Mariton: House Cleaning
by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager
![A mouse over-wintered in this nest box.](https://natlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/P3010167-300x300.jpg)
A mouse over-wintered in this nest box.
It is time to clean out your nest boxes. A year ago, I wore snowshoes for my first check of the season. The weather this year is very different, but there were still a lot of mouse nests that needed to be removed. As I check boxes, I make notes of what needs repairing and replacement. I prop the door of the box open with a stick to air out, and discourage mice from returning. Next week when I make repairs, the sticks will be removed.
![They're cute, but this box is for birds!](https://natlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/P3010169-300x194.jpg)
They’re cute, but this box is for birds!
Don’t procrastinate on your nest box maintenance. I think Bluebirds will be nesting early this year. They will definitely be house shopping in the next few weeks, so it is important that you get things ready now.
![They will be hear before you know it. Photo by Carole Mebus.](https://natlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MEBUS-BluebirdOnBoxMaritonField0426-3-300x291.jpg)
They will be here before you know it. Photo by Carole Mebus.