Bird box

How to clean nestboxes and bird feeders

Nestboxes can harbour parasites so it is good practice to take them down at the end of the season and give them a clean. Likewise it is important to keep bird feeders clean to stop the spread of diseases.

Download the illustrated guide

Cleaning bird feeders and bird baths

Clean feeders and feeding sites regularly using warm soapy water or 5%. Make sure to rinse any disinfectant off thoroughly and always allow feeders to air-dry completely before adding food.

Brushes and equipment used to clean feeders, tables and baths shouldn’t be used for other purposes. Rubber gloves should be worn and hands washed afterwards.

Cleaning nestboxes

After the end of each breeding season, all nestboxes should be taken down, old nesting materials removed, and the box should be scalded with boiling water to kill any parasites. Do not use insecticides or flea-powders – boiling water is adequate. Annual cleaning should only be carried out at the end of the breeding season, from late September to February.

Under the terms of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, if unhatched eggs are found in the box, they can only legally be removed from October to January inclusive, and they must be destroyed – it is illegal to keep them.

As a charity we rely on you

We look after over 90 nature reserves across the county.

More ways you can help birds

Bird box

How to build a bird box

Information page

With natural nesting sites in decline, adding a nestbox to your garden can make all the difference to your local birds.

shrub garden illustration

How to make a shrub garden for wildlife

Information page

Woody shrubs and climbers provide food for wildlife, including berries, fruits, seeds, nuts leaves and nectar-rich flowers. So why not plant a shrub garden and see who comes to visit?

companion planting illustration

How to do companion planting

Information page

Grow plants that help each other! Maximise your garden for you and for wildlife using this planting technique.