Released on: May 23, 2008, 9:17 am

Press Release Author: Fran Prisco, Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Here come the Swallows. Each year these beautiful birds begin
to build their mud nests on our buildings, barns, homes and other areas like
bridges.

Press Release Body: Here come the Swallows. Each year these beautiful birds begin to
build their mud nests on our buildings, barns, homes and other areas like bridges.
Swallows typically build mud nests close to overhead shelter in locations that are
protected from both the weather and predators. Many cave and cliff dwelling species
of swallow nest in large colonies. These large colonies have been known to take
over the sides of bridges, railroad trusses and even buildings.
Swallows are excellent fliers, and use these skills to attract a mate and to defend
territory.

In general, the males select a nest site, and then attract a female using song and
flight, and guard their territory. The size of the territory varies depending on the
species of swallow; in colonial-nesting species it tends to be small, but it may be
much larger for solitary nesters.
Pairs of mated swallows are monogamous, and pairs of non-migratory species often
stay near their breeding area all year, though the nest site is defended most
vigorously during the breeding season. Migratory species often return to the same
breeding area each year, and may select same nest site if they were previously
successful in that location. First-year breeders generally select a nesting site
close to where they were born and raised.

Most species hunt over open country or near water.

In the United States, all swallows are classified as migratory insectivorous birds
under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Swallows are also protected by state
regulations. It is illegal for any person to take, possess, transport, sell, or
purchase swallows or their parts, such as feathers, nets, or eggs, without a permit.
As a result, certain activities affecting swallows are subject to legal
restrictions, such as removing nests, capture and release or destroying the birds.

Nesting Sites

It is not yet fully understood what creates an ideal nesting site for swallows, it
seems that architectural design does influence site suitability. Buildings with
overhanging eaves at right angles with the wall are usually chosen sites. Sites
where the overhang and wall meet at an odd angle or are rounded or concave are
rarely used as nesting sites. The width of the overhang can also be important, few
nests have been observed with a overhang of less than 6 to 8 inches.

The texture of the wall is also a factor; wood, stucco, masonry and concrete surface
are preferred sites for attaching nests than say to metal. Swallows are known to
move to nearby structures when control methods are applies at an existing nesting
site.

Damage

Swallows such as Cliff Swallows nest in colonies and are often found where humans
live. Swallow colonies on buildings and other structures can become a major
nuisance, causing thousands of dollars of damage from their droppings and nesting
residue. Besides the unsightly mess that swallow droppings leave, they can also
carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Their mud nests eventually will
fall to the ground and can cause similar problems. Parasites can also be found in
swallow nests, including swallow bugs, fleas, ticks, and mites; these may bite human
and domestic animals such as dogs and cats.

Control Methods

Exclusion:

Exclusion refers to any method that denies the bird physical access to a nesting
site. It is a permanent solution that should be done before nesting begins.
Plastic netting such as Ultra Netting available at Absolute Bird Control, is a good
barrier between swallows and a nesting site. You should use a ¾ inch mesh size.
The netting should be pulled taut to reduce flapping in the wind. Install net
before the swallows arrive. It may be left up all year or taken down after the
nesting season. It is best to secure the Ultra Netting using the Ultra Netting Poly
Clips. Attach the netting to the outer edge of the eave of the home down to the
side to the wall creating an 45 degree angel. This will keep the bird from getting
into the sheltered space under the eaves of homes and buildings.
There are four methods that can be used to deter pest swallows from building their
nests under the eaves of your home.

NOTE: Do not use a sticky gel to deter Swallows. The gel should only be use for
ledges where birds land, not walls.

1. Netting attached from the outer edge of the eave down to the side of the building.

2. A curtain of netting attached to the eave, hanging about 4 inches out from the
side of your home.

3. Projections, such as plastic or stainless steel bird spikes, along the junction
of the wall and eave of your home.

4. A slippery panel, such as Bird-B-Gone, Inc. Bird Slope, to form a smooth surface
under the eave of your home


Substrate Modification:

Swallows like to build their nests on surfaces that will provide a good foothold for
attaching the nesting materials. This would include rough surfaces like stucco.
Creating a slick surface on the nesting walls will discourage the birds and they
will look elsewhere to find a good nesting spot. You can use the Bird Slope product
available at Absolute Bird Control to keep the swallows from building nest under the
eaves of your home. It is easy to install and can be left up all year and painted
to match the sides of the building. The bird slope creates a "slippery" surface for
the birds, so they cannot build their nests under the eaves of your home or
commercial building.

The best advise to keep swallows off of your home or commercial building is to do
something before the swallows arrive. Put up netting, bird spikes, bird slope or
other means of deterring nest building before the building begins. Once the birds
arrive and start building, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them. There is a
myth that hosing down the nests as they build will keep them from finishing. Not
true. They are tenacious birds and will keep on building until the job is done.
You must also be aware of the laws that protect these birds, you do not want to be
fined! If you feel that you cannot do the work yourself, contact Absolute Bird
Control, Inc. at www.absolutebirdcontrol.com, they have a network of Certified
Installers that can help you get the job done.

References:
W. Paul Gorenzel, Terrell P. Salmon. "Swallows", from Prevention and Control of
Wildlife Damage - 1994. United States Department of Agriculture.



Web Site: http://www.birdbgone.com

Contact Details: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
Mission Viejo, CA
1-800-392-6915
nobirds@birdbgone.com