Safely Cleaning Bird Boxes During Nesting Season Is Possible - Here's How

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The types of birds that you attract in your yard can play a big role in the type of nesting activity that you'll see in your bird box and when it occurs. However, no matter the bird variety that takes up home in your bird box, you'll likely find that, at some point, the house becomes dirty enough for a bit of deep cleaning. The only problem is that you don't want to become Public Enemy #1 in your own backyard by cleaning the bird house (or your impressive DIY bird feeder) during nesting season. Luckily, you can effectively clean your birdhouse during breeding season by simply paying close attention to the bird friends inhabiting it. This will give you the perfect intel on when to move the bird's nest. Yes, there is a way to swoop in and tidy up the spot without upsetting or disrupting breeding or nesting activities.

For many birds, particularly those in moderate climates in the United States, springtime marks the beginning of the nesting season. This also means that bird parents are on high alert and are very territorial of their houses and the spaces surrounding their nest. The key to cleaning the bird house during this time is to wait until the new baby birds (aka "fledglings") have left the nest. It's best not to perform this task while there are still unhatched eggs in the nest, or you can expect an angry visit from a bird parent.

Ideally, it's best to clean your bird house at the end and beginning of each breeding season to promote the safety and health of the birds that may inhabit it. During the mating seasons, these houses can become a breeding groundfor bacteria, fungi, feather mites, and other harmful organisms. So, after confirming that the fledglings have grown big enough to leave the nest, you can get to work. Start by grabbing a face mask, a pair of latex gloves, a soft-bristled scrub brush, and a cleaning solution like MICROBE-LIFT birdhouse cleaner. 

Next, remove the nest, and if it's still in good condition, set it aside on the ground. Then, take off any removable parts or panels and clean them separately. Clear any feces, nesting materials, dead insects, or gathered food from the house. Afterward, spray your cleaning solution on the inside and exterior, using the scrubber to remove any hardened debris from the bottom and sides. Also, be sure to clear any clogged ventilation areas, mesh linings, or drainage holes. 

Let your cleaning solution sit for one minute, then thoroughly rinse it off with your garden hose. Then, place the house in a sunlit or warm area so that it can dry completely. Once it's fully dry, place the nest back inside after cleaning it out. You can also clean your bird house with a solution containing one part bleach and nine parts water instead of a specialized cleaner. Just follow the previously outlined cleaning steps, and ensure the solution is thoroughly rinsed away. Note that if your bird box smells like bleach, it will deter potential future visitors.