Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/1/2007

Question
How can we stop birds from making a mud nest on the house in different areas?

Answer
Every spring, barn and cliff swallows arrive to nest in the US. They often nest in residential or urban areas. It is not uncommon to see swallow nests under bridges, over passes and under the eaves of homes.

For many residents, a swallow nesting under the overhang of their porch just simply means having to clean up messy bird droppings.

Although this mess may be a reality, swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. According to this federal law it is unlawful for any person to "take" any migratory bird, including its eggs, nests, or any part thereof. Violating this law is punishable by fines of up to $15,000 and up to six months in jail.

If you are unhappy with a pair of swallows that have built a nest on your property, but have not yet laid eggs, try putting up a metallic helium balloon on a long string in the area in which they are nesting. This should encourage the pair to nest elsewhere.
To discourage swallows from nesting on your property, put chicken wire up around overhangs to prevent them from getting under eaves. If a nesting pair has already laid its eggs, you must leave them alone. Roger Lederer