Barn swallows are a familiar sight in many parts of the United States, where they nest on beams inside barns and other structures. While their aerial acrobatics and darting flight can be entertaining to watch, barn swallow nests and droppings create some challenges for property owners. So an important question arises: can you remove barn swallows that have taken up residence in your barn or other building?
Are barn swallows protected?
Before taking any action against barn swallows, it’s essential to understand if they are protected under law. The short answer is yes – barn swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This federal law makes it illegal to harm, harass, or kill migratory bird species, along with damaging their active nests and eggs. Violating the MBTA can potentially lead to fines and even jail time.
So if you have barn swallows nesting on your property, you cannot simply knock down their mud nests, remove nestlings, or take other actions that would harm the birds. Their protected status means you’ll need to use careful, legal methods for any barn swallow control activities.
When can you remove barn swallow nests?
Given that barn swallows are protected, property owners have limited options for getting rid of them. The only time you can remove barn swallow nests without penalty under the MBTA is when the nests are inactive. Barn swallows may raise up to three broods per summer, with nesting activity typically occurring between April and September.
Here are the guidelines for nest removal:
- Nests with eggs cannot be disturbed, since the eggs are protected under the MBTA.
- Nests with hatchlings cannot be disturbed, since the juvenile birds are also protected.
- Once the young have left the nest, the nest can legally be removed.
- Empty nests can be removed during non-breeding months (October through March).
So in summary, as long as there are no eggs or juvenile swallows still dependent on the nest, you can legally remove barn swallow nests on your property. But extreme care should still be taken during removal to avoid inadvertently harming any birds still using the nests.
Can you exclude or evict barn swallows?
Property owners wanting to discourage barn swallows have a few options, with proper precautions:
Exclusion
Installing barriers over entry points is an effective swallow control method. You can use metal sheeting, wire mesh, boards, or other materials to close off openings after nesting season ends in the fall. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the structure and seal all gaps larger than 1/2 inch that could allow barn swallow access.
Exclusion is typically a permanent solution since barn swallows will abandon previous nesting sites that cannot be accessed. However, be cautious about sealing openings during breeding months, as you could trap active nests or young birds inside.
Nest Removal
As noted previously, you can legally remove barn swallow nests on your property at certain times of year when they are unoccupied. To discourage swallows from rebuilding in the same spot, also wash the nesting surface with a bleach solution after taking down nests.
Repellents
Non-toxic tactile repellents can make nesting surfaces less attractive to barn swallows. Options include hanging strips of aluminum foil, placing sharp rocks or spikes where nests attach, or applying vegetable cooking oil to surfaces so mud won’t stick. Be careful that repellents do not trap or harm birds if any nests are still active.
Population Reduction
In extreme cases of long-term swallow infestation, humane population control might be considered. This involves live-capturing birds and relocating them at least 300 miles away so they cannot easily return. You’ll need proper training and permits to attempt this, and should only work with licensed wildlife control professionals.
Can barn swallow problems be prevented?
When addressing problematic barn swallows, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Here are some tips to make your property less enticing to swallows seeking nest sites:
- Seal openings in buildings so swallows can’t access potential nest spots.
- Install barriers like wire mesh or netting over eaves, rafters, and beams.
- Apply repellent gels or spikes where swallows have built nests previously.
- Use outdoor lighting to make covered areas less attractive for nesting.
- Reduce insect populations around buildings since fewer bugs mean less appeal for barn swallows.
Being proactive with barn swallow exclusion and modification of potential nest sites will save major headaches down the road.
Key takeaways
In summary, here are the key things to know about removing and deterring barn swallows:
- Barn swallows are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- It’s illegal to disturb or destroy active nests – those with eggs or juvenile birds still in them.
- Empty or inactive nests can be removed October through March when birds are not nesting.
- Non-harmful exclusion, repellents, and habitat modification can be used to discourage nesting.
- Work with licensed professionals for issues like population reduction or relocation.
- Focus prevention efforts on sealing structures and modifying potential nest sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common questions about controlling barn swallow issues:
How do you keep barn swallows from returning?
To keep barn swallows from returning, seal any openings they use to enter a building. Also install barriers like wire mesh or netting over preferred nesting spots. Apply repellents early in the season. Remove old nests in fall after nesting ends.
What are barn swallows attracted to?
Barn swallows look for protected spots to build muddy nests, especially on horizontal beams or ledges. They like open interior areas near their food source of flying insects. Nest sites with adequate clearance for flight and close access to the outdoors are preferred.
What scent will repel barn swallows?
Barn swallows dislike the strong smells of menthol, mint, and eucalyptus. Products like mint essential oils or Vicks VapoRub can deter nesting when applied to their potential nest sites.
What are some humane ways to get rid of barn swallows?
Humane barn swallow control includes exclusion with barriers, removing empty nests between breeding seasons, installing deterrents like prickly branches or wire, and modifying habitat. Avoid harming birds or active nests containing eggs or young.
Will barn swallows attack humans?
Barn swallows are not aggressive and will not purposefully attack humans. They may swoop in the vicinity of people if their nests are threatened. But these are warning flights directing intruders away, not actual attacks.
Comparisons of Nest Removal Approaches
If removing barn swallow nests on your property, here are some pros and cons of different removal methods:
Method | Pros | Cons |
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Hand removal |
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Power washing |
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Surface coatings |
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Consulting this comparison table can help weigh the pros and cons of each method when deciding the best option for your specific situation.
Impact of Barn Swallow Problems Over Time
Barn swallow infestations tend to get progressively worse if not managed properly each year. Here’s a look at how swallow activity may escalate annually:
Year | Swallow Activity Level |
---|---|
1 | 3-4 nests built |
2 | 6-8 nests built |
3 | 12-15 nests built |
4 | 20+ nests built |
5 | 40+ nests built |
As shown, each season more nesting pairs and sites will typically appear, with exponential growth over time. This table illustrates why swift action is recommended when swallows first start nesting to prevent major future infestations.
Conclusion
Barn swallows can pose some difficult property management challenges due to their protected status and seasonal nesting behaviors. Following legal exclusion methods and focusing prevention on modifying swallow habitats are the most effective long-term solutions. With responsible control guided by wildlife conservation law, property owners can humanely resolve issues caused by these aerial acrobats.