Common House Martin Shelter

Common House Martin Shelter – Econex

• ✅ Specifically designed for the common house martin (Delichon urbicum)
• ✅ Nest structure made of clay with a solid wood support certified by PEFC and FSC
• ✅ Weather-resistant and easy to install
• ✅ Available as a single unit or in a pack of 10

Description

The Common House Martin Shelter – Econex is an ideal solution to provide a safe nesting place for the common house martin (Delichon urbicum), a migratory species that returns to Europe in spring to breed. Installing these shelters helps promote the conservation of these insectivorous birds and strengthens urban and peri-urban ecosystems.

The nest is made of clay, a durable material that provides a stable and long-lasting refuge for the birds. It is attached to a solid wood support with PEFC and FSC certifications, ensuring that it comes from sustainably managed forests. Its optimized design allows for easy hanging and makes it suitable for withstanding weather conditions.

The nest has a rounded shape with a width of 20 cm and a height of 14 cm. Its rectangular mounting base measures 30 x 19 cm, ensuring stable fixation on the solid wood support. Additionally, the 4 cm entrance hole, located at the upper side of the clay structure, is designed to facilitate access for house martins.

Available Options

The Econex COMMON HOUSE MARTIN SHELTER is available in two formats to meet different conservation needs:

📦 Purchase Options:

• Single unit – Ideal for gardens, nature reserves, and small conservation areas.
• Pack of 10 – Perfect for reintroduction programs, biodiversity initiatives, and environmental organizations.

Technical Specifications

• ✔️ Material: Clay nest with a solid wood support certified by PEFC and FSC (2 cm thickness).
• ✔️ Dimensions of the solid wood support:
  • Width: 30 cm.
  • Height: 26 cm.
  • Depth: 20 cm.
  • Thickness: 2 cm.
• ✔️ Entrance hole: 4 cm in diameter.
• ✔️ Optimized design: Upper side entrance hole for easy access by house martins.
• ✔️ Easy installation: Can be fixed on facades, walls, or urban structures.
• ✔️ Guaranteed durability: Weather-resistant and structurally stable.

Installation and Maintenance

To ensure the shelter's effectiveness and the safety of the birds, follow these recommendations:

📍 Recommended Placement:

• Install 2 to 5 meters above the ground, preferably in elevated areas, as house martins prefer higher nesting sites.
• Place on facades, walls, or buildings facing open courtyards, plazas, or protected open spaces.
• Avoid installing in high-traffic areas such as patios or terraces to minimize inconvenience from droppings.
• Preferably orient towards the south or southeast to avoid direct sun exposure and protect from strong winds.

⚠️ Installation Recommendations:

• If installing on a wall, ensure it is securely fixed on a stable surface with appropriate screws.
• Avoid installing above frequently used windows or doors.

🛠️ Maintenance:

• Cleaning is recommended between October and November once the nest has been abandoned.
• To clean, use a stick or wire to remove nesting debris and, if possible, disinfect with boiling water.
• Allow the shelter to dry completely before reinstalling.
• Do not disturb the shelter during the chick-rearing period to avoid disruptions in their development.

Usage Period

The best time to install the shelter is in late winter or early spring, as house martins return to Europe between April and May for the breeding season.