when to clean out gourds in cent. fla

[JF in FL]

can I clean out plastic grourds of old nests and martins not hanging around much-they are also full of mites (I think)-I am going to let them soak in horse trough with dilluted bleach (is that OK?) then put back up

will martins come back and have more babies?
Happy 4th of July-

[cary-nw-fla]

JF - If you still have martins visiting I would wait to clean the gourds until they all have left for the season. You would want the gourds up for visiting sy's & migrating pm checking out your site for next season. If you have mites, treat with 5% Sevin by sprinkling 1/4 teaspoon around or at front of nest. If you had nesting pair this year they should return next year, as for this year, I believe our season is ending. Best of Luck.

[JF in FL]

Thank you will they come back this season?
This is my fourth year but i remembered (?)that they stayed longer

I so enjoy them they remind me of "little fighter jets"

I am so enjoying them i needore gourds b/4 the next season