The Swallows Are Coming. Are You Prepared?

Swallows are on their way, looking for places to roost and nest for spring. If you are not prepared with effective bird control measures, they may choose your building. In these challenging times, budgets are tight, and removing the unsightly mud nests swallows build on building facades—or repainting walls stained by bird droppings—is both time-consuming and costly.

The Impact of Swallows on Commercial Buildings

Because swallows prefer to build nests in colonies, they often create an unattractive patchwork of mud nests on building exteriors. This debris—including feathers, droppings, and eggshells—attracts insects and other pests. Furthermore, swallow droppings can carry diseases that may infect humans. When nests eventually drop to the ground, the bugs, fleas, ticks, and mites harboring inside can create a significant mess that requires cleanup.

Legal Protections and Ethical Control

While the temptation to use drastic, lethal measures exists, swallows are classified as migratory insectivorous birds under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. They are also protected by various state regulations. Once birds have begun constructing their nests, you cannot disturb them or the nests without risking significant fines. The only viable solution is to be prepared for their arrival with humane, non-lethal deterrents.

Preparation and Deterrent Strategies

Anticipate where swallows are most likely to build their nests: in shady areas under eaves. They typically construct nests against textured surfaces where mud adheres easily, such as rough-sawn wood, stucco, masonry, and concrete.

Bird Netting

This exclusionary method creates a physical barrier that birds cannot penetrate. For swallows, it is essential to use a 3/4-inch mesh size. When installing netting outdoors, ensure it is U.V.-stabilized, flame-resistant, and rot- and waterproof. High-quality, non-conductive netting that meets ISO 1806 protocols is available for specialized installations. For best results, hang the bird netting from the outer edge of the eave down to the wall at a 45-degree angle.

Bird Slope

Swallows cannot grip these angled, slippery PVC panels. If they cannot find solid footing, they will search for better surfaces for their mud nests. Bird Slope panels are U.V.-protected and weather-resistant, offering anti-perching and anti-roosting protection. They are easily installed on ledges, eaves, and beams using mounting clips and are available in stone or grey to blend with your structure.

Sound Deterrents

Sound deterrents are highly effective when installed before swallows establish a nesting territory. Devices like the Bird Chase Super Sonic broadcast pre-recorded bird distress and predator calls, signaling that the area is unsafe for nesting. These weatherproof devices can cover large open areas.

Expert Assistance

Bird control methods are most successful when installed as soon as a problem is identified or in anticipation of the birds' return. If your building has been a nesting site in the past, swallows are very likely to return in the spring. If you are unsure which products to choose or need assistance with installation, there are pest control companies across the U.S. that specialize in bird control and can help.