How to prevent swallows from nesting under your eaves
Mud nests built by swallows are often insect infested, and if they are not removed in a timely manner, they will stain the surface onto which they are attached. To make matters worse, the bacteria, fungal agents and parasites found in swallow droppings and nests can carry such serious diseases as histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more.
When swallows permanently leave, their nests are frequently invaded by sparrows. And when these birds leave, insects will move in and eventually enter your home or building.
If you already have swallows nesting under your eaves, you'll first need to legally remove their nests before installing any deterrents. Keep in mind that you are prohibited from removing swallow nests if they are occupied by swallows or their eggs. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any migratory bird, or to intentionally damage or destroy the nest, eggs, or young of a swallow while the nest is being built or in use.
Fortunately, there are a variety of humane bird deterrent products one can use to prevent swallows from nesting under eaves. Chief among these is a product called Bird Slope. Installed along the underside of your eaves, these angled, slippery PVC panels make it impossible for any swallow to gain a solid footing. They just slip and glide right off. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they give up and will look for a better place to build their nests. Bird slopes come in different colors to blend in with a building's exterior. The panels install easily using glue, nails or screws and they're essentially maintenance free.
Another effective method to exclude swallows is through the use of Mist Capture Bird Netting. Ideal for capturing swallows that are scouting for nest sites, this soft, fine netting can be installed near eaves. Swallows fly into the net and are immobilized. They can then be easily removed and set free. Nets should be checked often to promptly remove any trapped birds. Mist netting is made from a strong, UV-stabilized lightweight fiber that's nearly invisible to birds. One manufacturer offers Mist Netting in four different sizes: 7'x10', 10'x20', 10'x30' and 10'x40'. A single Mist Net can capture many birds. For best effect, install Mist Netting directly in the swallows' flight path to ensure they fly into the net at their normal flying speed.
Another type of netting called Ultra Net can also be used to deter swallows. This lightweight plastic mesh netting excludes swallows from eaves by creating a physical barrier that blocks the birds' access to eaves. Easy to work with and made from durable, U.V. protected polypropylene, Ultra Net comes in a 1/4-inch mesh size to stop swallows. To keep birds out of eaves, temporarily install the netting using specially designed ultranet clips. You can also use a staple gun to secure the netting around the perimeter.
Used in conjunction with other measures, consider hanging a few visual scare deterrents under your eaves. Included in this category of deterrents are Bird Scare Balloons, which come with reflective decals, flash tape and twine. The balloons feature large predator eyes that make swallows too nervous to nest. Bird Scare Diverters use the same principle. They feature a giant predator eye and can be hung under eaves to frighten swallows. When using visual scare devices, it's important to move them around occasionally to prevent swallows from getting used to them.
When swallows permanently leave, their nests are frequently invaded by sparrows. And when these birds leave, insects will move in and eventually enter your home or building.
If you already have swallows nesting under your eaves, you'll first need to legally remove their nests before installing any deterrents. Keep in mind that you are prohibited from removing swallow nests if they are occupied by swallows or their eggs. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any migratory bird, or to intentionally damage or destroy the nest, eggs, or young of a swallow while the nest is being built or in use.
Fortunately, there are a variety of humane bird deterrent products one can use to prevent swallows from nesting under eaves. Chief among these is a product called Bird Slope. Installed along the underside of your eaves, these angled, slippery PVC panels make it impossible for any swallow to gain a solid footing. They just slip and glide right off. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they give up and will look for a better place to build their nests. Bird slopes come in different colors to blend in with a building's exterior. The panels install easily using glue, nails or screws and they're essentially maintenance free.
Another effective method to exclude swallows is through the use of Mist Capture Bird Netting. Ideal for capturing swallows that are scouting for nest sites, this soft, fine netting can be installed near eaves. Swallows fly into the net and are immobilized. They can then be easily removed and set free. Nets should be checked often to promptly remove any trapped birds. Mist netting is made from a strong, UV-stabilized lightweight fiber that's nearly invisible to birds. One manufacturer offers Mist Netting in four different sizes: 7'x10', 10'x20', 10'x30' and 10'x40'. A single Mist Net can capture many birds. For best effect, install Mist Netting directly in the swallows' flight path to ensure they fly into the net at their normal flying speed.
Another type of netting called Ultra Net can also be used to deter swallows. This lightweight plastic mesh netting excludes swallows from eaves by creating a physical barrier that blocks the birds' access to eaves. Easy to work with and made from durable, U.V. protected polypropylene, Ultra Net comes in a 1/4-inch mesh size to stop swallows. To keep birds out of eaves, temporarily install the netting using specially designed ultranet clips. You can also use a staple gun to secure the netting around the perimeter.
Used in conjunction with other measures, consider hanging a few visual scare deterrents under your eaves. Included in this category of deterrents are Bird Scare Balloons, which come with reflective decals, flash tape and twine. The balloons feature large predator eyes that make swallows too nervous to nest. Bird Scare Diverters use the same principle. They feature a giant predator eye and can be hung under eaves to frighten swallows. When using visual scare devices, it's important to move them around occasionally to prevent swallows from getting used to them.
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