how to keep owls away from your house

3 min read 17-01-2025

Owls are magnificent birds, but their presence around your home can be unsettling. Their hooting at night, potential droppings, and even the thought of them nesting nearby can be concerning for some homeowners. This guide will provide humane and effective strategies to deter owls from your property. Remember, owls are protected in many areas, so harming or relocating them is illegal and unethical. Our focus is on creating an owl-unfriendly environment.

Understanding Owl Behavior: Why are They Near Your House?

Before we delve into solutions, let's understand why owls might be attracted to your home. Owls seek out areas with plentiful food sources, like rodents. They also need safe, sheltered places to roost and nest. Your home might inadvertently offer both.

What Attracts Owls to Your Home?

Abundant prey: Do you have a rodent problem? Owls are highly effective rodent controllers. Addressing the rodent issue is a crucial first step.
Shelter: Overhanging eaves, tall trees near your house, or even open vents and attics provide ideal roosting spots.
Nesting sites: Similar to roosting sites, dark, secluded areas can attract owls seeking places to nest.

Effective Owl Deterrents: Humane Solutions

Now, let's explore effective methods for discouraging owls from making your home their hangout.

1. Eliminate Food Sources: Rodent Control

The most effective way to deter owls is to eliminate their food source: rodents. Implement these rodent control measures:

Seal entry points: Inspect your home's exterior for gaps and cracks where rodents can enter. Seal these with caulk or steel wool.
Remove attractants: Keep food and garbage stored securely. Clean up spilled birdseed and pet food promptly.
Trapping: Consider humane traps to capture and relocate rodents. Never use poison, as it can harm owls indirectly.
Professional pest control: If you have a significant rodent infestation, consider contacting a professional pest control service.

2. Remove Roosting and Nesting Sites

Next, we need to make your house less appealing as a place to roost or nest.

Trim trees and shrubs: Prune back overhanging branches and bushes near your home. This removes potential perching and nesting locations.
Seal openings: Cover vents, chimneys, and other potential entry points with wire mesh or netting. This prevents owls from accessing your attic or other spaces.
Install owl deflectors: These devices are specifically designed to deter birds from landing on certain areas. They can be installed on eaves, ledges, and other potential perching spots.

3. Use Visual and Auditory Deterrents (with Caution)

While less effective than eliminating food and shelter, some visual and auditory deterrents might help.

Shiny objects: Hang reflective materials like Mylar balloons or strips of aluminum foil. The movement and glint can startle owls.
Owl decoys: Ironically, placing a fake owl might deter real owls, as they tend to avoid competition. However, their effectiveness is debated. It's important to rotate their position regularly.
Motion-activated lights or sprinklers: These deterrents can startle owls and encourage them to move on, but remember owls are primarily nocturnal, so nighttime effectiveness is limited. They might be more effective against other animals.
Ultrasonic devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to owls but inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness is also debated and may not be suitable for all areas. Always check for environmental restrictions before use.

4. Professional Help

If you've tried the above methods and owls persist, consider contacting a wildlife removal specialist. They can assess the situation and provide tailored solutions.

When to Call a Professional

Persistent owl activity that poses a safety concern (e.g., owls nesting too close to entrances or causing structural damage) necessitates professional assistance. A wildlife specialist can safely and humanely relocate the owls.

Conclusion

Keeping owls away from your house involves understanding their behavior and eliminating the factors attracting them. By addressing rodent issues, removing potential nesting and roosting sites, and considering visual or auditory deterrents, you can create a less inviting environment for owls while respecting their presence in the ecosystem. Remember, humane methods are always preferable. The goal is to deter, not harm these magnificent creatures.