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 
rehcs 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 
remedy for parasites. When bluebirds or swallows take possession 
of a martm house it is a good plan to put up a one-room house in the 
^cinity 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. 
