Introduction: The Ultimate Pest Control - a Simple Bird House!
One important aspect of pest control, That is often overlooked, Is birds.
Are you aware that in any given day, The average wild songbird eats 1/3 of its body weight in insects?
It is not uncommon for a small songbird to eat more than its own weight in a single day.
In a years time, That is a CRAZY amount of bugs!
here is a short example of the bug populations that birds help control.
Bluebirds: grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, larvae, moths
Cardinals: beetles, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, stinkbugs, snails
Chickadees: aphids, whitefly, scale, caterpillars, ants, earwigs
Grosbeaks: larvae, caterpillars, beetles
Nuthatches: tree and shrub insects such as borers, caterpillars, ants and earwigs
Oriole: caterpillars, larvae, beetles, grasshoppers
Sparrows: beetles, caterpillars, cutworms
Swallows: moths, beetles, grasshoppers
Titmice: aphids, leafhoppers, caterpillars, beetles
Warblers: caterpillars, aphids, whitefly
Woodpeckers: larvae, beetles, weevils, borers
The best part of this form of pest control, is simple. It's chemical free. No toxic chemicals and poisons to expose you family and surroundings with.
Step 1: The Cut List
It's real simple. 6 pieces. All cut from a single cheap simple 1x6x8. Don't use the pressure treated kind. They contain toxic chemicals that are bad for you and the birds.
Step 2: Cutting the Sides
The sides slope down towards the front. all you do to cut that angle is set your saw to 11 degrees.I recommend cutting the angle on the 2 sides at the same time, so they are a perfect match.
Step 3: Drill a Hole for a Door
Drill a hole roughly 3 inches from the top in the front. Do not put a perch under it. That just leaves a place for predators to eat your birds. Make the hold 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Assembly
This part is pretty straight forward. It only goes together one way :) Make sure when you are done, You drill 3 or 4 1/4 inch holes in the bottom for drainage. Be sure to use a good water resistant wood glue like titebond 2 or 3. If you do not own a nail gun, feel free to use screws or nails. It really doesn't matter.
Step 5: The Most Important Step
Hang it in a tree, And sit back and enjoy the fact that You made something that another living creature will enjoy! See how awesome you are? And sleep better knowing that you did your part creating a safe habitat for another living creature, while at the same time providing great insect control for your area. Enjoy!

Grand Prize in the
Pest Control Challenge

Participated in the
Make a Box Contest
22 Comments
5 years ago
Hi,
thx. What width of wood is blueprint designed please ?
Reply 5 years ago
I used standard pine 1x6
5 years ago
What are the measurements of wood
5 years ago
it was fun, and cool, and easy to make. For a eassignment in school. thanks :)
Reply 5 years ago
awesome!
6 years ago
Oh thanks for sharing this! I've been looking for a nice, simple bird house as I'm hopeless at woodwork
6 years ago
great idea
Reply 6 years ago
and it really does work great!
6 years ago
THE beautiful idea friend. GREAT
Reply 6 years ago
Thanks :)
6 years ago
Hey! Congrats, Reckless! Great Job!
Reply 6 years ago
Thank you so much!!
6 years ago
Congrats on the Grand Prize won! Well documented 'ible, and a great idea!
Reply 6 years ago
Thank you :D i'm still in shock that I actually won!!
6 years ago
Nice design.
Reply 6 years ago
Thanks :)
6 years ago
I suggest you hinge the top. After a few seasons it will be to full of nest and poop to provide a disease free shelter.
Reply 6 years ago
I agree 100%! And thank you for bringing that up! I didn't glue the top, so I could pop it off without breaking anything, for that very reason. Just used inch and a half brads for easy removal, but completely forgot to mention that in the tutorial. However, The use of a hinge would be much better. Thanks :)
Reply 6 years ago
Exactly my plan this year, coupled with a bird table and plenty of bird seed; going to tempt them away from my fruit at the same time as keeping them around, hopefully. I will still be employing nets tho. Voted for yours.
Reply 6 years ago
It works great. And to keep your birds away from problem areas, (fruits, fruit trees, etc..) I recommend metallic party streamers. Sounds crazy, But works great!! They feel threatened by it, and wont come near it.
http://www.groworganic.com/bird-scare-tape-rainbow...