Swallows in North Carolina

Swallows are a common sight in North Carolina due to their graceful, aerobatic flight patterns. These birds are easily recognized by their slender bodies, long wings, and forked tails. Swallows primarily feed on insects and catch them mid-air with their impressive flight skills. The barn swallow is the most frequently seen among the various species, characterized by its cobalt-blue body and reddish-brown throat.

However, despite their captivating presence, swallows can become a nuisance when they nest on your property and run off other birds. That's where A-1 Pest Control comes in. With headquarters in Lenoir and satelite offices from Blowing Rock to Hendersonville and towns in between, we have extensive experience removing unwanted birds from properties. As your trusted partner for humane bird control and relocation in Western North Carolina, we are dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by swallows and other pest birds, ensuring your property remains safe and comfortable.

Understanding Swallows Habit and Behavior

Swallows are fascinating birds with unique behaviors that make them interesting and sometimes problematic. Understanding their habits can help you manage and prevent issues caused by these birds.

Identifying Swallows

Swallows are small to medium-sized birds with sleek bodies and long, pointed wings. They are known for their unusual forked tails. The barn swallow, in particular, has a glossy blue upper body, a reddish-brown throat, and a white underbelly. These birds are often seen darting through the sky, displaying their skill as they catch insects.

Swallows’ Behavior

Swallows are highly social birds, often seen in large groups. They are exceptional fliers, capable of performing complex aerial maneuvers to catch their prey. During the breeding season, swallows build cup-shaped nests out of the mud. These nests are typically attached to manufactured structures like barns, bridges, and the eaves of houses. Often lined up in rows, their nests can become quite a spectacle.

Signs of a Swallow Infestation

Early identification of a swallow infestation can help you address the problem before it becomes severe. Here are some important signs to look out for:

Mud Nests: Swallows build distinctive cup-shaped nests out of mud, often found under eaves, overhangs, and other sheltered areas.
Droppings: Droppings below nesting sites can quickly accumulate, leading to hygiene issues and property damage.
Frequent Bird Activity: Seeing swallows frequently flying around your property, especially near potential nesting areas, is a clear sign of an infestation.
Chirping Sounds: Constant chirping and twittering sounds, particularly during the breeding season, indicate that swallows nest nearby.

The Damages and Dangers of a Swallow Infestation

While swallows are admired for their beauty and flight skills, they can cause several problems when they nest on your property:

Property Damage

Swallow nests are often built in eaves, porches, and other structures, leading to clogs and water damage. The mud nests can block gutters and drains, causing water to back up and potentially damage your home. The acidic nature of their droppings can also corrode building materials, creating unsightly stains and requiring costly cleanups.

Health Risks

Swallow droppings can harbor harmful pathogens that pose health risks to humans and pets. If they accumulate and dry out, releasing toxic particles into the air, they can lead to respiratory issues and other illnesses. Diseases such as histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, and encephalitis are associated with bird droppings.

Histoplasmosis: A lung infection you can get from breathing in spores from a fungus found in bird droppings and soil. It can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Most people don't get very sick, but it can be severe for those with weakened immune systems.
Salmonellosis: A type of food poisoning caused by salmonella bacteria, which can be found in bird droppings. If you accidentally ingest these bacteria, you might experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. It usually lasts a few days but can be more severe for young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems.
Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, often caused by a virus that can be spread through bird droppings. It can lead to symptoms like headaches, fever, confusion, and sometimes more severe issues like seizures. This condition can be serious and requires medical attention.

Noise and Nuisance

Large groups of swallows can be very noisy, especially in the early morning. Their constant chirping and twittering can disrupt your peace, making it difficult to enjoy your home. The noise can be particularly annoying if swallows nest near bedrooms or living areas.

Aggressive Behavior

Swallows can become aggressive if they feel their nests are threatened. They may dive at people or pets that come too close to their nests, potentially leading to conflicts. This protective behavior can make it difficult to comfortably use outdoor spaces.

How to Get Rid of Swallows

Managing swallows can be challenging, but the following methods can help control their presence:

Habitat Modification

Reduce Insect Populations: Implement measures to control insects around your property, which makes it less attractive to swallows. Reducing the food supply can discourage swallows from nesting nearby.
Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs near buildings well-trimmed to reduce potential nesting sites. Swallows prefer sheltered locations, so minimizing these areas can help.

Exclusion Techniques

Bird Netting: To prevent access, install netting over areas where swallows are likely to nest, such as eaves and porches. This physical barrier can effectively deter swallows from building nests.
Bird Spikes: Place spikes on ledges, window sills, and other flat surfaces to deter swallows from roosting. These spikes make it difficult for swallows to land and nest.
Seal Openings: Close gaps and openings in buildings to prevent swallows from entering and nesting. Make sure that vents, chimneys, and other potential entry points are securely covered.

Scare Tactics

Visual Deterrents: Use reflective tape, scare balloons, or predator decoys to frighten swallows away from your property. These visual cues can make swallows feel threatened and encourage them to leave.
Auditory Deterrents: Use ultrasonic devices or recorded predator calls to keep swallows at bay. These sounds can create an uncomfortable environment for swallows, deterring them from nesting.

Trapping and Removal

Humane Trapping: Use live traps to capture swallows. Find a pest control professional like our A-1 Pest Control team to conduct this method and ensure humane removal. Captured swallows should be relocated to a suitable habitat far from human properties.
Chemical Repellents: Apply non-toxic chemical repellents to discourage swallows from nesting in unwanted areas. These repellents can make surfaces undesirable for nest building.

Our Swallow Prevention and Removal Services

At A-1 Pest Control, we provide solutions to prevent and remove swallow infestations. Why are we the best choice for bird control in Western North Carolina?

Detailed Inspections: We thoroughly inspect your property to identify nesting sites and assess the infestation.
Custom Prevention Plans: Our tailored plans use netting, spikes, and exclusion techniques to deter swallows.
Safe Removal: We use humane methods to relocate swallows and prevent them from returning.
Effective Deterrents: Visual and auditory deterrents, like reflective tape and ultrasonic devices, keep swallows away.
Ongoing Support: Regular follow-ups ensure long-term protection.

Schedule Your Humane Swallow Removal Service Today

Protect your property from swallows and the damage they cause. If you need assistance with swallow control or preventive measures in North Carolina, A-1 Pest Control can help.

Our offices are in Lenoir, Hendersonville, Hickory, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, and Mooresville, but we serve much of the surrounding area.
Contact us today at 828-481-9140 or fill out the form below to learn more about our bird control services in Western North Carolina. Our exterminators will help you eliminate swallows and other pests that don't belong in your home.