3 Methods to Keep Pest Swallows off your Building

Whether it’s mud, cliff or barn swallows, these seasonal birds can quickly become pests to commercial buildings and structures. The gourd- or cup-shaped mud nests they build can deface and degrade many surfaces. Female swallows can lay as many as six eggs at a time, beginning as early as March. The eggs normally hatch in 12 to 17 days. Before long, colonies of several hundred nests will appear under eaves, awnings, patio covers and similar semi-outdoor areas.

Swallows Protected by Law

As many businesses have discovered, getting rid of migratory birds like swallows can get complicated.

Swallows are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which makes it illegal to intentionally capture, kill or disrupt any migratory bird or the nests and eggs of such birds.

Proactive Solutions

The best way to keep pest swallows away is to be proactive through the use of humane and effective bird deterrents that keep these birds from nesting in the first place. Fortunately, the bird control experts at Bird B Gone have a number of humane ways to keep swallows off buildings.

1. Swallow Shield. The simple swallow deterrent uses hanging "twine" to block birds from entering and nesting in eaves, awnings, gables, canopies and other openings. Faced with the daunting task of working through a gauntlet of twine strips, swallows will move on to a better nesting spot. This economical, low-profile swallow deterrent is virtually invisible from the ground level. Each Swallow Shield Kit contains two clear monofilament sections that are hung from a clear plastic plate with a self-adhesive back for quick attachment to eaves, canopies, awnings, gables, entryways and other areas where swallows try to enter.

2. Bird SlopeTM. These smooth, slippery PVC panels are mounted at an angle on eaves, ledges, I-beams and parking garages to create a “no-landing” zone for even the most determined swallows. When they try to land on the slope’s angled surface, swallows harmlessly slide off. Bird Slope panels are easy to install on open eaves, ledges, I-beams and parking garages—virtually any 90-degree nook and cranny where pest birds have become a problem. The panels come in 4-foot long sections and 48 feet per box. They are easily screwed, glued or nailed to any flat surface. A handy "snap on" extender easily adapts the panels to ledges as wide as 10 inches. Special mounting clips allow the panels to be installed vertically on the sides of buildings. Also available are “end caps” to prevent birds from getting behind the panels. A glue trough on the underside of each panel allows for easy installation using standard outdoor polyurethane adhesive.

3. Visual Bird Deterrents. Easy to install and economical to use, the most popular visual swallow deterrents are Bird Scare Balloons and Bird Scare Diverters. Both are covered with large predator eyes that make swallows far too nervous to nest. The only thing you have to remember about these deterrents is to move them around from time to time to keep swallows from getting used to them.

Expert Assistance

Bird B Gone offers a number of deterrents for keeping swallows away from buildings and structures. If you’re unsure about which product would work best for your specific situation, Bird B Gone has over 80 years of combined experience in the field of bird control. We can help you with product selection, installation and cleanup. Contact our team of Bird Control Experts to find a solution that works for you. We also work with a network of authorized installers, call today for a trained bird control professional in your area.