Appearance
Barn owls are medium-sized birds of prey characterized by their heart-shaped faces and dark eyes. They have white chests and faces with a mix of buff and gray on the tops of their wings, heads, and backs. The pests’ rounded wings, short tails, and long legs give their flight a unique, buoyant quality that distinguishes them from other owl species.
Habitat
Open woodlands, farmlands, and urban areas are some of barn owls’ favorite habitats, though they can also be found in marshes and grasslands. The pests prefer to roost in tree hollows or tall structures such as barns, sheds, silos, and church steeples.
Problems Caused by Barn Owls
Barn owls create issues when they take up residence in buildings. Once inside, the messy pests leave behind feces and chunks of undigested food, called owl pellets, which can pile up quickly. Additionally, barn owls host a wide range of parasites that can also infect humans and pets, including fleas, lice, mites, tapeworms, and roundworms.
Prevention & Removal
While barn owls provide a natural alternative to chemical rodent treatments, they are usually unwelcome near homes. To deter the pests, use bird netting to seal off attractive nesting spots like wall voids, rafters, and lofts. Homeowners that run across nests on their property should not attempt to remove them. Although this species rarely attacks humans, adults will aggressively defend their young. To safely get rid of barn owls, call the professionals at Critter Control.