Swallows are migratory birds that fly north to Canada and the United States every spring to breed during the summer months. They build mud nests on the sides of barns, under eaves, and on other structures. Sometimes property owners want to remove these nests if they become problematic. However, there are laws in place to protect swallows, their eggs, and their nests during nesting season.
Swallow Nesting Season in Canada
The nesting season for most swallow species in Canada runs from approximately April/May to August. The exact dates can vary slightly by region and species. Here are the general nesting periods for common swallows in Canada:
- Tree swallows – Mid April to late July
- Barn swallows – Early May to early August
- Cliff swallows – Late April to late July
- Bank swallows – Early May to late July
- Northern rough-winged swallows – May to July
Swallows migrate south to their wintering grounds in Central and South America beginning in August or September. The nests are not reused the following spring.
Legal Protection for Swallow Nests in Canada
All swallow species in Canada are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. This federal law prohibits the removal of swallow nests during nesting season when eggs or young may be present. Violators can face fines up to $100,000 or jail time.
Specifically, the law states that no one shall disturb, move, or destroy the nests or eggs of migratory birds except under authority of a permit. Permits are only issued in extraordinary circumstances, usually for reasons of human health and safety or if a building structure is being substantially damaged.
Some provinces, such as Ontario, have additional legislation to protect swallow nests if they are abandoned or unused.
When Can You Remove Swallow Nests in Canada?
In most cases, swallow nests can only be removed in Canada before nesting season begins or after it is completed. Here are the guidelines:
- Nests can typically be removed from late August through early April before the swallows return.
- Once nests are vacant, they can be washed off with a hose or removed by hand.
- Chemical repellents or structural changes can also be applied before nesting season to deter swallows from rebuilding in an area.
- During nesting season, unused nests cannot be knocked down if swallows are still present in the area and may reuse them.
In exceptional cases, permits can be obtained from Environment and Climate Change Canada to remove nests during nesting season. However, this is uncommon and several criteria must be met.
It is illegal to disturb or destroy active nests containing eggs or young birds. Fines and imprisonment can result from violating the law.
Discouraging Swallows from Nesting
While empty swallow nests cannot usually be removed during nesting season, property owners can take proactive steps to try to discourage swallows from building mud nests in undesirable areas. Here are some tips:
- Install plastic sheeting or netting over areas where swallows have built nests previously. Secure well so birds cannot get underneath.
- Hang strips of shiny metallic tape or Mylar balloons near nest sites. The flashing material will deter swallows.
- Attach wire spikes, such as Nixalite, along edges and eaves where swallows attach their nests.
- Consider altering the structure if possible, such as closing openings in barns or building overhangs where swallows gain access.
- Apply non-toxic bird repellent gel on surfaces where birds attempt to build nests.
Be aware it may take some trial and error with deterrents and swallows may move nest locations rather than abandoning the site altogether. Persistence is key.
Working with a Professional
Swallow nest removal and exclusion projects can be complex. There are risks involved with using improper methods, violating laws, safety hazards working at heights, and more. Homeowners and property managers should strongly consider hiring a professional pest control company or wildlife control operator.
Reputable companies will have licensed technicians familiar with all laws and regulations. They can conduct inspections, identify swallow species, make removal recommendations, safely access nest locations, clean and seal sites, and properly install humane exclusion devices.
Professional services typically provide long-term solutions compared to DIY approaches. While costs will vary, hiring an expert can give peace of mind knowing the project is done properly and legally.
Key Takeaways on Removing Swallow Nests in Canada
- It is illegal to disturb active swallow nests containing eggs or young during nesting season.
- Empty, unused swallow nests can typically only be removed from late August through early April before swallows return.
- During nesting season, deterrents can be installed to discourage nest building but existing vacant nests cannot be removed if swallows remain in the area.
- Work with qualified pest control professionals or wildlife specialists to ensure proper nest removal and exclusion.
- A permit is required from Environment and Climate Change Canada for any swallow nest removal during nesting season.
Risks of Improper Swallow Nest Removal
Attempting to remove swallow nests without proper training, techniques, or legal authorization can result in a variety of risks and consequences:
- Fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment – Violating the Migratory Birds Convention Act by disturbing active nests is punishable by steep fines and jail time.
- Injury – Risk of falls, electric shock, cuts, and other hazards when improperly accessing nest locations.
- Costly repairs – Damage to the structure if nests are not removed properly. Holes or opened areas could require patching and sealing.
- Swallow mortality – Destroying active nests results in death of eggs and chicks.
- Bees and wasps – Disturbed swallow nests may contain colonies of stinging insects.
- Further nesting – Swallows may rebuild nests in the same or alternative locations on the property.
Hiring certified wildlife control professionals can help mitigate these risks when swallow nest removal is necessary.
Swallow Nest Removal Permits in Canada
Acquiring a permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada to remove swallow nests during nesting season is difficult. Permit applications must demonstrate:
- A threat to human health and safety or structural damage that requires immediate action.
- All other remedies have been exhausted to resolve the issue.
- Proper exclusion methods will be implemented to prevent re-nesting after removal.
Even if issued, permits specify strict protocols to minimize impacts to swallows. Non-lethal deterrents must be used prior to nest removal. In most cases, officials prefer alternative solutions like installing netting or wires to block nesting areas rather than destroying active nests.
Examples of situations where nest removal permits may be warranted include:
- Swallow nests blocking critical ventilation areas that could contribute to dangerous gases building up.
- Nests with unusually high numbers of parasites that pose risks to human health.
- Structural damage to machinery or electrical systems that need prompt repair.
Property owners should consult with qualified pest control firms to determine if pursuing a nest removal permit may be justified. The application will require documentation and evidence to support the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hummingbird nest facts?
Here are some interesting facts about hummingbird nests:
- Hummingbird nests are tiny, measuring only 2-5 cm wide and 2-8 cm high.
- They are constructed from soft plant down, spider silk, buds, moss, and lichen bound together with saliva.
- Nests are built by female hummingbirds while males play no role.
- It takes 10-15 days for a female hummingbird to build a nest.
- The nest’s small size and soft materials help it expand as the baby birds grow.
- Hummingbird nests are hard to spot. They blend into branches and many are built right over water for protection.
How can you tell if a bird nest is active or inactive?
Here are some signs that a bird nest is active versus inactive:
- Active nest: Adult birds seen going to the nest, nestlings calling from nest, intact structure, fresh lining, eggshell fragments, warm interior.
- Inactive nest: No adult birds or nestlings present, nest damaged/deteriorating, no sign of eggshells, cool interior, spiderwebs/leaves inside.
When in doubt, assume the nest is active and avoid disturbing it. Observe for at least 30 minutes to determine if adults are still using it.
What kind of liability can you face for removing an active bird nest?
You can face the following legal liabilities for disturbing or destroying an active bird nest in violation of federal and state/provincial laws:
- Fines up to $15,000 for violation of federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.
- Fines up to $100,000 and potential imprisonment for violating Canada’s Migratory Birds Convention Act.
- Additional fines and penalties for state/provincial wildlife laws.
- Civil lawsuits from conservation groups or agencies to recoup damages.
It is not advisable to remove active nests without first consulting wildlife officials and/or hiring a professional licensed for nest removal.
Conclusion
Removing swallow nests in Canada can only legally be done before nesting season when the structures are inactive, or after the breeding period once the birds have migrated. Exceptions require special permits. While empty nests can be washed or knocked down over the winter, deterrents like netting and wiring may be the only options to prevent swallows from rebuilding nests on a structure during spring and summer due to legal protections in place for the birds while they are nesting and raising young.
Property managers should be aware of all laws and risks before attempting to remove swallow nests themselves. Consulting wildlife control professionals is the recommended course of action when swallows become problematic. With proper techniques and timing, swallow issues can be humanely and legally resolved.