When is the right time to clean out vacated nesting boxes?
Briefly

The article addresses two inquiries regarding bird nests and ants. It advises removing nesting materials from birdhouses once chicks have fledged to maintain hygiene and deter pests. It's important to check the nest's status before removal and ensure cleanliness in the fall for potential sheltering birds. In response to the second question, it notes the presence of various ant species, emphasizing the dominance of Argentine ants in California and the rise in their visibility as temperatures rise.
It's a good idea to remove nesting materials after chicks have fledged, ensuring nesting boxes are tidy for new birds and to prevent insect infestations.
In the fall, nesting boxes should be cleaned thoroughly, as birds may use them as temporary shelters from cold and rain, despite not nesting.
Read at The Mercury News
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