How to Keep Barn Sparrows Out of Barns

While sparrows typically thrive under a wide variety of conditions and in most geographical locations, they are definitely not welcome around the barn. Not only are their droppings messy, these birds have been known to carry parasites and diseases. Sparrows can also block gutters with their nests and create fire hazards when residing near power lines. In addition, they often discourage more beneficial bird species such as swallows from taking up residence in and around the barn. However, it is often challenging to get rid of these avian pests.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Bird netting
  • Push pins or nails
  • Plastic strips
  • Sound repellent unit and batteries
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the barn and surrounding areas thoroughly, making sure to cover all grain containers. Remove excess grain from feeders after allowing a reasonable amount of time for horses to eat. Remove all containers of standing water where mosquitoes and other insects are likely to breed. By removing the food source for these birds, you will make nesting in and around the barn less attractive.

    • 2

      Hang strips of plastic over all doors and windows, making sure to cover them entirely. While it would be best to close all doors and windows to keep birds out, this is not always practical during summer months when air flow is a necessity. The plastic strips will allow easy entrance and exit without impeding air flow.

    • 3

      Use plastic bird netting to block off access to rafters and other nesting locations. Use push pins or nails to securely anchor the netting.

    • 4

      Place battery operated bird sound repellents just inside the barn. These will repel particular types of birds in a 1 to 6 acre range, so determine the area covered by your barns and outbuildings, and select the one most effective against sparrows in that area.