For bluebirds, you'll want a sturdy metal pole with the right height, placement, and predator protection. Here's what I recommend:

1. Best Pole Type for Bluebird Houses

• Material: Galvanized steel or aluminum (1" to 1.5" diameter). Avoid wood or PVC, as they're easier for predators to climb.
• Height: 4 to 6 feet above ground.
• Mounting: A flange or bracket to attach the birdhouse securely to the pole.

2. Predator & Squirrel Protection

• Pole Baffle: A cone or cylindrical baffle (at least 6" diameter) placed below the house prevents raccoons, snakes, and squirrels from climbing.
• Grease or Slippery Surface: If not using a baffle, applying a thin layer of cooking oil or grease to the pole can deter climbing pests.

3. Installation Tips

• Ground Mounting: Use a ground screw or auger to secure the pole in soil, or set it in concrete for extra stability.
• Placement: Open areas are best, about 50-100 yards away from trees to reduce predator access and allow bluebirds to spot insects.

4. Optional Features

• Tilt or Removable Pole: Makes it easier to clean the house at the end of the season.
• Multi-House Setup: If you plan to install multiple bluebird houses, space them 100 yards apart to avoid territorial disputes.

Bluebirds primarily eat insects, especially during spring and summer. They enjoy grasshoppers, caterpillars, and other large insects, typically eating them on or near the ground. Bluebirds will sit on branches and dart out to snatch their prey. In late summer, when insects become less abundant, they also turn to fresh fruit from shrubs, vines, and trees. During fall and early winter, they feed on dried fruit left from the summer months.

To attract bluebirds to your yard, mealworms are an excellent choice. Live mealworms, available in many stores, should be stored in the refrigerator and can last for up to two months. A single bluebird can eat dozens of mealworms each day, so purchasing in bulk is recommended. While bluebirds will generally prefer live mealworms, they may start eating dried ones once they become accustomed to the feeder. Offering mealworms is one of the most effective ways to bring bluebirds to your area.

When it comes to painting or staining bluebird houses, it's important to consider both aesthetic and practical factors. Here are the most current thoughts on the subject:

1. Use Non-Toxic Products: If you choose to paint or stain your bluebird house, opt for non-toxic, water-based paints or stains. Avoid bright colors, as these can attract predators and may not blend well with the natural environment.
2. Natural Colors Preferred: Earthy tones, such as browns, greens, and grays, are recommended for bluebird houses. These colors help the house blend into the surroundings, providing camouflage and reducing the risk of predation.
3. Interior Considerations: It's highly recommended to leave the interior of the birdhouse unpainted. Natural wood provides the best environment for baby birds, as it allows them to grip the surfaces easily and helps with ventilation.
4. Durability and Maintenance: High-quality, weather-resistant paint or stain can help protect the birdhouse from the elements, extending its lifespan. However, over time, painted surfaces may require touch-ups or reapplication. Matte or satin finishes are preferred.
5. It is also advisable to add two coats of Spar Urethane Spray for long lasting protection against the elements.

Did you know that typically the male bluebird begins a search for the "perfect home" to birth and raise their little ones in mid to late February? They are cavity nesters and scout out the available homes, whether a hollow tree or a correctly made Bluebird House. By correctly made I mean it has all the right dimensions and is made out of safe products. (Untreated wood, galvanized screws, Predator guards, etc.) Once they find a suitable home, they then try to attract the female bluebirds (by doing a "dance" on the roof) to join them and start a family!

Our birdhouses are constructed from premium kiln-dried, solid finger-joined, edge-glued pine boards. This high-quality wood is selected for its durability and resistance to warping and cupping. I use exterior rated glue and screws and CA glue for sealing any loose knots and or knot cracks. This combination of materials and craftmanship ensures that your bluebird house lasts for years to come.

Each of our birdhouses is designed to be easily mounted on a 5 to 6-foot pole or a 2x4 wood post. You can find suitable mounting poles and squirrel baffles at retail locations. I have found Walmart to offer quality poles and baffles at the best price. But shop around for sales at different retailers like Amazon. Ensure the house is placed in a location that provides visibility and safety for the bluebirds. I do not suggest putting the houses on trees as it could easily invite other critters to invade the house. Additionally, keeping them a good distance from your house (at least 30 feet) will keep the bluebirds from crashing into windows which happens to be the one of the top causes of death for birds. Lastly, if possible have the birdhouse facing east or southeast so not to be facing the prevailing winds. (Often from the west)

Our birdhouses feature several safety measures, including a predator guard at the entrance hole to protect against squirrels and other predators. We follow the national recommendations for the size of the entrance, height of the floor, size of the roof, and other factors. Each house is built with precision and high-quality materials, providing a safe nesting environment for bluebirds.

It is recommended to clean the birdhouse at the end of each breeding season or after the bluebirds have fledged. Many of our birdhouse designs include a hinged side or front for easy access, making the cleaning process simple and efficient to maintain a hygienic environment for the birds.