Install an owl box for natural predation

What to Do

Mount a barn owl or screech owl nesting box on a pole or tree at least 12-15 feet high, facing away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight. Place the box in an open area near fields, gardens, or property edges where rodents are active.

Why It Works

A single barn owl can consume over 1,000 mice per year (Smithsonian National Zoo). A nesting pair with young can consume 3,000+ rodents per season. Owls provide continuous, free, non-toxic rodent control as long as they remain in residence. This supplements but does not replace exclusion and trapping.

Tips

• Owl boxes work best in rural and suburban settings with open foraging habitat
• Do not use rodenticides if you have owl boxes — owls eating poisoned rodents can die from secondary poisoning
• It may take 1-2 seasons for owls to discover and occupy a new box
• Keep the box entrance facing away from prevailing weather
• Cost: $30-100 for a quality owl box