Want to Get Rid of House Sparrows?
Want to Get Rid of House Sparrows?
Here’s How to Take Back Your Yard
Have house sparrows taken over your feeders, your birdhouses, even your backyard? You’re not the only one.
House sparrows may look small and harmless, but these aggressive little birds can quickly push out native songbirds, take over feeders, and dominate bird seeds — and that’s a big problem for anyone trying to create a healthy, diverse bird-friendly garden bird feeder stations.
But don’t worry — there are simple, effective ways to keep house sparrows away while still welcoming the birds you do want to see. Let’s walk through them together.
First, what’s so bad about house sparrows?
Good question. House sparrows aren’t native to North America — they were brought over in the 1850s. Since then, they’ve spread across the entire continent, with an estimated 150 million birds calling it home.
The problem with house sparrows? They’re bullies.
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They take over nesting sites meant for bluebirds, martins, and swallows.
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They’ve been known to destroy eggs and even kill adult birds.
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They crowd out feeders, especially if there’s cracked corn, millet, or bread scraps.
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They’re loud, messy, and multiply fast.
So if your goal is a peaceful backyard filled with native songbirds — sparrows can make that almost impossible.
So... how do you keep house sparrows away?
Here are 7 proven, practical ways to reduce or even eliminate house sparrows from your yard.
1. Change what you’re feeding
Did you know your seed mix might be attracting them?
House sparrows love:
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Cracked corn
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Millet
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Bread
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Wheat
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Large platform feeders with stable perches
Solution:
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Stop offering their favorite foods
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Switch to safflower, Nyjer (for finches), peanuts, suet, fruit, or nectar — these are less appealing to sparrows
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Try smaller feeders that move in the wind (sparrows hate unstable perches)
2. Switch up your feeder style
Ask yourself:
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Is your feeder easy to land on?
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Big enough for a whole flock?
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Near the ground?
If yes — you’re basically running a 24-hour buffet for sparrows.
Try this instead:
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Use clinging mesh feeders
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Tube feeders with short perches (under 5/8 inch)
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Hang feeders high and clean up spilled seed quickly
3. Make your water less inviting
Yes — even your birdbath can attract sparrows.
They love to drink and dust-bathe in wide, shallow water basins.
Try this:
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Add uneven rocks or pebbles to birdbaths
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Use drippers or misters instead of wide bowls
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Block off dry, dusty areas where they roll around
Bonus tip: Squirrels and rats also avoid unstable water sources — win-win!
4. Rethink your birdhouses
House sparrows are early nesters. They’ll claim birdhouses before native birds even show up — and they’re not shy about taking over.
So what can you do?
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Wait until April to put up birdhouses
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Use houses with entrance holes smaller than 1 1/4 inches
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Try PVC pipe-style houses (they dislike these)
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If sparrows claim a house, plug the hole with paper for a few days — they’ll usually leave
And once a bluebird or wren lays an egg?
Add a “sparrow spooker” — shiny Mylar strips above the house — to scare off unwanted guests. Native birds aren’t bothered by them!
5. Cut down shelter options
Do sparrows sneak into your garage, eaves, or roof gaps?
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Keep sheds and garages closed
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Add wire mesh under roof edges
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Don’t use generic roost boxes that invite all birds
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If you see sparrows roosting at night, gently scare them off before they settle in
Less shelter = fewer sparrows hanging around.
6. Create space for native birds instead
Sparrows thrive when they have the place to themselves.
If more birds — like wrens, finches, and warblers — are using your space, sparrows have to compete harder.
So invite the locals:
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Use native plants
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Offer food sparrows don’t like
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Protect nesting spots early in the season
7. Stay consistent
Here’s the honest truth:
Getting rid of house sparrows isn’t a one-time fix.
They’re clever, stubborn, and they adapt quickly. But if you stay consistent with food, shelter, and feeder changes, you’ll see a big difference over time — and your native birds will thank you.
Bonus FAQ
Can I legally remove or kill house sparrows? Yes — in the U.S., house sparrows aren’t protected like native birds. But we always recommend trying non-lethal methods first. If it becomes necessary, check your local regulations before using traps or more aggressive tactics.
Do they chew wood or plastic? Not really. Some users worry about bamboo feeders, but many say squirrels are more of a concern than sparrows. If durability is a worry, try metal or PVC feeders.
How long do they live? Usually 4–5 years. That’s a long time if they’re nesting right outside your window.
Final thought: Don’t give up!
If you’re here, it means you care about your backyard and the birds in it — and that’s a beautiful thing.
With just a few simple changes, you can make your yard a safe, peaceful place for the birds you love — and send those noisy sparrows packing.
Need a smart bird feeder?
Check out our Smart Bird Feeder Camera — designed to attract the birds you want to see, and help you keep an eye on everything (even those pesky sparrows).
Or explore our upcoming metal feeder options, built tough for squirrels, wind, and yes — house sparrows too.
Happy birding, and may your feeders stay peaceful!
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