Review: Do Owl Decoys Really Work? My 1-Month Backyard Test
When squirrels began climbing our large cedar tree and stripping away big sections of bark, I knew I had to intervene. Not only was the tree at risk of permanent damage, but I was also concerned about the indirect consequences: more squirrels often mean more ticks in the yard, which poses health risks for both people and pets. After some research, I decided to purchase and install two 15-inch tall owl decoys with rotating heads.
Why I Wanted to Deter Squirrels
Squirrels stripping bark is not just an eyesore—it can seriously weaken or even kill parts of a tree. The exposed inner layers become vulnerable to disease, insects, and weather damage. And because squirrels are agile and persistent, traditional deterrents like fencing or sprays weren’t going to work well in my large, open yard.
I also had an additional concern: ticks. Squirrels and other rodents can carry ticks that spread Lyme disease and other illnesses. Reducing rodent activity in the yard could contribute to a safer, healthier environment.
Why I Chose Owl Decoys (And What Other Options I Considered)
After researching various deterrent methods—including motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and chemical repellents—I settled on something simple, affordable, and humane: owl decoys.
Owls are natural predators of small rodents and birds, so the idea is that realistic owl figures can scare nuisance animals away. I specifically chose two 15-inch tall owl decoys with rotating heads because:
– Their size and design looked lifelike
– The rotating head adds motion, which tends to be more effective than stationary decoys
– They’re weather-resistant and designed for long-term outdoor use
My Experience Installing the Owl Decoys
I wanted to mount the decoys high up to make them visible and mimic a real perched owl. I repurposed 10-foot tall tree branches (leftover from a previous tree removal project) as poles.
Here’s how I installed them:
- Secured the base of each decoy firmly onto the branch using screws and outdoor zip ties.
- Anchored the branches into the ground about 2 feet deep for stability.
- Positioned the decoys to overlook areas where squirrel activity was heaviest—the cedar tree and a nearby vegetable patch.
A tip: If you don’t have tall branches, you could mount the decoys on fence posts, balcony railings, or the roofline using brackets or clamps.
What I Noticed After One Month
Before installing the decoys, I would see at least two squirrels almost daily, often chasing each other around the cedar tree or foraging in the yard. Within a week of putting the owls in place, their visits noticeably dropped off.
By the end of the month:
– Squirrel sightings were much less frequent (maybe once every 3–4 days)
– Less bark damage appeared on the cedar tree
While it’s hard to say definitively whether the squirrels are afraid of the owls, they do seem to be spending less time in the yard.
Maintenance and Tips for Long-Term Success
From what I’ve read and experienced so far, moving the decoys periodically helps prevent animals from getting used to them. I plan to reposition the owls every 1–2 weeks by shifting their poles to new spots.
Because I mounted them on tall poles, it does take some effort to move them—but using shorter mounts or detachable bases could make repositioning easier.
The decoys themselves have held up well so far. The hand-painted finish still looks fresh, and the rotating heads move smoothly with even a light breeze thanks to a built-in wind panel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Realistic appearance and motion
✔ Durable, weather-resistant materials
✔ Humane and chemical-free deterrent
✔ Affordable and reusable
Cons:
✘ May require regular repositioning to maintain effectiveness
✘ Effectiveness might vary based on animal behavior and yard setup
✘ Installation at high locations can be tricky
Final Verdict
Overall, I’m very pleased with these owl decoys. They’ve helped reduce squirrel activity, protected my cedar tree, and given me peace of mind—all without harsh chemicals or complicated devices.
If you’re looking for a simple, humane, and low-maintenance way to deter squirrels, birds, or small animals from your yard or garden, I’d recommend giving these owl decoys a try.
