Swallow Bird House Placement & Maintenance Guide

Thank you for purchasing a swallow birdhouse from Garden Artworks! Swallows are wonderful insect-eating birds, and your new birdhouse is designed to attract them while deterring aggressive house sparrows. Follow these tips for the best results.

Proper Placement for Your Swallow Birdhouse

 Mounting Height: Install the birdhouse 6–12 feet high on a pole, post, or building rather than a tree to reduce predator access.
 Open Space: Swallows prefer wide-open areas near fields, water sources, or gardens, rather than dense tree cover. Ensure at least 20 feet of open space in front of the entrance.
 Sunlight Exposure: Place the birdhouse so it receives morning sun and some afternoon shade for temperature regulation.
 Oval Entrance Design: The oval entrance helps deter house sparrows, which prefer round holes. Avoid placing the birdhouse near feeders that attract sparrows.
 Multiple Birdhouses: If installing more than one, space them at least 30 feet apart, as swallows can be territorial.

End-of-Season Clean-Out Instructions

 Timing: Clean the birdhouse in late fall, after the swallows have migrated (typically September-October).
 Removal of Nesting Material: Open the birdhouse and remove old nests to prevent parasites and disease buildup.
 Disinfection: Rinse the interior with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and let it fully dry before closing.
 Winter Storage (Optional): If desired, take the birdhouse down for winter to prevent use by unwanted birds or pests. Otherwise, leave it up for potential winter shelter.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a welcoming home for swallows while keeping unwanted birds away.

Happy birdwatching!