Keeping Swallows at Bay: A Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Bird Lovers

Swallows, particularly the Welcome Swallow, are a common sight in Australia, admired for their graceful flight and mud cup nests. While their name evokes a sense of charm, they can create challenges when they nest in large numbers under eaves or rafters. From droppings to noise and potential property damage, managing their presence requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent swallows from nesting where they’re not welcome.

Understanding Swallow Behaviour

Swallows seek out structures like eaves that offer shelter and stability for their nests. These locations protect them from predators and harsh weather. However, once a nest contains eggs, it is illegal to disturb it. Timing your preventative measures before the nesting season begins is key.

Effective Swallow Deterrents

1. Install Bird Slopes Bird Slopes are angled, slippery surfaces that prevent swallows from getting a foothold to build nests. Easy to install and aesthetically unobtrusive, they’re a highly effective solution favoured by many homeowners and property managers.

2. Visual Deterrents Reflective objects like old CDs, aluminium foil strips, or specially designed reflective tapes can discourage swallows by disrupting their flight patterns. Predator decoys, such as fake owls or hawks, can also be useful, though they should be moved regularly to remain effective.

3. Auditory Deterrents Ultrasonic devices and systems like the “Bird Chase Sonic System” emit distress or predator calls to unsettle swallows. These work best when combined with visual or physical deterrents to create an environment that swallows will avoid.

4. Maintenance and Habitat Modification Regularly trim trees and shrubs to reduce potential nesting sites. Eliminating stagnant water sources can make your property less attractive to insects, which are a primary food source for swallows. For a natural approach to pest control, consider fostering plants like maidenhair ferns or spider plants, which can deter mosquitoes and other insects.

A Balanced Approach

While managing swallows can help protect your property, it’s important to remember their role in the ecosystem, such as controlling insect populations. By using humane and proactive methods, you can strike a balance between welcoming these birds to your environment and maintaining your space.



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Winter Clearance

Winter Clearance

We’re making room for our spring seedlings with a special stock clearance!
For just $2.00 each, you can take home any of the following:

  • Australian Vetiver (Chrysopogon filipes)
  • Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora)
  • Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi)
  • Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)
  • White Cypress (Callitris glaucophylla)
  • Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata)
  • New England Blackbutt (Eucalyptus campanulata)
  • Native Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea)
  • Spiny-headed Mat Rush (Lomandra longifolia)


Don’t miss this chance to stock up on hardy natives at a great price – perfect for your garden or revegetation project.



DCCEEW Stakeholder Survey

As part of ongoing stakeholder consultation, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has developed a short survey to better understand how climate change is impacting restoration projects across the state.
The survey aims to: 

  • Capture local experiences of climate risks and impacts on restoration efforts,
  • Identify whether climate adaptation actions are being considered or implemented, and
  • Understand what information, tools, or resources could better support restoration practitioners in planning for a changing climate.


We are hoping to reach a wide range of practitioners, planners and policy makers working in ecological restoration across NSW and would greatly appreciate your help in circulating this survey through your networks.

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and does not collect any personal or identifying information. All responses will be reviewed carefully to ensure they remain anonymous.

Please feel free to forward this message and survey link to any colleagues, project partners or relevant contacts who may be interested in contributing. The broader the reach, the better the insights we can gather to support effective, climate-resilient restoration in NSW.


Learn the art of Nature Journaling with Henrietta Mooney

Reconnect with nature, spark your creativity, and enjoy a mindful afternoon outdoors!

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

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