14 



FARMERS BULLETIN 609. 

 CARE OF HOUSES. 



Each spring before birds return from the South all filth and litter 

 should be carefully removed from bird houses. In addition to the 

 relics of previous occupancy, houses are likely to contain cocoons of 

 insects, and nests of bees or squirrels. Attention to this one item of 

 spring cleaning is a substantial factor in attaching birds permanently 

 to their houses. A little sulphur scattered about a house is a good 



FIG. 40. Details of construction and operation of gates. 



remedy for parasites. When bluebirds or swallows take possession 

 of a martin house it is a good plan to put up a one-room house in the 

 vicinity and remove the nest from the martin house. Interlopers, 

 thus evicted, often transfer their housekeeping to the small house. 

 Houses designed for woodpeckers should always have an inch or so 

 of sawdust in the bottom for the reception of eggs, as woodpeckers do 

 not gather nest materials. Due attention should be given to repairs. 

 It is easier to keep houses in good order than to build new ones. 



