Some birds use discarded cigarette butts to repel parasites from their nests.

Some birds use discarded cigarette butts to repel parasites from their nests.: Birds have been found to be resourceful and use whatever discarded materials are available when building their nests, including cigarette butts, aluminum foil, cellophane and plastic strips. Although birds tend to use twigs, leaves and mud to make their nests, some unusual bird nest-building materials have been found to be effective for constructing sturdy nests and repelling parasites. For example, scientists have found that cellulose acetate, an ingredient in cigarettes, drives away parasites. The chemicals in the cigarette butts, however, might be harmful to birds over the long term.



Some birds use discarded cigarette butts to repel parasites from their nests.