Although owls are majestic creatures, they can become a nuisance when they take up residence near human habitats. But how to get rid of owls effectively and safely?
It’s important that you do not harm the owl in the process, as they are often protected species.
Most strategies depend on making the area unfavorable, and they are pretty easy to implement.
10 Things To Do To Get Rid Of Owls
If you are wondering how to get rid of owls without harming them, we’ll go over a few effective strategies. Here are the top ten things that seem to work:
1. Use Bright Lights
Because they are nocturnal creatures, owls are drawn to darkness for hunting and roosting. You can install bright lights around your property to make it less appealing to owls. Solar-powered motion-activated lights are the most convenient (and cost-effective) option.
2. Place A Scarecrow
If you aren’t already, a scarecrow is a great visual deterrent against owls. They’ve been used for centuries for a reason. While scarecrows are not foolproof, a moving and noisy scarecrow can be highly effective if well-placed.
3. Create Noise
Owls are highly sensitive to noise. So, create unexpected sounds in your environment. Remember that this isn’t a permanent solution but rather a strategy to immediately get an owl to fly away from your property.
A more permanent solution is using ultrasonic bird repellers. These are devices that emit sounds too high for humans to hear but are annoying to owls (and other animals).
4. Remove Bird Feeders
Bird feeders can attract rodents and insects, which in turn may draw owls to your property. Consider removing them temporarily or relocating them to a more distant location.
5. Use Strobe Collar
Strobe collars are devices that emit bright flashes of light, which can be startling to owls. They are typically collars for pet dogs or cats, but many people use them to keep owls away from a property. You can deter owls from approaching your property by placing a strobe collar on a nearby tree or pole.
6. Eliminate Rodents
As owls primarily feed on rodents, reducing the rodent population on your property is a great tactic to get rid of owls.
Rodents are pests in an agricultural setting, so you’ll be catching two birds with one stone with this strategy. If you aren’t on a farm, consider using traps or calling a professional to control the rodent population on your property.
7. Block Nesting Areas
For an owl to take residence on your property, it would seek a suitable nesting area. This can be a hollow tree or even crevices in buildings. You can look for these potential nesting sites and block them appropriately.
This strategy deters owls from establishing territory on your property. Use wood or metal patches to seal up openings in trees. If you aren’t sure of what to look for, hire a professional to block potential owl nesting areas.
8. Get A Rooster
While roosters are exclusively carnivorous, they are natural predators of owls. That means that a rooster is likely to attack an owl if they are in the same place. As such, owls tend to avoid places where they see a rooster.
You’ll be swapping one nuisance for another, but getting a rooster is a highly effective way to scare away owls. It can even prevent them from hunting in the area.
9. Install Mirrors To Frighten Owls
Owls are easily startled by unexpected movements and reflections. Remember that they are adapted to dim light and aren’t accustomed to bright light. Installing mirrors in strategic locations around your property can create a sense of disorientation and deter owls from approaching.
You can place mirrors on trees, poles, or buildings. Make sure that they are positioned to reflect sunlight directly into areas where owls are known to roost or hunt. The sudden flashes of light can be startling to owls, causing them to avoid the area.
10. Protect Your Livestock
Remember that owls wil property nest on your property in search of food. If you have livestock, it’s a good idea to protect them from owl attacks. Electrical fencing is a great option to deter owls as they will quickly learn to avoid the area.
Secure shelters or enclosures for your livestock is another option you may want to consider. Most people with livestock opt for this choice because it protects the animals from other predators as well.
Final Thoughts
While owls are undeniably majestic creatures, their presence can sometimes lead to conflicts with humans.
By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can effectively deter owls from your property without harming them.
Remember, the key is to make your area less attractive to owls by disrupting their natural behaviors and eliminating potential food sources. You can enjoy a peaceful coexistence with these fascinating birds with a little effort.
