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Control rodents naturally by inviting owls. It is fairly easy to get an owl to nest, the timing of getting the nest up is critical. After January, they have probably already found the nest for the spring. The two main screech owls are the eastern and western. All of these houses work well with both varieties. You'll want to be able to put the house 15-20 feet up into a tree.
Other wildlife that may use your house include sparrow hawks, kestrel, flickers, and squirrels. If the tree you put up your house is isolated, you could try a squirrel baffle to keep the squirrels out of the house.
Owls are a great naturally predator of the rodent. They love to roost in old oak trees, which would be a great spot for a nesting box. While owls are helpful, it is also a great site to see a nesting pair bring up their young. The most common owl you will attract is a screech owl. They are not as timid around humans as other owls, and generally nest easily. If you have a barn and are trying to attract barn owls, email me at chad@barninthesticks.com, I have several plans for barn owl houses that I will email you at no cost. If you don't want to make one, let me know, and I'll try to make some to add to the site. Other owls will also nest in used hawk nests. I can also help you find plans for a hawk perch, or an owl perch. Stay tuned to Barn in the Sticks for our own creation. We will be making our own version of an owl house this spring.
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