Heath has designed and manufactured the most charming abode for purple martins. This 12-compartment house is constructed of redwood due to it’s highly celebrated durability, longevity and insect repelling capacity.

Redwood contains a natural preservative (tanic acid) so it does repel insects somewhat and it weathers a little better than other woods.

The entrance hole panels on either side are easily opened for watching and studying and nest removal. Each of the 12 5 x 4.5 inch compartments of the redwood house has a separate porch to discourage male martin domination.

Attracting purple martins is a very popular hobby. It is estimated that over one million North Americans put up purple martin houses.

The house should be placed in the center of an open area. Purple martins usually will not use houses obstructed by trees. The trees should not be taller than the purple martin house itself. Usually, the farther the purple martin house is placed from trees, the more likely you are to attract these beautiful birds.

Purple martin houses should be at least 50-60 feet away from trees, 15-25 feet off the ground, and at least 30 feet from human dwelling.

Due to the weight of this house, the manufacturer recommends using the Heath Martin House Pole to facilitate raising and lowering of the house. With proper maintenance and colony management, this durable home will keep the martins returning year after year.

Insects make up the large bulk of a purple martin’s diet and they feed in while they are flying. The purple martin presence creates a barrier of natural insect control in your yard. These swallows (Purple Martins are part of the swallow family) are very active and their metabolism requires the consumption of a large amounts of insects every day.

Martins have been estimated to eat over one thousand mosquitoes per day!