Six species of swallows are found in Alberta. Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and occasionally cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonoto) can be nuisance birds because of their habit of building mud nests on barns, houses and other high structures. These mud nests and the birds’ droppings soon mar the appearance of the building. However, the birds and their nests and eggs are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Control has consisted of knocking down the old nests before the swallows return in the spring. These two swallows are small, 13 to 15 cm in length. The barn swallow has a long, deeply forked tail and has rust and black plumage. The cliff swallow has a square tail and has a white forehead with a steel blue crown. The nests of both birds are made of mud pellets. The barn swallow’s nest is cup shaped and contains coarse organic material such as grass stems and feathers. The cliff swallow’s nest is globular with only a small opening and has little organic material in its construction. There are many superstitions about swallows because swallow was sacred to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. This goddess was famous for love, beauty and pleasure. If swallows build a nest in the eaves of a house, it is considered to be extremely good luck bringing success, good fortune and happiness by the people having personal superstitious rituals and behaviors.
Problems Due to Swallow
Normally, swallows build nests on open walls on houses, barns, buildings and even idle machinery. They prefer sites like (eaves, rafters, cross beams of barns, sheds, stables, undersides of bridges, wharfs, and culverts) to build their nests. They also whitewash and stain structures and foul feed and water with their droppings. Sparrows often use abandoned nests of cliff swallows and create additional problems. We provide swallow control services fast and in timely manner in Calgary and area. We are the best, trusted and top rated Pest Control Company in Calgary nearby you to help in controlling all your pest problems.
Technician will start by checking the exterior and also garage area of your home to locate their nests
Technician may remove their nests before the swallows return in the spring and after removing nest, technician will disinfect the area by using some chemicals
All treatments will be made with your safety in mind to ensure your health
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Frequently Asked Questions About Swallow Removal in Calgary
What do swallows eat? They eat flies, beetles, bees, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, and other flying insects. They will also pick up grit and small pebbles, or eggshells and oyster shells.
What are the main differences between barn swallow and cliff swallow? The barn swallow has a long, deeply forked tail and has rust and black plumage. The cliff swallow has a square tail and has a white forehead with a steel blue crown. The nests of both birds are made of mud pellets. The barn swallow’s nest is cup shaped and contains coarse organic material such as grass stems and feathers. The cliff swallow’s nest is globular with only a small opening and has little organic material in its construction.
How do swallows get into your house? Swallows prefer outbuildings which provide dark ledges and nooks and crannies for nesting. Swallows can enter a building through a very small hole.
How can we control infestation of swallows in the structure? Swallows are protected by international treaty. We cannot destroy or remove their nests and eggs except under a damage permit from Alberta Fish and Wildlife. Removing nests before the swallows return in the spring may be legally done without a permit.
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