How to Set Up a Purple Martin House

Intro: Purple martins not only add beauty to a yard or garden but they help control the insect population in the area. They make their nests in woodpecker holes or hollowed out guards, however, purple martins also make nests and lay eggs in man-made communal birdhouses that have compartments that act like apartments. Purple martins will nest in the same birdhouse every year. A purple martin house should keep the birds coming back each year.

Step 1: Dig a 2 foot deep hole using a post hole digger. The hole should be at least 30 feet away from any houses or trees.

Step 2: Attach the purple martin house to the top of a 20 foot pole using the hardware included with the purple martin house.

Step 3: Place the bottom of the pole in the hole and fill the hole with dirt.

Step 4: Fill the hole with quick drying cement. Add enough water to the hole to turn the cement into a paste that has the consistency of peanut butter.

Step 5: Hold the pole straight until the cement dries. This should take 15-20 minutes. The house is now ready to be occupied by purple martins.

Tips and Warnings: A baffle can be installed on the pole to prevent squirrels from climbing it and attacking the nests.

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