Use the water hose and spray out all the cavities, starting at the top and work your way down. Flush out any leftover debris.

3. Make a weak bleach solution in the bucket by adding a ¼ cup of bleach for every two gallons of fresh water. Use the scrub brush and clean every "apartment," along with the outside of the martin house.

4. Thoroughly rinse the martin house with plenty of fresh water and allow the structure to dry before attaching the front doors of each "apartment." Replace the house on the pole and wait for the arrival of the birds.

Tips & Warnings

• The material you remove form the martin house is a great addition to the compost pile.

References

• Martin Houses