How to clean a bluebird box

When to clean out bluebird house? How to clean out bluebird house?

Cleaning bluebird house / bluebird boxes should be done annually, ideally in the fall. While it’s  known that bluebirds sometimes will make a second nest on top of last season’s nest, it’s best to provide them a fresh start.

Tools/ items we recommend using:

• Paint scraper

• Medium handle length scrub brush

• Paper bag

• Disposable mask for face

• Glasses or eye protection to keep dry dusty material out

• Gloves

Directions:

1)    Put on your gloves, glasses, and disposable mask

2)    Before you open the nest box, knock first, and if possible take a look inside the best you can.

3)    Open the service door (on the side of the Amador Bluebird Houses) after removing the pin. Note: you may need pliers to remove the pin, the weather over a year can make them hard to remove.

4)    Open your paper bag and hold it under the nest box with one hand

5)    Use your paint scraper to dig under the nest to free it up, then scrape it out from on top of the nest, into the paper bag.

6)    Use your brush to brush out any material remaining in the bird house, including on the walls.

7)    Optional:  after several years of use, washing out the bluebird house can help attract the birds again. They appreciate a clean abode.