WHY CONTROL BARN SWALLOWS?
At first glance, barn swallows might not seem like a problem. But once they start building mud nests under your eaves, around vents, or on light fixtures, the mess—and the damage—adds up fast.
Their droppings can stain siding, clog drains, and create a headache for any homeowner trying to keep a clean, well-kept property.
1. Health and Hygiene
Nests often stick to walls, soffits, and above doors, leaving behind hardened mud, debris, and damage to finishes that’s hard to clean or repair.
2. Property Protection
Prevent structural damage and blockages in vents or drains caused by nesting barn swallows with our targeted removal service.
3. Sanitation and Cleanliness
Beyond the visual mess, dried droppings and leftover nesting materials can become a hassle to clean and may impact the overall curb appeal of your home.
If you’re seeing signs of barn swallows taking over your space, we can help. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management provides professional barn swallow removal in Des Moines, IA and surrounding areas.
Get a fast, no-hassle quote today and let us clear the problem—safely and effectively.
Our Barn Swallow Removal Services
Getting barn swallows off your property takes more than just knocking down a nest—it takes a clear plan and the right approach.
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we specialize in removing barn swallows safely, thoroughly, and with lasting results.
OUR BARN SWALLOW REMOVAL PROCESS
At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we are dedicated to providing a complete barn swallow management service, tailored to effectively and compassionately handle barn swallow issues on your property. Our approach is meticulous, ensuring your property stays free of barn swallows and maintains a safe environment.
NOT A BARN SWALLOW PROBLEM?
If the issues you’re observing don’t align with barn swallow behavior, you might be encountering different wildlife or pest challenges. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management has expertise in a broad spectrum of pest control services:
- Other Wildlife Removal: Our team is adept at safely and humanely removing various wildlife, including raccoons, squirrels, and more, ensuring effective resolution.
- Insect Control: Facing insect infestations? We provide comprehensive control and preventative solutions to manage these pests efficiently.
- Rodent Management: Specializing in rodent control, we tackle issues with mice, rats, and other rodents, using safe and thorough methods.
HOW TO SPOT BARN SWALLOW ACTIVITY
Barn swallows often nest in open areas like eaves or ledges, making their detection somewhat easier. However, knowing the signs of barn swallow activity is key for effective removal. Look for these indicators:
1. Daytime Chatter
Listen for chirpy vocalizations during the day, particularly near covered porches or business overhangs, signaling barn swallow presence.
2. Nesting Evidence
Search for mud and grass nests on ledge corners, under eaves, or around business sprinkler heads, indicating barn swallow nests.
3. Dropping Spots
Check for droppings beneath nesting areas on walls, especially under porches or sheltered structures, showing frequent visits.
MAIN ISSUES
Why Choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Control
Highly recommend using this company for any pest control needs and or wildlife issues.
Thank you so much! We debated calling for a long time. When I finally did Blake came the very next day and trapped the squirrel who was the culprit of the damage. He fixed the damage too! We are so happy we finally called, wish we would have done it sooner! Thanks Blake!
They do an amazing job with our pest control and keeping all the mosquitos at bay. I really appreciate how caring & respective Gene is towards these animals and rodents…
What a great experience Ronnie Hayes came to our place he came to our place assessed that we had a few raccoons in our attic. He even put a trap on the roof and for them out the same day then the relocated them. For a very responsible place.
Knowledgeable, careful, and insightful-I had the opportunity to meet with Nicole Spaulding from Bobcat Wildlife and Pest Management to learn more of what she does and to ask questions about their industry, fearing it affected my own (outdoor aquatic stock growth).She took the time to share with me the ins-and-outs of her industry, genuinely caring for my concerns, resolving them completely in the end.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management came to my house to deal with a serious bat problem. I have had no issues with bats since they came, and the guy who did the work on my house was thorough and took obvious pride in his work. They are knowledgeable and thorough and don’t take the easy way out. It was clear that they really cared about solving my bat issue and I highly recommend them to anyone with a bat problem.
Highly recommend this group!!! Within 24 hours of my “something stinks” panic call, one of the techs, Ronnie, was at our place taking care of the animals that found their final resting place in our vents… and patched it up so we wouldn’t have this happen again. On time, efficient, and very knowledgeable!!
Jared was super helpful, set up traps, and we are looking forward to a raccoon free attic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barn Swallow Removal in Des Moines, IA
How do I know if I have barn swallows nesting on my property in Des Moines, IA?
Barn swallows are commonly identified by their mud nests, which are often attached to walls, overhangs, porches, barns, garages, and commercial buildings.
These birds come back to the same nests every year.
Homeowners and business owners in Des Moines often notice:
- Cup-shaped mud nests attached to structures
- Birds repeatedly flying to the same location
- Increased bird droppings below nesting areas
- Frequent chirping around eaves and entryways
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps identify active barn swallow nesting activity and determine the best next steps for your property.
Are barn swallows protected in Iowa?
Yes. Barn swallows are protected under federal law while they are actively nesting and raising young.
This means nests containing eggs or chicks generally cannot be removed until the nesting cycle has ended.
Many property owners in Des Moines are surprised to learn that the timing of their request affects the options available for removal.
Attempting to remove active nests at the wrong time can create legal complications.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps property owners understand their options and determine when exclusion or nest removal may be appropriate.
Can barn swallow nests be removed at any time?
No. Active barn swallow nests containing eggs or young birds are generally protected and cannot be removed until the nesting cycle is complete.
The timing of removal depends on factors such as:
- Whether the nest is active
- Whether eggs are present
- Whether young birds are still being raised
Many Des Moines property owners assume all nests can be removed immediately, but that is not always the case.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps determine whether a nest is active and what actions may be available.
Why do barn swallows keep building nests on my home or building?
Barn swallows return to locations that provide protection, stability, and a suitable place to raise their young. Once a nesting location has been used successfully, birds often attempt to return in future seasons.
Common nesting locations include:
- Porch ceilings
- Building overhangs
- Garages and barns
- Commercial entrances and loading areas
Many Des Moines properties experience recurring nesting activity because the conditions that attracted the birds were never changed.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps identify long-term prevention opportunities that discourage future nesting.
Where do barn swallows usually build nests?
Barn swallows typically build nests on vertical surfaces that are protected from weather and predators.
Their nests are made primarily from mud and are often attached beneath sheltered structures.
In Des Moines, common nesting locations include:
- Home entryways and porches
- Barns and agricultural buildings
- Garages and sheds
- Commercial buildings and warehouses
Barn swallows build their nests high up in safe places. You can often see their nests where people walk a lot.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps property owners identify nesting areas and evaluate available prevention options.
Are barn swallow droppings a problem for homes or businesses?
Yes. Barn swallow poop can make places dirty, harm surfaces over time, and make homes and stores look bad.
Areas beneath active nests often accumulate droppings throughout the nesting season.
Property owners in Des Moines commonly notice:
- Stained sidewalks and entryways
- Messy patios, decks, or porches
- Increased cleaning and maintenance needs
- Unpleasant conditions around customer entrances
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps identify nesting activity and recommend solutions that reduce ongoing problems caused by barn swallow droppings.
How can I stop barn swallows from returning after the nest is gone?
Preventing barn swallows from returning typically requires more than simply removing an old nest.
If the nesting area remains attractive, birds may attempt to rebuild in the same location during future seasons.
Long-term prevention often focuses on:
- Blocking access to common nesting areas
- Modifying surfaces where nests attach
- Installing appropriate deterrents when allowed
- Addressing recurring nesting locations early
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps Des Moines property owners develop prevention strategies designed to discourage future nesting activity.
Can DIY barn swallow removal cause problems?
Yes. DIY barn swallow removal can create problems if nests are disturbed during protected nesting periods or if the nesting activity is not properly evaluated first.
Common issues include:
- Removing protected active nests
- Overlooking multiple nesting sites
- Failing to address why birds returned
- Incomplete prevention measures
Many people in Des Moines see that birds come back and build their nests again after trying to stop them.
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management ensures that situations are handled correctly and follow the relevant rules and regulations.
What does professional barn swallow removal usually include?
Professional barn swallow removal typically begins with an inspection to determine whether nests are active, evaluate nesting locations, and identify available removal or exclusion options.
Depending on the situation, the process may include:
- Assessing nest activity and occupancy
- Identifying protected nesting concerns
- Removing eligible nests when appropriate
- Recommending prevention and exclusion measures
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management helps Des Moines property owners address both current nesting activity and the risk of future return visits.
When should I call Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management for barn swallow removal?
You should consider contacting Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management as soon as you notice recurring nesting activity, mud nests being built, or growing accumulations of droppings around your property.
Early action may help protect:
- Home entryways and porches
- Commercial entrances and walkways
- Barns, garages, and sheds
- Customer-facing areas of a business
Many Des Moines property owners seek professional help after discovering that barn swallows return year after year.
A professional inspection can help determine what options are available and the best time to take action.
