Bird houses can be beautiful structure that can give a person a great deal of pleasure. However, just like homes for humans, bird houses, also, need care and attention. There are bound to be issues with parasites and predators. This is why these aviary homes need to be monitored and cleaned, at least, on a weekly basis.

There are two species of wild birds that have become a real problem to the Native American birds when it comes to bird houses. The House Sparrows and the European Starling are very aggressive species that were introduced into the American scene in the 1800’s. Their presence is a real problem to those who seek to attract native American species. They kill native species eating their food in the process and build their nests on top of the nests of American species.

Bird houses that have been used by House Sparrows and the European Starlings should be cleaned out thoroughly. Starlings can be kept out of bird houses meant for American species by keeping the entrance holes small enough for the desired species. The best way to eliminate House Sparrows is by trapping them. The homes of Purple Martins should be plugged up for the winter or the sparrows and starlings will take them over.

Cleaning of the bird houses should be done at least once a year. The best time for this exercise is after the birds are finished breeding. The old nesting material should be removed and the house scrubbed with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. The inside of the house should be rinsed and allowed to dry before it is closed up. The house should be checked to make sure that the hardware and panels are still firmly in place and not falling apart.

It is not necessary to clean out bird houses for breeds such as bluebirds and wrens that raise more than one family in a season. However, it is suggested that the nesting material is cleaned out between broods to reduce the chances of parasites. Bluebird and chickadee boxes can be left open during the winter as these species continue to use their homes for roosting.

Good quality bird houses are built with hinges, slide out bottoms and any other means that make cleaning an easy chore. Bird houses that have been cleaned out, thoroughly, can be put back in place providing shelter for non-migratory birds. They will be most appreciative.