Swallows are small birds that are 5 to 6 inches in length. The male swallow typically has blue upperparts and white underparts. In fall, the upperparts may appear greenish. The female swallow has duller, brownish upperparts and greyish underparts.
Why Swallows Are Considered A Nuisance/Pest Species
Swallows are migratory birds that can be found throughout Ontario. They migrate to South America for the winter and return in the spring. They are very territorial and colonies will often return to the same nesting site year after year. Swallows are active and travel during the day, catching flying insects along the way. Swallows are known as nuisance pest birds due to their nesting habits. Typically, swallows construct their mud nest under eaves, in corners of structures, on or under beams or similarly protected sites. The construction of these nests can cause extensive damage and staining.
Although swallows eat enormous quantities of insects which is beneficial to people and to the environment, there is an irritating parasite that these birds carry with them wherever they go called swallow bugs. These blood-sucking parasitic bugs live on the bodies of the birds and feed on blood. Swallow bugs are similar to bed bugs in appearance and they bite like fleas. Wherever swallow infestations are found, insect pest control is usually necessary because these swallow bugs will invade the property and multiply rapidly.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of swallows resting, scavenging or nesting around your home, recreational/cottage or business property, bird proofing/exclusion is the best prevention.
Solace Pest Solutions can provide you with many bird proofing/exclusion services and solutions.
