As their bid to help preserve the wildlife, EcoSolutions integrated pest management (IPM) specialists installed two owl boxes at Crawford Lonehill Pre-Primary School.

According to EcoSolutions’ Sara Orchardson, they were based in Randburg and their professional staff and expertise are focused on all areas of non-toxic, effective and sustainable pest control.

“We were alerted of these spotted owls who are breeding here in the school’s palm trees by a resident from the neighbouring complexes, Gareth, who is donating two owl boxes to the school for the owls,” Orchardson said.

She said the spotted eagle owls breed from July through to December so the boxes will serve as an incubator for the female to nest on the eggs.

“The reason why owls are attracted to schools is that most schools attract litter no matter how much they try to control it and where there is litter, there are rodents which then attracts the owls. This is why we are trying to promote poison-free pest control.”

She explained that the boxes will be part of the first National Owl Box database that EcoSolutions just launched recently. “Citizen science is an essential tool in our efforts to understand and conserve owl populations in Southern Africa.”

Orchardson thanked the community members for their support.

“It’s very motivating that people are passionate about protecting owls and other animals. It was very nice that we got the call to provide the boxes for the owls which will be maintained and serviced annually.”

EcoSolutions provides owl boxes, bat boxes and poison-free rodent control. “If anyone finds an owl or finds an injured owl on the ground, they need to call us as we are permitted for Gauteng and can transport owls around the area.

“We work closely with the local vets and the SPCA.”

The pre-primary school’s deputy principal, Jacqui Smallbone, said they were grateful that the EcoSolutions representatives were at the school to instal the boxes in the palm trees as it will be beneficial for the children of the school. “We plan to take them on a field trip and explain more on the owls and the boxes. The owl has been here for two months and with these boxes, we are encouraging them to stay here.”

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