How to Effectively Keep Owls Away From Your Property
Owls, with their majestic presence and nocturnal habits, are fascinating creatures. They play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, making them beneficial to the ecosystem. However, their presence can sometimes become a nuisance, especially if they are nesting near your home, preying on pets, or disrupting your sleep with their hooting. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to deter owls from your property, it’s essential to do so humanely and legally. Owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so harming or killing them is against the law. This article provides detailed steps and instructions on how to keep owls away from your property safely and effectively.
Understanding Owl Behavior
Before implementing any owl deterrents, it’s crucial to understand their behavior. Owls are primarily nocturnal hunters, meaning they are most active at night. They are attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as rodents, rabbits, and small birds. They also prefer locations with suitable nesting sites, such as trees with cavities, barns, or even artificial nesting boxes.
Understanding their nesting season is also important. Most owl species nest in the spring, so your approach may need to be adjusted depending on the time of year. Removing nesting sites *before* the nesting season is far more effective (and humane) than trying to evict an owl with owlets.
Common reasons why owls might be on your property include:
* **Abundant food supply:** A high rodent population, presence of pet food left outdoors, or bird feeders attracting small birds can draw owls.
* **Suitable nesting sites:** Trees with cavities, barns, sheds, or even dense vegetation can provide shelter for owls.
* **Safe perching locations:** Owls need high vantage points to survey their surroundings and hunt prey. Trees, poles, and rooftops can serve as perches.
Effective Strategies to Deter Owls
Here are several strategies you can employ to keep owls away from your property. Remember to use a combination of methods for the best results and to be persistent.
1. Reduce Food Sources
One of the most effective ways to deter owls is to eliminate their food sources. This involves controlling rodent populations and taking measures to prevent attracting other prey animals.
* **Rodent Control:**
* **Eliminate food sources:** Store pet food and birdseed in tightly sealed containers. Clean up any spilled food or crumbs around your property.
* **Remove harborage:** Clear away brush piles, woodpiles, and other debris where rodents can hide and nest. Keep your lawn well-maintained.
* **Use traps or rodenticides:** If you have a severe rodent problem, consider using traps or rodenticides. However, be extremely cautious when using rodenticides, as they can be harmful to owls and other wildlife if they ingest poisoned rodents. Consider using snap traps or electronic traps as a more humane and safer option.
* **Professional Pest Control:** For severe infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control company. They can assess the situation and implement effective strategies to eliminate rodents without harming owls or other non-target animals.
* **Prevent Attracting Other Prey Animals:**
* **Remove bird feeders:** Bird feeders attract small birds, which in turn attract owls. If you have bird feeders, consider removing them, especially during owl nesting season.
* **Protect Poultry and Small Pets:** If you have chickens or other small pets, provide them with secure housing, especially at night. Ensure that the enclosures are strong enough to prevent owls from accessing them.
* **Keep Pets Indoors at Night:** Bring cats and small dogs indoors at night to prevent them from becoming owl prey. Even larger dogs can be vulnerable, especially puppies.
2. Eliminate Nesting and Perching Sites
Owls need suitable locations to nest and perch. By removing or modifying these sites, you can make your property less attractive to them.
* **Trim Trees and Shrubs:** Trim trees and shrubs to reduce dense foliage that could provide shelter for owls. Remove dead branches and limbs that could serve as perches.
* **Block Access to Buildings:** Seal any holes or openings in barns, sheds, or other buildings that owls could use for nesting. Cover chimneys with screens.
* **Remove Nesting Boxes:** If you have artificial nesting boxes on your property, consider removing them. If you want to keep the nesting boxes, consider relocating them to a less sensitive area, further away from your home or livestock.
* **Prickly deterrents**: Installing prickly deterrents like bird spikes or netting on favorite perching spots, like roof edges and fences, can discourage owls from landing.
3. Use Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Owls are sensitive to visual and auditory stimuli. Employing these deterrents can startle them and encourage them to leave your property.
* **Shiny Objects:** Hang shiny objects, such as aluminum foil strips, CDs, or pie plates, from trees or structures. The movement and reflection of light can disorient and scare owls.
* **Scarecrows:** Place scarecrows in your yard, especially in areas where owls are frequently seen. Move the scarecrows around periodically to prevent owls from becoming accustomed to them.
* **Decoy Predators:** Place plastic owls or other predator decoys in your yard. Position them strategically to make them visible to owls. Move the decoys around regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
* **Motion-Activated Lights:** Install motion-activated lights in areas where owls are active. The sudden burst of light can startle them and deter them from returning.
* **Sound Deterrents:** Use sound deterrents such as ultrasonic devices or noisemakers to scare owls away. Play recordings of owl predators, such as hawks or eagles, to discourage them from staying.
* **Reflective Tape:** Hang reflective tape in areas where owls perch. The tape reflects light and creates a visual disturbance, making it less appealing for owls to land.
4. Install Owl Exclusion Devices
If owls are persistently targeting a specific area, such as a chicken coop or garden, consider installing owl exclusion devices.
* **Netting:** Cover vulnerable areas with netting to prevent owls from accessing them. Ensure that the netting is strong enough to withstand owl attacks and that it is properly secured to prevent owls from getting trapped.
* **Fencing:** Install fencing around vulnerable areas to create a physical barrier. The fence should be tall enough to prevent owls from flying over it and sturdy enough to prevent them from breaking through it.
* **Chicken Wire:** Use chicken wire to protect individual plants or small areas from owl attacks. The wire will prevent owls from landing on the plants and damaging them.
5. Employ Professional Owl Hazing Services
In cases where other methods have failed, consider hiring a professional owl hazing service. These services use trained professionals and specialized equipment to safely and humanely deter owls from your property. They often employ techniques such as falconry or targeted sound and light deterrents.
* **Falconry:** Trained falconers can use their birds of prey to harass owls and encourage them to leave the area. This method is effective but can be expensive.
* **Targeted Deterrents:** Professionals can use specialized sound and light deterrents to target specific owl behaviors and discourage them from returning. These deterrents are often more effective than DIY methods.
6. Maintain a Clean and Uninviting Environment
A clean and well-maintained property is less attractive to owls. By keeping your yard tidy and free of clutter, you can reduce the likelihood of owls taking up residence.
* **Keep your lawn mowed:** Owls prefer areas with tall grass and dense vegetation, which provide cover for their prey. Regularly mow your lawn to make your property less appealing.
* **Remove debris:** Clear away fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that could provide shelter for rodents and other prey animals.
* **Maintain your buildings:** Repair any damage to your buildings, such as holes in walls or roofs, that could provide nesting sites for owls.
Legal Considerations
Before implementing any owl deterrents, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal protections afforded to owls. As mentioned earlier, owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits harming, killing, or possessing owls without a permit. Violations of this act can result in significant fines and penalties.
* **Check Local Regulations:** Consult with your local wildlife agency to determine if there are any specific regulations regarding owl management in your area. Some municipalities may have ordinances that restrict the use of certain deterrent methods.
* **Obtain Permits if Necessary:** If you need to remove an owl nest or take other actions that could potentially harm owls, you may need to obtain a permit from your local wildlife agency.
* **Humane Treatment:** Always treat owls humanely and avoid causing them any unnecessary stress or suffering. Use deterrent methods that are designed to scare owls away without harming them.
Specific Scenarios and Solutions
Here are some specific scenarios you might encounter and solutions for dealing with them:
* **Owls Nesting in Your Barn:**
* **Prevention is Key:** Before nesting season, seal any openings in your barn that owls could use for nesting. Install screens over windows and vents.
* **Nest Removal (with Permit):** If owls are already nesting in your barn, contact your local wildlife agency to determine if you need a permit to remove the nest. If a permit is required, follow the agency’s instructions carefully.
* **Post-Nesting Deterrents:** Once the owls have left the nest, clean out the nest and install deterrents to prevent them from returning. This could include installing netting or shiny objects.
* **Owls Preying on Your Chickens:**
* **Secure Chicken Coop:** Ensure that your chicken coop is securely enclosed to prevent owls from accessing it. Use strong wire mesh and close any gaps or openings.
* **Overhead Netting:** Install netting over your chicken run to prevent owls from swooping down and snatching chickens.
* **Motion-Activated Lights:** Install motion-activated lights near your chicken coop to scare away owls at night.
* **Owls Hooting Loudly Near Your Home:**
* **Identify the Cause:** Determine why the owls are hooting near your home. Are they nesting nearby? Are they attracted to a food source? Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it.
* **Sound Dampening:** If the hooting is disrupting your sleep, consider using sound dampening materials in your home, such as thick curtains or earplugs.
* **Deterrents:** Use visual or auditory deterrents to discourage owls from roosting near your home. This could include hanging shiny objects or playing recordings of owl predators.
Long-Term Owl Management
Keeping owls away from your property is an ongoing process. It requires vigilance and persistence to maintain a safe and owl-free environment. Here are some tips for long-term owl management:
* **Regularly Inspect Your Property:** Periodically inspect your property for signs of owl activity, such as droppings, feathers, or nests. Take action promptly to address any problems.
* **Maintain Your Deterrents:** Check your deterrents regularly to ensure that they are still effective. Replace or repair any damaged or worn-out deterrents.
* **Stay Informed:** Stay up-to-date on the latest owl management techniques and regulations. Consult with your local wildlife agency or a professional pest control company for advice.
* **Be Patient:** It may take time to effectively deter owls from your property. Don’t get discouraged if your initial efforts are not successful. Keep trying different methods until you find one that works.
Conclusion
Keeping owls away from your property requires a multifaceted approach that combines habitat modification, deterrents, and legal awareness. By understanding owl behavior and implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can effectively manage owl populations on your property while ensuring their safety and well-being. Remember to always prioritize humane treatment and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. With persistence and patience, you can create a harmonious coexistence with these magnificent creatures.