Are barn swallows making your house their favorite spot? Their cheerful chirps might seem pleasant at first, but when they build nests around your home, things can quickly get messy and frustrating.
You want to enjoy your space without worrying about droppings, noise, or damage to your property. Luckily, you don’t have to live with this problem. You’ll discover simple and effective ways to get barn swallows away from your house—safely and for good.
Short Answer: A simple way to get Barn Swallows away from your house is to remove old nests, block ledges, hang shiny strips, and use decoy owls. These steps make the spot less safe and less inviting, so the birds move to another area.
Table of Contents
Why Barn Swallows Nest Near Homes
Barn swallows like to build nests near houses because these spots offer shelter from wind and rain. The eaves and overhangs protect their nests well. These areas are safe from many predators.
Living close to humans can be helpful for barn swallows. People often keep insects away with lights and screens, but some insects still come near houses. These insects are a good food source for swallows.
Some reasons barn swallows prefer homes:
- Protected spots for nests
- Easy access to flying insects
- Less risk from natural predators
- Warm places for raising young birds
Signs Of Barn Swallow Presence
Barn swallow nests are made of mud and grass. They look like small cups. They are often found under eaves or on beams.
Droppings are another sign. They appear as small dark spots near nesting areas. These spots can be on walls or under nests.
Common places for nests include:
- Under porch roofs
- On window ledges
- Inside barns or garages
- Under bridges or overhangs
Look for clusters of nests in these spots. The birds prefer sheltered, high places close to water.
Preventing Barn Swallows From Nesting
Removing materials like twigs, grass, and mud can stop barn swallows from building nests. Clear away any loose debris near your house. Keep areas clean and dry to discourage nesting.
Seal small holes and gaps around windows, eaves, and vents. Use caulk or mesh to block entry points. This prevents birds from entering or reaching safe nesting spots.
Physical barriers work well to block nesting. Install bird spikes or netting in common nesting areas. These tools make it hard for swallows to settle on ledges or beams.
Safe Deterrents To Keep Swallows Away
Visual deterrents can be very effective at keeping barn swallows away. Hang shiny objects like aluminum foil strips or old CDs near the nesting area. These objects move in the wind and reflect light, which scares birds. Plastic owls or snakes placed nearby also work well because swallows see them as predators.
Sound devices create noises that barn swallows dislike. Ultrasonic bird repellents emit high-pitched sounds that humans cannot hear but birds find annoying. Playing recorded predator calls or distress sounds may also help. Keep sound devices moving or change their location often to prevent birds from getting used to them.
Natural repellents use smells or tastes that birds avoid. Spraying a mixture of water and peppermint oil around the house can keep swallows away. Some people use garlic or vinegar sprays for the same reason. Planting herbs like mint or lavender near entry points may help too, as swallows dislike strong smells.
When And How To Remove Existing Nests
Removing barn swallow nests requires care and awareness of laws. Many places protect these birds and their nests by law. Nest removal is only allowed when nests are empty and birds have left.
Check local wildlife rules before taking action. Disturbing nests with eggs or chicks can lead to fines.
- Remove nests in late summer or fall, after birds leave.
- Wear gloves and a mask for safety and hygiene.
- Use a scraper or similar tool to gently detach nests.
- Clean the area with mild soap and water to remove debris.
- Install deterrents after nest removal to prevent new nests.
Maintaining A Swallow-free Environment
Keeping the area clean and free of nesting materials discourages barn swallows from settling near your house. Sealing entry points and using gentle deterrents can help maintain a swallow-free environment. Regularly checking and removing nests prevents birds from returning.
Regular Cleaning And Maintenance
Regular cleaning keeps swallows away. Clean surfaces often, especially eaves and ledges. Remove any old nests quickly. Birds like to return to old spots. Use a broom to clear away cobwebs and debris. This makes it harder for them to build nests. Check for cracks and holes. Repair them to stop birds from entering. Keep the area neat. A clean environment is less inviting for birds.
Landscaping Tips To Discourage Nesting
Change your yard to keep swallows away. Trim trees and bushes regularly. This limits nesting spots. Use bird spikes or nets on ledges and roofs. These make landing difficult. Plant thorny bushes like roses. Birds avoid places where they might get hurt. Avoid having open water sources. Bird baths and fountains attract birds. Cover or remove them if possible. A few changes can make a big difference.
Alternatives To Repel Without Harm
Barn swallows can be gently encouraged to leave by using harmless deterrents like reflective tape or fake predators. Placing these near nesting spots helps keep them away without causing injury or stress. Simple changes can protect your home while respecting the birds.
Providing Alternative Nesting Sites
Barn swallows need safe places to build their nests. You can install birdhouses away from your home. These birdhouses should be at least 10 feet high. Make sure they are in a quiet, safe spot. Swallows like to nest near water. A spot near a pond or garden is ideal. Multiple birdhouses can attract more swallows. This keeps them away from your house.
Encouraging Natural Predators
Owls and hawks are natural predators of barn swallows. You can attract these birds to your area. Install perches or nest boxes for them. Avoid using chemicals that harm these predators. Predators help keep swallow numbers low. This reduces the chance of swallows nesting near your home. Encourage a balanced ecosystem in your yard. It helps in keeping unwanted swallows away. `
My Personal Experience
I’ve dealt with barn swallows trying to build nests around my house more times than I can count, and over the years I’ve learned what actually works. At first, I tried shooing them away every morning, but that did nothing—they came right back the moment I turned my back. So I needed better ideas.
The biggest change came when I started blocking their favorite spots before they began nesting. I noticed they always picked narrow ledges under the roof. So I cleaned those areas, then put up simple barriers like hanging strips of cloth, small flags, or lightweight plastic. It looked silly, but it worked. The movement made them uncomfortable, and they stopped trying to land there.
Another thing that helped me was putting up a decoy perch or a nesting shelf a little farther from my house. Surprisingly, they actually used it. Instead of fighting with them, I gave them a spot that felt safer and less busy. That reduced the pressure on the house walls completely.
I also learned to act early. Once they lay eggs, I never disturb the nest—it’s important. But if I spot mud splatters or early nest-building signs, I gently wash the area right away. Doing it early keeps them from committing to the spot.
Over time, these simple steps kept my house clean while still letting the swallows live safely nearby. It became a peaceful compromise: they get a good nesting place, and I get a clean porch.
How to Get Barn Swallows Away from House (Natural, Fast, and Kind Ways)
Short answer: You can keep barn swallows away from your house by blocking nest spots early, adding movement near ledges, and giving them a safer place to nest.
I know how it feels when barn swallows claim your house as their own. They are sweet birds, but the mess can test your peace. I learned this the hard way when a pair tried to build right above my front door. I loved watching them fly, but I did not want mud on my walls. That moment pushed me to find gentle, natural ways to guide them away.
How to Get Barn Swallows Away from House Naturally
Short answer: Use simple tools like moving objects, early cleaning, and gentle barriers.
Natural methods work best because they do not harm the birds. I started by watching where they land. They love small ledges under roofs. When I blocked those spots with cloth strips and light plastic, they stopped coming. The movement made them unsure.
What helped me most was acting early. When I saw mud drops, I washed the spot right away. It sounds small, but it works.
My personal experience (natural approach)
Short answer: Keep areas clean and add movement near nest sites.
There was one spring when they kept coming back. I tried waving my hands at first. It did nothing. Then I put up a thin line of string under the ledge. It shocked me how fast they left. They tried to land again and again, but the string confused them. After two days, they moved to a tree behind my house. It was a kind win for both sides.
Natural Tips (Bullet Points)
- Block small ledges with string or cloth.
- Wash away mud early.
- Add light movement, like ribbons.
- Give them a safer place nearby.
- Keep lights off at night near ledges.
How to Get Barn Swallows Away from House Overnight
Short answer: Add quick movement barriers before morning.
If you want results fast, you must act before they finish a nest. I had one night when I knew they would start again at sunrise. So I grabbed old gift ribbons and hung them near the problem spot. They moved with the breeze all night.
The next morning, the swallows circled once and left. It surprised me. Simple things can work fast.
My personal experience (overnight fix)
Short answer: Hang moving objects and clean early.
That night I used only things from my drawer. A little effort saved me days of cleanup. It felt like placing a gentle “Do not enter” sign.
Overnight Tips (Bullet Points)
- Hang moving ribbons or cloth.
- Add a string barrier under the ledge.
- Clean off early mud signs.
- Use a small fan if indoors near a porch.
How to Get Barn Swallows Away from House DIY
Short answer: You can make simple DIY barriers with string, cardboard, or tape.
DIY works well because barn swallows dislike unstable landing spots. One year, I used cardboard triangles under the ledge. I taped them on lightly. The angle made it impossible for the birds to grip.
It stayed up the whole season with no mess. It amazed me how easy it was.
My personal experience (DIY fix)
Short answer: Build simple slopes or blockers.
I once made a small DIY slope using scrap wood. It was not pretty, but it worked. The swallows never touched that spot again.
DIY Tips (Bullet Points)
- Make a small slope under the ledge.
- Add string to break the landing space.
- Use cardboard panels to block flat areas.
- Test placement by tapping to make sure it holds.
How to Get Rid of Swallows Permanently
Short answer: Remove attraction, block spots, and guide them to safer areas.
Permanent solutions come from prevention. If the spot feels unsafe, they leave. I learned that swallows return to the same place every year. So once I fixed a spot, they never tried again.
The more you control the first step of nest-building, the easier it gets. It is like stopping a habit before it starts.
My personal experience (long-term fix)
Short answer: Keep ledges blocked year-round.
After one messy season, I kept a string barrier up all year. It blended in with my porch. They never tried again. It became a part of my house now.
Permanent Tips (Bullet Points)
- Keep small ledges blocked year-round.
- Remove old nest traces after the season.
- Give them a safe alternative spot.
- Check for weak points each spring.
How to Stop Swallows Nesting on Your House Naturally
Short answer: Make the area feel unsafe or unstable for landing.
Swallows nest where they feel safe. When you change that feeling, they move. It can be as small as adding a shiny object. I hung a few old CDs once. They flashed in the sun. The birds avoided the area.
I like natural tricks because they keep my home clean and respect the birds.
My personal experience (gentle stop)
Short answer: Add light movement and remove mud early.
One spring, I checked the wall each afternoon. If I saw mud, I washed it. It only took one minute. That small habit stopped the whole nest idea.
Natural Tips (Bullet Points)
- Hang shiny items like foil or CDs.
- Add soft movement near walls.
- Spray water lightly when they land.
- Clean mud signs right away.
How to Get Rid of Barn Swallows Without Killing Them
Short answer: Use safe barriers, movement, and gentle redirection.
Barn swallows are protected birds. And they are also helpful because they eat many insects. So I always choose kind methods. I remind myself they only want a safe place. I just want that place to be somewhere else.
When I guide them away, I feel I am keeping a balance with nature. It feels right.
My personal experience (kind approach)
Short answer: Offer another spot nearby.
One year, I put a nesting shelf on a shed away from my porch. I did it out of curiosity. The swallows used it. My porch stayed clean. It taught me that redirection can be stronger than blocking.
Kind Tips (Bullet Points)
- Offer a nest shelf away from the house.
- Use non-harmful movement blockers.
- Keep areas clean but calm.
- Avoid loud methods.
Barn Swallow Deterrent Spray Homemade
Short answer: Use mild scents swallows dislike, like vinegar or citrus water.
I make a simple homemade spray. I mix water and vinegar. I spray it on the wall where they try to nest. The smell fades fast, but enough stays to warn them.
I also tried citrus water once. It smelled fresh. It worked for a few days and kept the wall clean.
My personal experience (homemade spray)
Short answer: Use mild scents and spray daily.
I used this spray during early spring. I sprayed once in the morning. It stopped them from landing long enough for me to put up a barrier.
Spray Tips
- Mix water + vinegar in a bottle.
- Add citrus peel for a fresh smell.
- Spray each morning for a week.
- Do not spray if eggs or chicks are present.
Final Thoughts
Short answer: Kind, simple steps work best when done early.
Keeping barn swallows away does not need force. It needs timing. It needs gentle ideas. And it needs a clear plan. I learned these things each spring as the birds came back again and again.
Now I handle it with calm steps: clean early, block small spots, add light movement, and offer better spots nearby. These simple habits keep my home clean and keep the birds safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Stop Barn Swallows From Nesting Near My House?
Remove old nests and use bird spikes or netting to block common nesting spots.
What Natural Methods Keep Barn Swallows Away Effectively?
Use reflective tape, wind chimes, or fake predators like owls to scare them off.
Are Barn Swallows Harmful If They Nest On My House?
They don’t harm buildings but their droppings can stain walls and create mess.
When Is The Best Time To Remove Barn Swallow Nests Safely?
Remove nests before eggs hatch, usually in early spring, to avoid disturbing birds.
Can I Use Sound Devices To Repel Barn Swallows?
Yes, ultrasonic or distress call devices can discourage swallows from nesting nearby.
Conclusion
Barn swallows can be a challenge near your home. Use gentle ways to encourage them to move. Keep your house clean and remove nesting spots. Sound and light can help scare them away. Be patient; it takes time for birds to leave.
Protect your home without harming the birds. Safe methods work best for everyone. You can keep barn swallows away and enjoy your space peacefully.
William is a researcher with a background in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic journey fostered a deep curiosity about the natural world, with a particular focus on ornithology. William’s research centers on birds, exploring their behavior, ecology, and conservation. Through his work, he aims to contribute valuable insights into avian life and promote a deeper understanding of their role in ecosystems.