
Decorative birdhouses might look irresistibly charming with promises to bring resident birds to your yard, but the truth is they can do more harm than good. If not properly constructed, placed incorrectly, or left unmaintained, they can make birds vulnerable to predators and diseases.
That's not to say birdhouses should be ruled out entirely, but many on the market have several bird box mistakes in their design, especially if they're built with aesthetics in mind and not functionality. Instead, experts say to consider birdhouse alternatives that provide safe nesting spots, keep predators away, and still look good in your yard.