How to Attract Birds to Existing Houses
- 1). Know the types of birds that you want to attract. If you are unsuccessful in attracting a certain type of bird to your existing bird house, you may simply have the wrong sized bird house. For instance, the Baltimore Bird Club explains that chickadees prefer a smaller bird house that is approximately four inches in length and four inches in depth, but a pileated woodpecker requires a bird house that is at least eight inches in length and eight inches in depth. If your bird house is larger than the size required for a certain type of bird, consider trying to attract a larger bird.
- 2). Make sure that the existing bird house is clean. If you want the existing bird house to be functional year after year, it is important that it be kept clean. You may need to disassemble it to do this. A bird house should be cleaned at least once a year to remove any bacteria or fungal growth that has accumulated. All of the old nesting materials should be removed and the inside should be lightly cleaned with a sponge and a mild solution of soap and water. According to the Ohio department of Natural Resources, the bird house can then be sprayed down lightly with creolin disinfectant. The bird house should then be given a quick once over to ensure that there are no dangerous screw, nails or wood splinters on the interior or exterior that can harm the birds.
- 3). Add ventilation to your existing bird house. If the birds are not using your bird house for nesting, it may be because the bird house is too hot. Using a small drill bit to add a few ventilation holes can cool down the bird house and make it more enticing. Also, if your bird house is painted with a bright color, consider toning it down with an exterior latex paint. Light, dull colors will reflect heat and make it less likely that the bird house will be noticed by predators.
- 4). Remove the perch from the entrance hole of your bird house. If you have an existing bird house and it has a perch just below the front opening, it may be the reason that you have no guests. Although, it is natural to assume that birds will find a perch useful; when it comes to their homes it is a no-no. According to Duncraft, a perch can make the birds more susceptible to predators, and they know it. So, if you want them to move into your existing bird house, score the outer edges of the perch with a utility knife and then snap it off. Sand any remaining wood down nice and smooth.
- 5). Remove insects and other predators from the existing bird house. It is common for insects to lay eggs in confined spaces and a bird house is no exception. If you want the birds to choose your bird house as their safe haven, it is essential to remove unwanted pests with a bird-safe insecticide. The North American Blue bird Society recommends Pyrethrin spray. Reptiles, starlings and house sparrows are all subjects that may find your bird house a great place to kick back and relax. For a bird that is looking for a place to call home, however, these squatters are unwanted roommates. Removing the reptiles, and the nests of bird pests, may be just what is needed for some lucky bird to call your existing bird house home.
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