Barn swallows are protected, so the goal is to deter them before they nest, not to remove an active nest. Deterrents that block access to eaves and overhangs are the right tool, applied before nesting season. Here is what actually works.
- Barn swallows are protected, so you cannot remove an active nest.
- Block access to eaves and overhangs before nesting season.
- Swallow shields and netting are the most reliable deterrents.
- Apply deterrents in early spring, before swallows return.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bird B Gone Swallow Shield 2-Pack | Swallow shield | Best Shield | Check price |
| Bird B Gone Swallow Shield 12x2 | Swallow shield | Best Bulk | Check price |
| Benasan Bird Scare Ribbon | Reflective tape | Best Tape | Check price |
| ToBeAce Steel Deterrent | Physical spikes | Best Steel | Check price |
| LIZOIDZSM Steel Deterrent 12-Pack | Physical spikes | Best Steel Value | Check price |
| Hausse Owl Decoy 2-Pack | Decoy | Best Decoy | Check price |
Best Shield: Bird B Gone Swallow Shield 2-Pack
Best Shield- Type
- Swallow shield (2-pack)
- Target
- Swallows and bats
- Placement
- Eaves, overhangs
- Mechanism
- Surface denial
The Bird B Gone Swallow Shield blocks swallows and bats from nesting on eaves and overhangs. It is the purpose-built deterrent for barn swallows.
The shield denies the surface swallows need to attach a nest, which is the most reliable way to keep them away.
Best Bulk: Bird B Gone Swallow Shield 12x2
Best Bulk- Type
- Swallow shield (bulk)
- Target
- Swallows and bats
- Coverage
- Large areas
- Mechanism
- Surface denial
The Bird B Gone Swallow Shield bulk pack of 12 two-packs covers a whole roofline or multiple buildings. It is the commercial-scale option for a large property.
The bulk pack is the right choice for a barn, warehouse, or long roofline.
Best Tape: Benasan Bird Scare Ribbon
Best Tape- Type
- Reflective ribbon
- Target
- Swallows and birds
- Length
- 492 feet
- Mechanism
- Flash and movement
Benasan’s reflective scare ribbon flashes in the wind and sunlight, deterring swallows with a visual disturbance. It is a supplementary deterrent to a swallow shield.
Reflective tape works best alongside physical barriers, since swallows will return to a nest site they have used before.
Best Steel: ToBeAce Steel Deterrent
Best Steel- Type
- Physical spikes
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Target
- Swallows and birds
- Mechanism
- Surface denial
The ToBeAce stainless steel bird deterrent uses spikes that deny swallows a landing and nesting surface. The steel construction is durable and weather-resistant.
Physical spikes block the surface swallows need, which is the most reliable long-term deterrent.
Best Steel Value: LIZOIDZSM Steel Deterrent 12-Pack
Best Steel Value- Type
- Physical spikes (12-pack)
- Material
- Steel
- Target
- Swallows and birds
- Mechanism
- Surface denial
The LIZOIDZSM 12-pack of steel bird deterrents covers more surface for a lower per-piece price. It is the value way to protect a long roofline.
The 12-pack is the economical choice for covering multiple eaves and ledges.
Best Decoy: Hausse Owl Decoy 2-Pack
Best Decoy- Type
- Owl decoy (2-pack)
- Target
- Swallows and birds
- Mechanism
- Predator cue
- Placement
- Two areas
The Hausse two-pack of owl decoys adds a predator cue, since owls prey on swallows. It is a supplementary deterrent to physical barriers.
Move the decoys periodically, since swallows learn to ignore a stationary decoy.
Legal Note: Barn Swallows Are Protected
Barn swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so you cannot remove an active nest with eggs or young. Deterrents must be applied before nesting season, in early spring, before swallows return.
If swallows have already nested, wait until the young have fledged, then remove the nest and install a shield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swallow shields and physical barriers are the most reliable, since they deny the nesting surface. Apply them before nesting season for the best results.
Yes, barn swallows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You cannot remove an active nest with eggs or young.
Only after the young have fledged and the nest is inactive. Active nests are protected by law.
Install swallow shields or spikes on eaves and overhangs before nesting season, in early spring.
A physical barrier that blocks swallows from attaching a nest to eaves and overhangs. It is the most reliable barn swallow deterrent.
