Spring Cleaning for Wildlife

Cottontail rabbit hiding in the grass. — Cottontail rabbits create shallow depressions in the grass where they will give birth and raise their young. These are often spotted by people mowing their lawns, or by family dogs getting a little too curious of their wild neighbors. Photo by Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine.

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist

As the days grow warmer and the urge to refresh our outdoor spaces kicks in, it’s important to remember that we’re not the only ones getting ready for spring. Many birds and mammals are already nesting or raising their young, sometimes in the most unexpected places, like brush piles, garden beds and even your porch!

So, before you start raking, pruning or clearing debris, take a moment to consider how your spring-cleaning efforts could impact local wildlife. With a few simple precautions, you can spruce up your yard while ensuring your wild neighbors stay safe and undisturbed. Here are ways you can make your spring cleanup more wildlife-friendly.

Trimming Trees

With spring comes wind, rain and plenty of broken branches from battering snow and ice — so it’s time to trim, right? Well, yes — but before you start cutting, remember you’re not the only one who has noticed that overgrown tree. Many birds are already nesting among the branches, and their nests aren’t always easy to spot.

Some nests are obvious while others blend in seamlessly. And let’s be honest — birds don’t always pick the best real estate. A nest might be perched on a flimsy branch that can’t support its weight, tucked into a weak limb destined to break or built in a location that’s just plain risky.

Before you trim trees or hedges, look carefully for hidden nests. Some, like those of hummingbirds, can be ping pong ball size with jellybean-size eggs. If possible, try to complete major trimming before April or wait until after August to avoid peak nesting season.

However, if you accidentally remove a branch with a nest, don’t panic — contact your local wildlife rehabilitator. In some cases, the nest can be safely reattached, but if the chicks or eggs are at risk, a professional may need to step in to give them the best chance at survival. A little extra caution can make all the difference for our feathered neighbors.

Loggerhead shrike bird nest with eggs. — Cup nests, like this loggerhead shrike nest, are among the most common nest types built by birds. This is especially true for city-dwelling species, such as finches, cardinals and robins, which often nest in trees or even tucked away in spots around your porch. As you prepare to trim trees, take a moment to check for hidden nests. Photo by Jon Farrar, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Mowing Lawns

Before firing up the lawn mower for the first cut of the season, take a slow walk around your yard, especially in areas where the grass has grown tall and undisturbed. These spots are prime for nesting wildlife, particularly shy cottontail rabbits. Unlike animals that burrow deep underground or nest in trees, cottontails take a simpler approach. They create shallow depressions in the grass, called forms, where they give birth and raise their young. These nests are often tucked into tall grass or under a thin layer of dried vegetation, making them almost invisible to the untrained eye.

For baby rabbits, or kits, the surrounding grass acts as a natural camouflage, keeping them hidden from predators like hawks, foxes and even neighborhood pets. However, this concealment strategy makes the nests incredibly easy to overlook — until it’s too late. The first pass with the lawnmower can strip away this protective cover or, worse, result in serious injury to the fragile young inside.

To prevent accidental harm, scan your yard carefully before mowing. If you find a nest, consider delaying mowing in that area for a few weeks — cottontails grow quickly and typically leave the nest in just three weeks. If mowing is unavoidable, mark the nest with a small flag or stake so you can safely mow around it.

Repairing Holes

As you tackle small home repairs this spring, keep an eye out for signs that wildlife may have already moved in. Loose or missing shingles, vents stuffed with grass or small holes in your siding aren’t just signs of wear and tear—they could be evidence that raccoons, squirrels or other critters have turned your home into a nursery. These resourceful animals look for quiet, sheltered spaces to raise their young, and an unnoticed gap in your attic or eaves might be the perfect spot.

To prevent unexpected tenants, take some time to inspect your home before baby season is in full swing. Seal up any holes or entry points early, before animals move in and make themselves at home. But before you patch things up, always check for signs of current residents. If you hear scratching, rustling or even faint chirping or squeaking, you might have a wildlife family inside.

an opossum runs through the grass — Opossums are resourceful creatures that take advantage of existing shelters. They may settle in attics, sheds or underneath decks and can even chew through insulation and drywall to create a cozy den. To keep them from moving in, be sure to seal any gaps around your home and remove attractants like unsecured trash or outdoor pet food. Photo by Jeff Kurrus, Nebraskaland Magazine.

If you unknowingly seal off an area and later notice an adult animal persistently trying to get back in, stop what you’re doing—chances are, that’s a frantic mother trying to reach her babies. In this case, remove your repairs immediately and give her a chance to relocate her young. Most wildlife moms work fast when their young are at risk, so after a day or two, you can safely recheck the area and complete your repairs.

If you need to safely remove animals that have moved in, you can call a local wildlife removal company. Be sure to contact a company that uses wildlife-friendly methods and knows how to wildlife-proof your home to prevent future problems.

How to Clean Out a Nest Box

Nest boxes are a fantastic way to attract wildlife to your yard and offer them a safe place to shelter. But along with the reward of hosting these visitors comes the responsibility of regular cleaning and upkeep. Ideally, you should clean out nest boxes at least once a year — either in late fall after the breeding season has ended or in early spring before nesting begins.

While it might seem like a leftover nest could be reused, most birds prefer a fresh start. Even if the nest looks intact, new occupants will usually tear out the old material and rebuild from scratch. Giving them a clean slate not only saves them some work but also helps prevent the buildup of parasites, bacteria and mold that could harm future broods.

If possible, take the nest box down to make cleaning easier. We recommend wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands from debris, droppings or any lingering pests. Here’s how to properly clean your birdhouse and get it ready for new residents:

Remove old nesting material – Discard it in the compost bin or use it in your garden as mulch.
Scrub the interior – Use a stiff brush with mild detergent and water to remove dirt, droppings and any stuck-on debris. A hose can help rinse everything out.
Sanitize – To kill any lingering bacteria or mites, scrub the inside again using a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water).
Rinse thoroughly – Use hot water to remove any residue, then let the nest box air-dry completely.

Once your birdhouse is clean and dry, it’s ready to be put back up—just in time for the return of nesting birds!

Northern saw-whet owl in a nesting box. — Nesting boxes or “owl boxes” can be effective in attracting and providing safe habitats for nesting and roosting sites for owls, such as this northern saw-whet owl at Wildcat Hills Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about freshening up our homes and yards—it’s also about being mindful of the wildlife that share these spaces with us. By taking a few extra precautions, we can make sure our efforts to tidy up don’t unintentionally disrupt nesting birds, baby rabbits or other wild neighbors. Whether it’s checking for hidden nests before trimming trees, mowing carefully to avoid cottontail nurseries, or ensuring no animals are trapped during home repairs, small actions can make a big difference. With a little awareness and care, we can keep our outdoor spaces beautiful while giving wildlife the safe, undisturbed start they need this season.