Skip the disinfectant spray

Feeders and nest boxes do need cleaning, but not with Lysol-type sprays. They can do more harm to birds than the pathogens you are trying to remove.

“it's unsafe to use disinfectant sprays on bird feeders or nest boxes”

A reader asked the question

John Gombas of Hannibal, New York wrote in to ask whether Lysol spray could stand in for the usual water and bleach solution.

“would it be safe to use something like Lysol spray instead?”

Bird lungs are delicate

Experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say the fragrances and chemicals in these sprays can be toxic. Even a trace left behind can hurt a bird that preens or feeds there.

“Their respiratory systems are very sensitive.”

Residue that will not rinse

Spray disinfectants are not made to be rinsed off, so the chemicals linger. Diluted bleach breaks down into salt and water once it is rinsed and dried properly.

“Chemical residue is more likely to linger”

Bleach at 1 to 10 works

That low dilution has documented results against salmonella and avian pox. Sprays were never tested or labeled for this job. Use bleach or vinegar, rinse well, dry fully.

“Stick with a proper bleach dilution or vinegar solution.”

Clean on a schedule

Scrub seed feeders at least once each season and hummingbird feeders every week or two in peak season. Take nest boxes down after breeding season and scrape them out.