What do I do with the nest after the birds have fledged?

During the breeding season, you can leave the nesting material in the box – the parents may decide to raise another brood. At the end of the season, you can remove the nesting material and scrub the inside with a mild detergent and water. You can leave your box up over the winter and allow it to be used as a roosting place for birds, mice, or squirrels. Some monitors elect to seal off their birdhouses to prevent unwanted winter tenants. Some people render the boxes unusable by propping the door open. If your nest is soiled with fecal matter, we recommend removing the nest and cleaning the nest box out with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.