Purple martins are members of the swallow family that nest in cavities rather than building nests. They are dependent on humans providing housing for them in the form of purple martin houses. Properly maintaining these houses is crucial for attracting and keeping purple martins returning year after year. An important part of maintenance is regular cleaning. So how often should you clean out a purple martin house?
When to Do a Full Clean Out
It is recommended to do a full clean out of a purple martin house at the end of each nesting season after all chicks have fledged and all adults have left the colony. This is usually sometime in late summer or early fall depending on your location.
Here are some guidelines on when to do a full clean out:
- Northern states and Canada: August or September
- Southern states: September or October
- Coastal areas: Late August to early October
Cleaning out old nests prepares the house for new arrivals the following spring. Purple martins migrate south for the winter and will not return until the next breeding season.
Why a Yearly Clean Out is Important
There are several reasons a full clean out each year is recommended:
- Remove old nest material – Getting rid of old nests, droppings, and debris prevents parasites and diseases from accumulating.
- Inspect the house – A clean out lets you thoroughly inspect the house for any needed repairs or maintenance.
- Improve attractiveness – Martins are attracted to clean cavities so a clean out makes your house more appealing to new martins.
- Reduce predators/competitors – Cleaning out nests removes traces of predators like snakes, owls, and hawks. It also removes nests from introduced species like house sparrows and European starlings.
If old nest material is allowed to build up year after year, it can harbor harmful parasites and pathogens. A yearly clean out helps provide martins with a safe and healthy home.
How to Do a Full Clean Out
Here are the steps for doing a complete clean out of a purple martin house:
- Wait until all chicks have fledged and all adults have left the colony – this is usually by late summer or early fall.
- Seal off entrance holes and remove nest compartments/gourds from the rack. This prevents any birds or parasites from entering during the clean out.
- Discard all old nests and sweep out any loose feathers, droppings, or other debris. Be sure to wear a dust mask and gloves to avoid inhaling or touching potentially harmful particles.
- Scrub out nest compartments and the interior of the house using hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. A weak bleach solution can also be used to disinfect.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to completely dry before reassembling. Leaving detergent residue could irritate birds.
- Make any needed structural repairs – replace rotten wood, tightenloose gourd racks, fix holes/cracks with caulk.
- Apply fresh nesting material like pine straw or wood shavings to compartments.
- Make modifications if needed – add/remove compartments, rearrange, etc.
- Reassemble and reopen entrance holes so house is ready for scouts in spring.
A thorough scrubbing is key to removing potentially hazardous nesting material and providing a clean slate for the next season.
When to Do Partial Clean Outs
In addition to a yearly full clean out, it’s a good idea to do some partial clean outs:
- After first nesting – Clean out old nests after the first round of chicks fledge.
- Mid-season – Do another partial clean out mid-way through nesting season.
- After chick deaths – Immediately clean out any nests where chicks have died.
This helps freshen up the house and reduce parasite/pathogen levels during the breeding season. Carefully remove old nests by hand, clean the compartment with a bleach solution, allow to dry, and add fresh bedding.
Signs It’s Time for a Clean Out
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to clean out a purple martin house:
- Nest compartments looking overcrowded with nesting material
- Evidence of dead chick(s) in nests
- Noticeable odor coming from the house
- Decreased martin occupancy rates
- Visible parasite infestations (mites, fleas, etc.) in nests
- Buildup of droppings covering the porches/entrance holes
Cleaning out the house as soon as these issues are noticed can help improve conditions and boost occupancy for the rest of the season. Don’t wait until the end of the season if a mid-season clean out is warranted.
Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Wear Protective Gear
Wear gloves, old clothes, a mask, and eye protection when cleaning. Old nests contain mites, fleas, droppings, and decaying carcasses. Protect yourself from disease and parasites.
Seal Holes Before Cleaning
Plug up entrance holes and remove nest compartments before cleaning. This prevents birds or parasites from entering during the clean out process.
Remove Debris Right Away
Don’t let old nest material accumulate on the ground. Remove all debris right away to prevent reinfestation. Place old nests in sealed plastic bags and dispose of them.
Use a Diluted Bleach Solution
A mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water makes an effective disinfectant for scrubbing down compartments. Rinse thoroughly after using.
Let Dry Completely Before Reassembling
Make sure the house is 100% dry before putting it back together. Leftover moisture can lead to harmful mold growth.
Replace Bedding Yearly
Refresh nest compartments with new pine straw, wood shavings, or other approved nesting materials each season.
Conclusion
Cleaning out purple martin houses at least annually is crucial for maintaining healthy nesting conditions. A full clean out should be done after nesting season ends when all chicks have fledged and adults have migrated. Partial clean outs can also be performed during the breeding season if needed. Signs like fouled nests, decreased occupancy, and visible parasites indicate it’s time for a clean out. With proper yearly maintenance, your purple martin house will remain an attractive home that martin colonies will return to season after season. Maintaining sanitary housing for these beneficial insect-eating birds helps support local purple martin populations.
