Barn swallows are widespread and are found in most parts of the world. With a distinctive blue upperpart and a long, forked tail, this open country bird likes to breed on man-made structures such as barns, where it builds its cup nest from mud pellets.
The barn swallows’ aggressive invasion of structures can be damaging and the early morning noise they make can be a nuisance. Furthermore, they leave piles of feathers and droppings where they breed. The following is a guide on how to get rid of barn swallows to help control and keep them in check.
The best way to get rid of swallows is by discouraging them from building their nests. You can do that through the following options:
Scare tactics
Scare tactics can be very effective because these birds are always alert to any perceived threats. It can be in the form of sound or visual deterrents. Most remedies use either of these mechanisms to keep barn swallows away.
An example of commercial remedies to buy is the Bird B Gone no nasty nest swallow deterrent, which is a visual repellent. They are bright filament lines hanging from a plastic plate. To install it, you simply peel it off and stick on the area you need to create a visual distraction zone. Another example is the Reflective Scare Bird Diverters by Bird B Gone INC. which cost about $20.
The Bird Repellent Tape uses both visual and sound to scare away the swallows. It is often used in open areas such as farms. It reflects the sunlight, with the visual implication irritating the birds. Also, when the tape moves in the wind, it makes char metallic sounds that are unpleasant to these birds. All these remedies are easily available at nearby stores. You can also get them at affordable rates from Amazon.
Liquid Bird Repellent Sprays
Using a barn swallow deterrent spray is another proactive way to scare the barn swallows away. It works by irritating the sense of smell and taste of the birds. Your repellent spray should be mild enough to use around people, as well as crops.
Removing food sources
Normally these birds will invade an area because there is food. Removing those sources of food is, therefore, one of the effective home remedies for barn swallows. Remove any leftover food on the tables and ground, and close all your trash containers tightly.
Create Alternative Habitats
Give the swallows another option where they protect their offspring during the colder months. Making alternative habitats will help stop them from taking over your barns. Ensure you locate these habitats away from busy doorways.
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Getting rid of swallows can be very challenging, especially when you don’t know what to do. Hopefully, with this guide, you can finally be able to keep them in check and stop them from taking over your barns and damaging your home.