Why Swallows are a Pest Bird

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Why Swallows are a Pest Bird

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Neil Fellows in Swallow Deterrents

Introduction to Barn Swallows

Barn swallows are a family of birds known for their distinctive mud nests and their tendency to flock around homes, buildings, and other structures. These birds construct gourd- or cup-shaped nests using a mixture of sand, grasses, hair, and feathers. A barn swallow nest can be quite prolific, with colonies comprising several hundred nests lined up vertically. Female barn swallows can lay up to six eggs at a time, starting as early as March, with the eggs hatching in 12 to 17 days.

Why Barn Swallows Are A Pest Bird?

Nesting and Aesthetic Issues

Barn swallows create unsightly bowl-shaped nests under the overhangs and ledges of buildings, which can be a significant distraction and detriment to the appearance of a property. For businesses, especially those in the food service industry, these nests can deter customers and create negative perceptions. Bird droppings further add to the problem, covering floors and walkways and necessitating frequent cleaning and maintenance to avoid staining and structural damage.

Health Hazards: What Diseases Do Barn Swallows Carry?

One of the most critical issues with barn swallows is the health risk posed by their droppings. For businesses that handle, process, or serve food, the presence of swallow bird droppings can lead to contamination. The bacteria, fungal agents, and parasites found in barn swallow droppings can cause serious diseases, including:

  • Histoplasmosis: A respiratory disease caused by a fungus found in bird droppings.
  • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, which can be spread through bird droppings.
  • Salmonella: A bacterial infection that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Toxoplasmosis: An infection caused by a parasite that can have severe health impacts.

Health inspectors can shut down a business if too many bird droppings and nests are present, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a bird-free environment.

Slip-and-Fall Hazards

Swallow bird droppings create significant slip-and-fall hazards. Wet droppings, as well as dried droppings that become slippery when rehydrated by rain, dew, or sprinklers, can create dangerously slick surfaces. This hazard can lead to legal issues if someone slips, falls, and is injured on the property.

Structural and Maintenance Issues

Barn swallow nests and droppings can interfere with the proper functioning of rain gutters, leading to roof leaks and potential water damage. Additionally, nests and feathers can block chimneys and air vents, creating fire hazards and increasing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup within the home.

Legal Protections: Are Barn Swallows Protected?

Barn swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, making it illegal to intentionally capture, kill, or disturb migratory birds, their nests, or their eggs. This protection complicates efforts to manage barn swallows, requiring proactive and humane bird deterrent methods to prevent nesting.

How to Manage Barn Swallows

To manage barn swallow populations and prevent the issues they cause, consider implementing the following bird deterrent strategies:

  1. Physical Barriers:
    • Bird Netting: Install bird netting to block access to potential nesting sites under eaves, overhangs, and ledges.
    • Bird Spikes: Place bird spikes on ledges and other flat surfaces where barn swallows might attempt to build nests.
  2. Visual Deterrents:
    • Reflective Tape: Use reflective tape or other shiny objects to scare away barn swallows.
    • Predator Decoys: Install decoys of predatory birds to discourage barn swallows from nesting nearby.
  3. Auditory Deterrents:
    • Sound Devices: Utilize devices that emit distress calls or predator sounds to keep barn swallows at bay.
  4. Maintenance and Cleanliness:
    • Regular Cleaning: Frequently clean areas where barn swallows are likely to nest to remove any droppings or nesting materials.
    • Secure Food Sources: Ensure that trash cans are covered and food scraps are cleaned up promptly to avoid attracting barn swallows.
  5. Professional Help:
    • Wildlife Control Services: Hire professionals who specialize in humane bird control methods to manage barn swallow populations effectively.

The Barn Swallow Bird Solution

Barn swallows, while an integral part of the ecosystem, can become problematic when they choose to nest around human structures. Understanding their behavior and implementing proactive deterrent measures can help manage their impact. For businesses and homeowners, maintaining a barn swallow-free environment is crucial for health, safety, and aesthetic reasons. By using humane and effective bird control methods, you can prevent barn swallows from becoming a persistent problem.

Other Resources for Swallows: 

Expert Assistance

Bird B Gone offers a number of deterrents for keeping swallow birds 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. Just call us at (888) 570-0360 for a catalog, pricing, or product samples or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a network of authorized installers, call today for a trained bird control professional in your area.

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