-
Prevent Wasp’s Nests in your decorative bird houses
Ever check a birdhouse only to be disappointed in finding a wasp’s nest instead of bird’s nest? It happens all the time as conditions are also perfect for housing the pesky insects. Especially inside wooden houses, they love to build their honeycomb structures and thrive.You can actually guard against hornet and wasp invasion, and keep those decorative bird houses reserved for birds only. The secret weapon is soap! Yes, plain old simple bar soap. Take a dry bar of soap and rub it on the underside of the roof inside the bird house. This is where most nests are found. Wasps can not (or will not) cling to a surface that has been “soaped”. They’ll also build nests on the vertical walls of the house, but usually near the top. These areas should also have the dry soap applied. It will not harm birds, nor hinder the nesting process.
Granted you’ve got to be able to get your hand inside the house to do this, and some decorative bird houses may not allow that option. These fun ceramic birdhouses actually separate so you can get to the inside should the need arise. When choosing any birdhouse, it’s best to make sure it’s a functional one if you’d like to entice feathered friends to nest. Always look for some type of clean-out so you can remove old nests, ventilation is important too. The house will be more bird-friendly if the entrance is situated somewhat toward the top portion as well. This helps protect nestlings from predator’s reach.
Nesting season is here, we found four eggs in one of our bluebird houses today! It won’t be long before chickadees, titmice, warblers and all the other cavity-dwelling birds start seeking digs to raise their young. If you’ve already got bird houses in your yard, it’s best to check for old nests and remove them. A plastic bag works great, just grab the nest and turn the bag inside out, otherwise, gloves are recommended.
Make decorative bird houses available for your beaked buddies this season… and they’ll thank you for housing the birds! Oh, and don’t forget the soap if wasps or hornets are a problem around your yard.
Finally… Welcome spring 🙂 -
decorative bird houses that go the distance
Providing birds critical roosting and nesting sites to raise their young can be anything but a boring wood nest box. Decorative bird houses abound out there in birdie retail land, with so many fun designs and shapes it’s hard to choose!But there are some things to be aware of when choosing decorative bird houses. Wood is always a natural choice, but will it go the distance? How many seasons might it last? If it’s made in China, your chances for many seasons of successful broods may be slim. Hand crafted wood houses that are made in the USA have a far better chance at surviving over the years.
Ceramics and stoneware are sturdy materials that won’t break down over time. There are some great artists creating wonderful pieces of functional art like decorative bird houses. As long as the house is equipped with adequate ventilation and proper drainage it’s a good choice. The entrance must be correctly and proportionally-sized for the birds you’d like to attract as well. Adding some nesting material nearby will also encourage birds to take up residence in your yard. And as always, a fresh water water source will entice more feathered friends than any house or feeder alone…. Happy Birding!
-
Anything but boring decorative bird houses
Birdhouses that are meant for feather friends don’t necessarily have to be boring wooden nest boxes. There are totally fun decorative bird houses with functionality that will also entice wild birds to roost, as well as, nest and raise their young.In every possible theme imaginable to man, and various materials like wood, resin, vinyl, glass, copper and more, the choices are quite abundant! However, there are a few basic requirements to be considered when choosing decorative bird houses. First, think about who it is you are looking to attract? Then consider the factors below, including the actual entrance diameter of your decorative birdhouse.
Clean-out is a must for our avian friends, because birds will not build a nest in a house containing an old one. Dormant, old nests become dusty, invite parasites, and possible predators. When removing old nests, be sure to dispose of them a good distance from the birdhouse – just for this reason alone. And best to wear some rubber gloves too.
Proper ventilation and drainage is also important for a healthy birdhouse environment. Air circulation helps prevent molds and bacteria from forming on the walls and floor. Good drainage in a birdhouse prevents any water build up and puddling that may occur.
Proportional sized entrance is also a major factor.
Here’s a pretty good general guide:
1-1/8″ entrance for Chickadees, House Wrens and other small songbirds,
1-1/4″ for Titmice and Nuthatches
1-1/2″ for Carolina Wrens, Eastern Bluebirds, and Downy Woodpeckers,
2-1/2″ for Purple Martins, Flickers, Red Headed and Hairy Woodpeckers.As always, be sure to provide a consistent fresh water source for birds. Whether a pond, hanging bath, fountain, or pedestal type birdbath, it is the absolute best method to entice more feathered friends to your yard…and keep them coming back!
…Happy Birding!
Birding Tips, Information & News
