I have a wooden holiday home. The cladding is made of overlapping vertical planks in two layers giving a castellated surface, and this is stained 'Oregon Pine'.
Unfortunately, a pair of swallows have built their nest high up under the overhanging roof. Their droppings land just outside the door - just where we wish to step. So when their chicks have flown, I want to remove the nest and try to deter them from returning. I have no wish to harm them. I want to ask what I can do to stop them this and every year.
One thought I have is if it might be possible to put some surface finish which their mud and spit won't stick to. The problem is - what can be used without being unsightly. May I ask for suggestions for this and maybe any other solutions?