Knowledgebase

Birdbath cleaning #760231

Asked July 06, 2021, 11:16 AM EDT

I want to get a birdbath for my yard. I'm interested in getting something where the water moves in the birdbath to help with mosquitos and make it more interesting. I have read that this also makes the birds like it more because the water is moving. I know that it's important to keep the bird bath clean and change the water regularly. I've seen a lot of different advice for how often to clean a bird bath, so I'm not sure what the real answer is or if you don't have to clean it as often if the water is moving. How often should I refill the water, and how often should I clean the basin of the bird bath if there is a wiggler or sprinkler in it for the water?

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

A clean water source can attract more birds to your landscape than a bird feeder full of seed. And providing some motion to the water can attract a bird's attention to the water source.

I am going to send you to a link to authoritative information about a mystery illness that has been causing problems for wild birds in many states including Maryland,

https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2021/07/02/bird-illness-investigation-continues-in-several-states/

Some bird experts are advising to remove bird feeders and not to fill birdbaths. However, this advice comes from the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources,

  • Clean feeders and birdbaths with a 10% bleach solution (one-part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water, and allow to air-dry.

Unfortunately, they do not mention how often to clean a birdbath. They would be the locate contact to ask about this,  Maryland residents can contact the DNR/ USDA Wildlife hotline at<personal data hidden>

As far as general information about birdbaths the following PDF from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is helpful, 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/BirdNote09-ProvideWater-2013-2021.pdf

Also, Audubon Maryland-DC is an excellent source of information,

https://md.audubon.org/

Deb

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 07, 2021, 1:27 PM EDT

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