Keeping Swallows at Bay: A Guide for Gardeners, Farmers, and Bird Lovers

Swallows, particularly the Welcome Swallow, are a common sight in Australia, admired for their graceful flight and mud cup nests. While their name evokes a sense of charm, they can create challenges when they nest in large numbers under eaves or rafters. From droppings to noise and potential property damage, managing their presence requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent swallows from nesting where they’re not welcome.

Understanding Swallow Behaviour

Swallows seek out structures like eaves that offer shelter and stability for their nests. These locations protect them from predators and harsh weather. However, once a nest contains eggs, it is illegal to disturb it. Timing your preventative measures before the nesting season begins is key.

Effective Swallow Deterrents

1. Install Bird Slopes Bird Slopes are angled, slippery surfaces that prevent swallows from getting a foothold to build nests. Easy to install and aesthetically unobtrusive, they’re a highly effective solution favoured by many homeowners and property managers.

2. Visual Deterrents Reflective objects like old CDs, aluminium foil strips, or specially designed reflective tapes can discourage swallows by disrupting their flight patterns. Predator decoys, such as fake owls or hawks, can also be useful, though they should be moved regularly to remain effective.

3. Auditory Deterrents Ultrasonic devices and systems like the “Bird Chase Sonic System” emit distress or predator calls to unsettle swallows. These work best when combined with visual or physical deterrents to create an environment that swallows will avoid.

4. Maintenance and Habitat Modification Regularly trim trees and shrubs to reduce potential nesting sites. Eliminating stagnant water sources can make your property less attractive to insects, which are a primary food source for swallows. For a natural approach to pest control, consider fostering plants like maidenhair ferns or spider plants, which can deter mosquitoes and other insects.

A Balanced Approach

While managing swallows can help protect your property, it’s important to remember their role in the ecosystem, such as controlling insect populations. By using humane and proactive methods, you can strike a balance between welcoming these birds to your environment and maintaining your space.



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🌿 Biodiversity & Productivity – Tamworth Workshop | 15 May 🌿

We’re excited to be partnering with Carbon8 for a powerful one-day workshop all about boosting biodiversity to strengthen your farming system — from the soil up!

Whether you’re managing pasture or cropping, increasing biodiversity can improve productivity, build resilience, and reduce the need for chemical inputs. This is your chance to hear directly from landholders, educators, and experts who are walking the talk.

📅 When: Wednesday, 15 May

🐾 NSW Companion Animals Act Review – Have Your Say! 🐾

🐾 NSW Companion Animals Act Review – Have Your Say! 🐾

🚨 Submissions close Sunday, May 4, 2025 🚨

After years of advocacy, the NSW Government is finally reviewing the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 — and your voice is urgently needed to help protect our native wildlife from the impacts of free-roaming pet cats.

🦘 Why it matters:
This outdated law currently prevents local Councils from setting and enforcing cat containment policies, leaving cats to roam, kill native wildlife, and spread diseases like toxoplasmosis. It’s time for a law that reflects modern expectations of responsible pet ownership.

💥 Make a difference – three easy options:
Option A (quick & easy):
Use the Invasive Species Council’s free writing kit – they’ll send you a ready-to-go email template.
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✍️ Option B (most impactful):
Write a short email in your own words explaining why you believe cat containment is essential.
📧 Email: ca.review@olg.nsw.gov.au
📝 Subject: Companion Animals Act Review

💡 Ask for:

  • Statewide 24/7 cat containment laws
  • Mandatory desexing by 4 months
  • $9 million+ in support for Councils and education campaigns


📄 Option C (official form):
Review the discussion paper and submit feedback via the online submission form on the Office of Local Government site.
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🌿 Every submission helps push for change! Let’s keep native wildlife safe, support responsible pet ownership, and empower Councils to act. Please share this widely. 🐨🦉🐾

🚜 Calling All Farmers, Farm Managers & Owners! 🌱

🚜 Calling All Farmers, Farm Managers & Owners! 🌱

We're helping support important PhD research from Federation University Australia exploring how farmers think about sustainability, technology, and data in agriculture – and how we can build better tools to support real-world needs.

If you're a farmer, farm manager, or farm owner, please take 10-15 minutes to complete this anonymous survey. ✅
Or, if you’re not a farmer, help us by sharing this post with your networks!

🧑‍🌾 Your insights will help shape a new framework for assessing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts in agriculture.

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https://federation.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Mqz9Vzs9m7kdNk

🎓 Research by Bhola Paudel, PhD Candidate
✔️ Approved by Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (2024/228)

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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