February snuck up on me. I had been saying to myself “It’s time to clean out the bluebird boxes.” Then, with all this warm weather, I saw a pair of bluebirds (scientific name: Sialia mexicana) that were already checking out the boxes. 

I decided to check a different box where I didn’t see activity. I suited up with a bandana on my head, safety glasses, face mask, rubber gloves and even a rubber rain jacket.

JoAnne Skelly

My precautions might have been unnecessary, but with bird flu and other potential diseases, I decided to err on the side of caution. I took my stepstool out, along with an old toilet brush and a bucket of water to wash out the inside of the box. I opened it carefully, just in case birds were in there, but luckily it was not inhabited. Inside was a four-inch-high stack of old nests, which I removed. Then, I scrubbed out all the old poop and residue inside the box. 

According to https://www.sialis.org/clean/, a national bluebird organization, here is the correct way to clean out a nest. Use a face mask to avoid exposure to any avian diseases, especially if you have a compromised immune system. Be aware that bees or wasps may be inside a nest. Bag up the old nest, seal it, and put it in the trash (using gloves). Brush out (with a stiff brush like those used to clean a grill) and scrape the interior.

If you find any paper wasp nests, remove them, as they may attract more wasps. Boxes with paper wasps usually go unused by birds). If drain holes are plugged with debris, clean them out. If you want to be cautious, disinfect the box with a 10 percent bleach solution in a spray bottle. If you do use bleach, leave the box open for a day to air and dry it out. Rinse it with water. 

Sialis.org goes into great detail about bluebirds on their website: their life cycles, including egg laying, hatching and fledging. They provide clear information about building boxes, where to hang them, how to safely monitor nests and how to prevent predators or other birds from using the nest. 

I don’t usually clean the boxes out during the bluebird season, although it is recommended after the birds fledge completely, so adults will build another nest. I’m always afraid I will disturb or hurt either babies or fledglings. I have had bluebirds return every year for at least a decade. I love watching them and listening to their songs.

— JoAnne Skelly is an Associate Professor and Extension Educator, Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at skellyj@unr.edu.