Owls are important in controlling the mice and rat population. One reason that Owls can detect the whereabouts of a mouse while in total darkness and even under leaves is because their hearing is so acute. Owls are able to sneak up on their prey in part because of their nearly soundless flight which is a result of their fluffy plumage. You will rarely see an owl, but, at night, they can certainly be heard.

If you hear a hooting owl at night, that is a good indicator that an owl is in your area. Another way to determine if an owl is around is to look for owl pellets, which may be located under potential roosting areas. These compact pellets may include compressed and regurgitated items such as feathers, hair, and bones.

There are a few ways to encourage Owls to live in your area. Mount an Owl House 15 to 30 feet above ground in a large, mature tree. Have a ready source of water for drinking and bathing. At night, many owls will drink and bathe in ponds and birdbaths. Do not use rat or mouse poison because if an owl eats a poisoned rodent, the owl will get poisoned. Old Mature or dead trees are attractive to owls as a potential nesting place. Providing a forest area with lots of trees and perching spots with open woodland is desirable to owls and they will live in any backyard that has mature habitat that supports a variety of other wildlife.

Putting an owl box up as early as possible will increase the chances of an owl box being used, preferably no later than one month before nesting season. It should be placed at least 15 feet up in a large tree and preferably eighty feet away from any area where significant human activity may occur. Avoid placing the box in areas of direct sunlight, especially in the south to reduce the chance for heat build-up. You may consider adding vents to the top of the back panel. The more dense the area around the box is will increase your chance of attracting an owl. Raccoons are also a threat to owls. In order to minimize the risk of raccoons, if they are a problem in your area, mount the owl box in the fall and stay away from the tree as raccoons look for food where they smell human scents. Additionally you may consider encircling the trunk of the tree that you mount your owl box in with a sixteen to twenty inch band of aluminum flashing.