How, When And With What To Clean Bird Nest Boxes

[@BlueDemonica]

What kind of camera do you use for the birs houses? Always thought about install a couple in my birdhouses, just i can be sure to not disturb the fledglings if they are still sticking around late during Fall time. Last years hatchlings of bluebirds have returned today! They were so happy to see my family and I as we really helped them get through a harsh Fall and early Winter as food became scarce way earlier than anticipated, so we wanna have them be prepared for their first adulthood year!

[@nesthollow5159]

Hi there . Sorry it took so long to see this. KZbin sort of hid it from my main view. I use the Blink Outdoor cameras. I find they fit well in the Woodlink BB3 model nest box. I have a playlist with info about the Blink cameras, solar panels, and installation. kzbin.info/aero/PLoR39W2-IwG_4cE6OOL4oOJVEpKddSg37&si=NAetjUhD8COqBuxV

[@jaycatanzaro2743]

I made a nest box that doesn't open do you have any suggestions on how I should clean it? It's all screwed down. Not sure how to clean the inside.

[@nesthollow5159]

If it's all screwed together, it should be an easy modification.... Which ever panel (sides or front) is wedged between the other panels |■|, make that your access panel. If there are 4 screws in this panel (top x2 and bottom x 2) loosen your top screws just a bit. These will act as your pivot (if you want it to pivot from the bottom, just do this to the bottom screws. Then remove one screw from the bottom (if top pivot). The other screw on the bottom is your pin. Just use a screwdriver to unscrew when you're ready to clean or check the box. Because the other screws are your pivot, after you remove the "pin" screw, you can just swing it open.

[@M00Nature]

Do you have any tips for a mite-infested box? I have cleaned boxes the way you suggest before and many of the mites survive that type of cleaning. I have a tree swallow box now with one of the worst mite infestations I have ever seen. I am thinking I should retire that box for the season and let it go through a severe New England winter outside before putting it back up again. Maybe the cold will kill most of the mites? I know there is probably no way to kill every single mite, but I need a way to protect another bird family from the explosive mite situation I had in this box this year.

[@nesthollow5159]

Mites are tricky. In this case, you may want to use bleach instead. Usually a 10% bleach solution is safe when you thoroughly rinse and thoroughly dry it in the sun. As to cold, I'm not sure if that will get rid of the mites. More likely, it may lead to dormancy for any eggs. Heat is usually the best way to disinfect. But I don't recommend using your oven for something like that for health and safety reasons. For now, I'd work with a bleach solution first. That will hopefully help. Another thing to look into is weather proofing the box more. I believe mites are attracted to damp wood. If your box is older and holds moisture more, you may be right about needing to retire it. If the box is in good condition or if you get a new box, look into using linseed oil on the exterior. It's more hydrophobic and will help the box last longer. And by reducing moisture, it should hopefully reduce the mite issues.