How to Stop Barn Swallows From Building Nests by Doors

Barn swallows are sparrow-sized birds with pointed wings found mostly in Washington during the spring and fall. Barn swallows typically build mud nests on the ground or attached to buildings. Researchers believe that barn swallows build nests near humans, such as on door and window jambs, to avoid crows and other predators. Because barn swallows are protected by law, you need to make sure there are no swallows currently nesting in that area. If swallows already occupy a nest near your door, you will need a permit before you can block the area. To prevent swallows from building nests near your doors in the future, there are a few techniques you can try.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird netting
  • 1-inch mesh chicken wire
  • Fastners, such as staples or brass cup-hooks
  • Aluminum foil
  • Heavy plastic
  • High-pressure water hose
  • Pole
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build a barrier using bird netting or one-inch mesh chicken wire. To prevent barn swallows from building nests near or around the doors, install a barrier between the swallow and the possible nesting area using bird netting or chicken wire. Attach the netting or wire to the outer edge of the eave, which is the lower border of the roof, and allow it to drape down the sides of a building. You can attach this barrier using trash bag ties, staples, brass cup-hooks or other fasteners.

    • 2

      Use aluminum foil or heavy plastic over smaller areas. In smaller areas where swallows are unwanted, you can install aluminum foil or heavy plastic over the spot where you wish to prevent swallow nesting. The smooth surface will keep swallows from adhering mud on the wall.

    • 3

      Remove the nest. Another option would be to remove the nest completely, as long as swallows do not occupy the nest. At the first sign of a nest being built by the door, remove the nest by washing it away with a water hose or knocking it down with a pole. You may need to do this for several days since swallows are attracted to old nest places, or wherever remnants of a nest can be found.