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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AgQuip 2025

The weather posed several challenges at this year's AgQuip, however our stand helpers rose to the challenge, sharing information about Landcare across the region with a diverse range of attendees...


Ngiyaani and Big Little Lowlines are looking for a part time Steward

Escape the routine and join our regenerative farming family! We’re looking for a practical, reliable individual to help care for our Australian Lowline cattle stud and beautiful property.

Call-out for Local Landholders – Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan & Woolomin

Call-out for Local Landholders – Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan & Woolomin

Are you curious about regenerative agriculture or already experimenting on your property?
We’re inviting landholders from Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan, Woolomin and surrounding areas to come together for a casual, landholder-to-landholder chat.

This is purely a networking opportunity to share experiences and ideas within our small area.
If there’s enough interest, we’ll arrange a relaxed dinner meet-up at the Dungowan Pub.

Interested?
Email Ninna at ninna@trla.org.au to put your name down or ask questions.

Let’s build local connections and share practical knowledge about regenerative agriculture.

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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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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