Removing Sparrow Nests

[Jeffc]

I apologize up front if this topic has been covered before. I am in my second year as a landlord. Last season whenever I saw a Sparrow nest I would remove it immediately. However that made me nervous watching the male sparrow searching other compartments. I used repeating traps successfully but it was a constant battle and one that I’m up to fighting. My question is should I leave the nest in place while I’m attempting to rid them or is it better to keep ejecting their nest until I ultimately trap them? Thanks,

[Conrad Baker]

I've never used the trap in the cavity. I control them by shooting with a pellet rifle. I would think that if they already have a nest made and you could put a trap in that cavity, it should capture the sparrow. If you tear the nest out but don't get rid of the sparrow, he/she will wreak havok to the other Martin nests and eggs. After you trap the sparrow(s) and humanely kill them you can remove the nest.

[Dave Reynolds]

… Jeff’s …. First Welcome to the Forum.. Great to have you here with us.. As the sparrows are concerned, Removing the nest is a pain in the butt. Nest traps are ok if you can monitor the trap all the time.. You don’t want to trap a Martin or other birds.. I used a trap once but I never took my eye off of the house and trap. I finally got the sparrow, Shooting is another option if that is possible in you area.. I live where shooting with a pellet gun is possible.. Good Luck..

Dave

[flyin-lowe]

I too shoot and trap every year, from time to time a sneaky HOSP might start to build a nest without me seeing, or while I am out of town etc. If there are no nesting martins I will tear them out. If I have active nests I usually leave the nest in place until I can shoot them. The male sparrows have been known to go into on a rampage if their nest is destroyed.

[deancamp]

It has been documented that sparrows may inact revenge if a nest is repeatedly removed. It is more of a danger after Martins have laid eggs or eggs have hatched.I normally am able to shoot sparrows, but also have removed nests and used part of it in a nearby trap. This is quick and easy renesting material. Good luck!

[brent]

It’s not easy for me to shoot my pellet gun here (live in subdivision with pasture with horses in the back). I have on occasion (at times when neighbors and horses aren’t around) but never was able to get one. Once I see a sparrow nest building I’ll remove the nest tray and let them finish. The nest tray takes up space needed for the trap. It takes patience and someone on this forum mentioned that before (they were right). Once they are absolutely dedicated to that nest I set the universal sparrow trap. I push the nest way back and place the trap. And wait and watch. Never failed. Usually get the male first then later the female. I have Trendsetter houses with SREH entrances. Good luck. Brent

[Jeffc]

Thanks for the help everyone. I will leave the HOSP nest until I either trap him in my repeating sparrow trap or shoot him. I can’t shoot towards the martin house since I have the T14 Poly. I don’t want to shoot it full of holes. If no Martins are nesting then I’ll remove the nest right away. That’s a good compromise.