Problems
at the Bird Nest Box
Many homeowners invite birds to nest in
their yards by putting up nesting boxes. Almost two dozen
species will consider a human-made nest.
How do you make sure the
"right" animal is using your bird nest?
Learn all you can about the birds you
want to attract and offer them a box that opens at the top and
the front or side. Monitor the nest box, and evict starlings
and house sparrows.
The safest solution to insect
infestations is physical removal and soaping the inside top of
the box. If insects infest the box during nesting, apply a
light dusting of rotenone or pyrethrin. Do not use
chemical sprays.
If snakes and climbing mammals are a
problem, use physical barriers to deter them. Try a PVC pipe
over your metal bird house pole, or metal sheeting on a tree
or wood pole. Smear the PVC or metal with Vaseline laced with
hot (cayenne) pepper. Avoid automotive grease, it can be
lethal to wildlife.
Put a predator guard over the nest
entrance hole.
Do not use bird houses with perches
below the entrance hole.
If you find birds attacking the adults,
eggs or nestlings, what you can do depends on the
perpetrators. Eliminate house sparrows and starlings. All
other birds are protected by federal and state laws. You may
not harass or otherwise harm hawks, owls, falcons, crows,
grackles, jays and shrikes
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