In this day of wanting natural insect control, we need to think about taking care of our natural insect controllers.
Whether birds, bats, owls, or other animals, when providing them an artificial lodging place or cavity, what we provide them in that cavity may make a difference.
I was on YouTube last night and a gentleman was showing what I thought was a great idea for stuffing the inside of your bird house or bat vivarium: CEDAR CHIPS!!!!
Filling the bottom of the new birdhouse with a layer of fresh cedar sawdust or sanitary cotton or wool helps make the house more attractive to potential tenants. Just make sure that the level of the nest won't come too close to the entrance hole or predators could too easily reach it, or the young fall right out.
Remember that as a responsible landlord it is YOUR responsibility to clean out the birdhouse at least once a year, so wherever you place it make sure it won't be too much of a chore. In fact, the easier the better.
The reason for the cedar chips is that it will repel the bugs from the birds, bats or other cavity dweller as they burrow down into the bottom of the nest, or it will repel them away period. This will allow less competition against the cavity dweller and causes less bodily damage to the animal.
Not to mention those nasty little FLEAS!!!! Cedar deters fleas that can hide in the birds and bats and cause them some big problems latter on - and may cause YOU, your family and domestic pets problems latter also.
Cedar shavings, mixed with other nesting materials, allows the bird to fly freely and eat the bugs and mosquitos that could be harmful to your yard, garden and family.
Something to think about when setting up an artificial cavity or nesting box. Cedar chips are not very expensive and can be bought at your local Wal-mart, Lowes or if you know of an organic outpost who sells this type of product is even better.
Click here for more info on artificial cavities and vivariums.
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