Over time, even the best bird houses can wear out and become less attractive to birds, and a house that has been used for years may start being left vacant. Understanding when to replace a bird house can help backyard birders keep their resident nesting birds stay safe and comfortable.

Why Birds Stop Using Houses

A bird house that may have been a happy home for many broods can suddenly be left empty, leaving backyard birders wondering where their feathered families have gone.

In many cases, there may not be anything wrong with the bird house at all, but the surrounding habitat may have become less suitable to birds – food sources could diminish, water sources may dry up and new invasive birds or predators may become established in the area, discouraging birds from building nests. There are ways that bird houses can become unsuitable, however, and looking for bird house problems is a great way to be sure each house is in tip top condition.

Repair or Replace?

When a bird house develops a problem, repairs may be possible, but if the issue cannot be corrected, the house will need to be replaced. Common problems that can discourage nesting birds include…

• Bug Infestations: Mites, ticks, lice and other small insects can be unwelcome guests in bird nests, while wasps, hornets or bees may build their own nests in bird houses. These infestations can be removed, and thoroughly cleaning the house can disinfect it and make it more attractive to birds. In the case of severe bug problems, however, it may be easier and more sanitary to simply replace the house.
   

• Warped Construction: Over time, exposure to extreme temperatures, storms and other weather issues can cause a bird house to warp, opening cracks or loosening joints and making the house less weatherproof. It may be possible to retighten screws or add extra nails to reseal the house, but when the wood or other materials are too warped, it's time for a replacement house.
   
• Improper Hole Size: As birds enter and exit a house, their talons may gradually enlarge the entrance, and young birds may gnaw on the edges of a hole as they wait for adults to return with another meal. When a bird house entrance gets too large, it is more accessible to predators or other bird species. It is possible to repair bird house holes by adding extra plates or hole extenders, or the house can be replaced with a new model.
   
• Unsafe Features: Even if a house has been used previously, it may become unsafe and more accessible to predators. If ventilation or drainage holes become clogged, birds will be less comfortable, or if plants grow closer to the house, snakes, raccoons or cats may be able to get access to the house when they couldn't previously. These problems can be fixed, or the house could be relocated or replaced with a safer design.
   
• Sudden Damage: If a bird house is subject to a fall or other sudden impact, it can easily be broken. Even less noticeable damage, such as a crack, can create problems for birds by exposing them to wind or rain, and over time, that damage will accelerate with exposure to the elements if it is not repaired or replaced.

While many bird house problems can be repaired, it can be easier and more effective to replace bird houses, particularly if the damage is severe. New, recycled materials, streamlined designs and more bird-friendly features such as easier cleaning and maintenance can make getting a new bird house much more attractive not only to backyard birders, but the birds as well.

Best Time to Replace a Bird House

If a house is severely damaged and dangerous for birds, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. If the problems are minor, however, it is best to wait until any avian tenants have moved on before making adjustments. Ideally, bird houses should be replaced in late fall after the nesting season has ended, or else in early spring before nesting birds have returned. Putting a new house out before birds are ready to nest will ensure sufficient time for birds to get accustomed to the house before they decide to take up residence. If a new house is installed in early fall, winter birds may even use it as a temporary roost on the coldest nights.

Properly cared for, bird houses can last for many nesting seasons, safely helping parents raise healthy broods. When a bird house does need to be replaced, however, understanding why, when and how to do that replacement will help keep avian residences available for any interested birds.

Photo – Old Bird House © Kevin Gessner