Nest Boxes for Birds

Pest Proofing

Natural enemies pose the greatest threat to birds using nest boxes. Metal poles used for mounts or a sheet metal guard encircling trees or wooden poles helps protect birds from cats and squirrels. Suspending small nest boxes from wires beyond the jumping range of these predators is also effective.

Perches aren't needed. If left on a nest box, perches will attract house sparrows and starlings.

House sparrows and European starlings usually won't nest within ten feet of the ground. Placing nest boxes four to five feet off the ground and in brushy areas will discourage these birds.

If you want to get rid of house sparrows or European starlings that are nesting in a bird house, it is legal to remove their nests and destroy the eggs. (Unlike most birds, these species are not protected by state or federal law.) Nests may have to be removed five to six times before sparrows or starlings finally abandon the house.

Small animals, like mice, native squirrels, bees and wasps, may also decide to move into a nest box. If you don't want them there, leave the nest box open to discourage them.

When the nesting season is over, open an unseamed panel on the nest box and leave it that way throughout the winter. This prevents deer mice from using it as a winter home. Otherwise these mice may "defend" their box from returning songbirds in the spring by killing and eating them if the birds enter "their" box.