When should I clean out my nest box?

It’s a good idea to give your birdhouse & nest boxes a clear out once a year, and it’s also interesting to see what’s inside. The best time to clean nest boxes is in the autumn, after the breeding season has ended and before wild birds start looking for new nesting sites in early spring. 

Ideally, you can do this between September and January, but make sure that the nest box is no longer in use, as some bird species can nest right through September.

We would recommend doing this annual clear out between October and November when there is no chance of disturbing the previous occupants and all birds have fledged the nest.

Why clean?

It’s important to give your nest box a thorough clean and remove any old nesting materials, which can contain parasites and diseases to prevent a build-up of waste that could discourage new birds from using the nest box.

These unwelcome parasites and their eggs can be very harmful to new young chicks and their chances of survival. Most wild bird species will clean bird boxes themselves before nesting, but it’s best to make sure it’s completely clear before the nesting season starts, increasing the chances of successful nesting.

Cleaning your nest box

By following our step by step guide you can ensure your nest box is a clean and safe place for either roosting birds over winter or for new occupying birds in spring when the breeding season starts, giving them a helping hand and a new fresh start.

How to clean:

1. Take the nest box down and open or remove any panels to gain access inside. This might require a screwdriver depending on the type of nest box you have.
2. Wearing protective gloves, empty out the old nest or debris –If this contains any small insects you could use it to help the local wildlife, by leaving it out for insect loving birds or for other animals in our garden, so before throwing it away you could place it under a hedge or amongst a flower bed.
3. If you find abandoned eggs, you should dispose of them, but they can only be legally removed between September and January. Consult local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation centres for guidance and assistance.
4. Wipe down the nest box using a dustpan and brush or clean cloth to remove any spider webs or brush away any small insects that might be lurking inside. A scrapper might come in handy to remove stubborn and stuck on mess with minimum effort.
5. Clean and disinfect the nest box using boiling water to wash out the inside and kill any remaining parasites. Please be careful when using boiling water to not scold yourself. Don’t use insecticides or flea treatments – these could be harmful to chicks.
6. Allow the box to dry completely before reassembling
7. Check for any damage, such as a loose roof or cracks. Repair or replace damaged boxes promptly. 
8. Site your clean and maintained nest box back in its normal spot or in a new location. Then sit back and observe from a distance to avoid disturbing the birds.

If you decide to clean your nest box in September your nest box will be ready for roosting birds in winter, but if you decide to clean it later on, it will be nice and clean for the breeding season. Alternatively, if you don’t want the clean nest box to be used before January, you can either close any openings to it, or store it in the garden shed over winter. But don’t forget to put it back in place well before spring.

Help, I forgot to clean my nest box before February

Natural nest crevices and nest holes in the wild aren’t cleaned, so it’s not the end of the world. As it gets close to spring, it’s best to leave nest boxes be, so you don’t disturb the birds.

If you have missed the opportunity to clean your nest box, we would recommend waiting until the end of the nesting season and do an annual autumn clean then.

Should I put anything in my bird box once cleaned?

Birds are very resourceful creatures and are happy to build their own nest. Often, they’ll remove nesting materials from inside to replace with their own preferred materials.

If you wanted to place something inside your completely dry and clean nest box, you could use a small handful of clean hay (not straw as it can allow mould to accumulate), wood shavings or dry leaves in the box. There’s no need to build a complete nest for the birds.

By filling your nest box it can attract small mammals who may see the bird nest box as a safe and warm place to hibernate for the winter.

Putting up birdhouses & nest boxes allows you to watch some fascinating bird behaviour up close, it’s also very rewarding endeavour, providing a safe and secure environment where birds can raise their young.