4 Simple Things to Help Attract Birds to Your Yard

How to Maintain an Outdoor Space Birds Will Love

The warm spring weather is here and that means birds are looking for environments that help them build nests and keep themselves and some new arrivals fed. The good news for you is, there are a few simple things you can do to help them, while also enhancing the look of your outdoor space.

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Try and get your birdhouses into shape from November to very early spring (no later than mid-March) each year, so they are fresh and ready for the season. If you simply weren’t able to during the right time, just take precautions to make sure there isn’t already a nest being built. Here’s a great step-by-step guide to cleaning out birdhouses properly.

When selecting bird feeders, make sure of a few things: Put them away from high traffic/use areas for people so every movement you make doesn’t scatter them away. Try and hang them at least four feet off of the ground so the birds won’t have to compete with squirrels or other rodents. If your squirrels are especially determined, you may have to employ a few other things to keep them off of your feeders. Plus if you are able, place your feeders near protective structures like sheds or large hedges to help protect them from predators.

If you have water features in the yard, make sure to keep them clean by replacing the water every few days, in case there are insect larvae developing, or algae, fungus and mold – anything that will make birds sick. Water features that have pumps or agitators to keep the water moving are also a good choice for keeping insect larvae at bay. Many options don’t even need batteries or an electrical line to run, but instead use small solar panels to move or spray water all day and evening.

Having said that, you don’t want to eliminate every insect in your area, because obviously birds need to use many types of them for food. If you are able, try to avoid using chemical pesticides whenever possible and replace them with electrical zappers or natural pest repellants.

Our last bit of advice is, “Use protective gloves or simply make sure you use soap and water immediately after cleaning and maintaining your yard features.” Simply holding your hands under the hose isn’t enough. Birds can carry lots of things that can make humans and pets sick.