[Dysart]

Excellent topic. Yes, it is time to plan now if not take action. I've got the feeding thing down to perfection as hundreds of birds can attest to.

I have a question regarding Purple Martin houses/condos. Has anyone found that a successful breeding colony on property significantly reduces the population of pesky mosquitos? (I tried several years ago but my efforts were thwarted by a opportunistic band of house sparrows.)

Any feedback or suggestions welcome.

[sweetliberty]

I have had no experience with Purple Martins, although I do believe they're native to the area. I've not yet gotten into putting up birdhouses for any of the birds, mainly because I don't want to waste money on birdhouses that won't be used or that will be overtaken by squirrels. I need to learn a little bit more about them. I know that the size of the opening is important, and also the height they're placed at, both presumably for protection from predators, as well as from bigger birds that would hijack the nests, and that the kinds of brush and shrubbert nearby makes a difference as well. I know it is helpful to make nesting materials available too, which I have never done.

I don't know too much about the Martin houses, except that they like condos. I would be interested in what you find out though.

[groanup]

I have a question regarding Purple Martin houses/condos.

My recollection from earlier studies is that purple martins like to have some sort of open area in front of their condos, i.e. you need to have the condos at the edge of a field or at least a large, open back yard.

[sweetliberty]

Dysart, see post at #19.

[sweetliberty]

Oops...that should be post #90.

[Conservababe]

Has anyone found that a successful breeding colony on property significantly reduces the population of pesky mosquitos?

Purple martins are good, but bats are better, since they hunt and feed at dusk when martins are roosting. I have had no sucess with luring bats to my houses, though.

[MamaTexan]

Has anyone found that a successful breeding colony on property significantly reduces the population of pesky mosquitos?

Not sure about Purple Martins, but we've put up a couple of bat houses.

I know bats aren't nearly as attractive as the birds, but the little buggers have decimated our mosquito population!

Plus their flying skills are just amazing to watch. :)

[Osage Orange]

I have a question regarding Purple Martin houses/condos. Has anyone found that a successful breeding colony on property significantly reduces the population of pesky mosquitos? (I tried several years ago but my efforts were thwarted by a opportunistic band of house sparrows.)

If you are asking..."Could I tell a measurable difference?" I'd have to say no...But, I'd have to guess that they did.

You might consider a bat house too....They eat a bunch of bugs. You can build your own..( I happen to have some plans...) or you can buy them "ready to hang" for around $20.00...

FRegards,