Instructions for Cleaning a Birdhouse

Cleaning a birdhouse at least once per year is important, and a mild winter day is a good time to get the job done if you didn’t get around to it in the fall. While some birds will return to the previous year’s nest, or will construct a new nest on top of an existing one, it’s better if they make a clean start.

Old nesting materials can harbor parasites, insects, or disease which can harm the nestlings. Also, when nests are built on top of one another it means the baby birds are higher up in the birdhouse than they should be. This is unsafe because they may tumble out of the opening before able to fly, and also because they are more accessible to predators, particularly other birds, who can easily attack them from the perch.

Check for Baby Birds Before Cleaning a Birdhouse

Before taking a birdhouse down, make sure there are no birds inside. Position yourself to the side of the house and tap it, observing and listening for movement or chirping within. Look inside if you can, but stay away from the front in case a startled bird, or other critter, exits quickly. Once you’re certain that the birdhouse is unoccupied, you can safely take it down.

Supplies for Cleaning a Birdhouse

It’s a good idea to gather any tools you may need for cleaning before you take apart a birdhouse. Here’s a list of some items you might want to have on hand when you get started with cleaning a birdhouse:

• Work Gloves
• Screwdriver or Pliers
• Face Mask
• Trash Bag
• Stiff Brush (old toothbrush)
• Rags
• Diluted Bleach Solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water)

Work Safely When Installing or Cleaning a Birdhouse

Proper placement of a birdhouse varies among different bird species. Since you’ll want to place most birdhouses at least 5’ (1.5m ) above the ground you’ll very likely need a ladder to hang them and again when cleaning. It would be helpful to have a “spotter” who can help secure the ladder for you and hand up tools as needed. Otherwise, you can put supplies in a bucket tied to a rope and hoist them to the location of the birdhouse.

Steps for Opening and Cleaning a Birdhouse

1. Most birdhouses are designed to open easily, with a hinged roof, a sliding side, or some other mechanism. However, you may need a screwdriver to gain access to the interior, especially if it’s a homemade house. Wearing gloves, open the birdhouse, and tip out the contents into a trash bag. Tie the bag closed and discard.

2. Brush away any debris clinging to house, inside and out. Sweep out all nesting particles, and scrape away dried droppings. Next wash the interior with the bleach solution. Include the entrance to the house, and the perch, if there is one. Rinse with clear water and let dry in the sun.

3. Once the birdhouse is dry, inspect all hardware, fastenings, and hinges. Make sure everything is in working order, and tighten any loose parts. Check that the roof is secure and sufficient to keep out the weather. Make sure any drainage or ventilation holes are clear. Finally, look over the entrance, perch, and all interior surfaces. Remove any sharp edges, such as protruding nails or splintered wood, which could harm the nestlings.

4. Close the birdhouse and place it securely back onto its stand. The birdhouse should be well off the ground, high enough to be safe from cats and other predators. Face it east or southeast, for good morning exposure. It’s helpful to locate the house within a few feet of a bush or small tree, so that fledglings will have a place to land when learning to fly.

When to Clean a Birdhouse

A birdhouse can be cleaned before nesting season has begun, and again in the fall after all young birds have left the nest. Don’t clean the house mid-season, as you may inadvertently disturb an active nest. If you’re unsure whether a birdhouse is in use, it’s best to wait. You can leave the birdhouse in place all year. Birdhouses cleaned before winter may become a source of temporary shelter for some birds from winter’s freezing temperatures and winds.

Enjoy Birds Year-round

Nothing can brighten a winter day like the sounds and flutter of activity birds can bring. Learn more about how to entice birds to your backyard this winter in our article, Winter Meals…For the Birds!