Once the fledglings leave, wait at least two weeks before cleaning out the birdhouse. This gives time for any insects that emerged from the nest along with the babies to fully depart.
Here are some tips for cleaning a birdhouse:
- Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from dust and mites.
- Remove the old nesting material and dispose of it in a trash bag.
- Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the inside of the birdhouse.
- Rinse the birdhouse thoroughly and let it dry completely before returning it to its original location.
- Clean bird house with diluted bleach in the fall once all song birds have migrated south
By following these tips, you can help keep your birdhouse clean and safe for future nesting pairs.