DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANTS AND TERMITES
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Professional Pest Control Online Super Store!! Discount Professional Pest Control Products, Supplies and Accessories. Helping our customers choose the right pest control tools, procedures, and pest products to treat different pest situations in a safe manner is our number one priority.Within this site you will be able to find pest control products and supplies for residential and commercial control of pests.We are a do-it-yourself pest control store that sells professional strength products to the general public. We sell products that will control and eliminate almost any pest.Whether you have ants or cockroaches problems or an infestation of drywood or subterranean termites, or maybe fleas we have cost effective insects elimination solutions for you. We use a very conservative approach for application of pesticides, we subscribe to the Integrated Pest Management approach to pesticides application. Use the link our tips to maintaining a pest free environment. Our expertly trained staff can advice on how to control any sort of pest problem. Feel free to call us about any of our pest control products, equipment or supplies. We carry baits, insecticides,
pesticides, termiticides, rodenticides, traps and many other helpful pest
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Ants fall into the biological order Hymenoptera, which includes wasps, hornets and bees. There are more than 10,000 species of ants known and there is evidence that these colonizing creatures have been around for more than 100 million years. Many species have the ability to sting when alarmed or attacking while others, like the tiny pharoh ant, are stingless. It is believed that some ants use their sense of smell for a number of important functions. Some species are actually able to distinguish one colony from another through olfactory nerves. Ants are known to release pheromones which effectively use the sense of smell to signal alarm, lay trails and attract co-workers to new food sources. Ant colonies can contain up to 20 million individuals. Females do most of the work, including queen castes for reproduction and worker castes to gather food. The winged males appear on the scene often only to fertilize the queens. Ants usually live in nests of soil or wood, but can create huge nests made up of ants themselves interconnected in a large cylinder. The life cycle of the ant includes the egg, larvae and adult. Ants are the number one pest problem for homes in most areas of the United States, particularly in the southern and western sections of the country. While there are more than 10,000 different ant species, only a small fraction of these generally trouble us as household pests. Need to know how to get rid of ant in the home or business? Pest all Online offers you effective ways to get rid of ant. ARGENTINE ANT Linepithema humile
Color: Dark brown to black; shiny Argentine ant colonies can grow to
monumental size. Their colony borders sometimes cover entire habitats.
Argentine ant queens also assist with foraging for food. The ant gives off a
musty odor when crushed. Worker argentine ants are about one sixteenth of an
inch long. Queen argentine ants are one eighth of an inch to one quarter of an
inch long. ARGENTINE ANT & SMALL ANT CONTROL How to use Maxforce Ant Bait to control ants invading your home and business. FOR ANT CONTROL USING BAIT FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES. ARGENTINE ANT CONTROL 3. Spray
Outside...One week after the outside baiting usea good residual spray
containing Talstar
One to spray all the entry points into the house such as windows,
doors, fireplaces, plumbing, etc. This prevents the ants from re-establishing
their scent trails and re-colonizing your house. This spray will also prevent
roaches, spiders and crickets from entering your home. Repeat this perimeter
spray once a month. Failure to repeat this step will allow ants to re-enter
your home, many times in as little as 4-6 weeks!!!
1. Bait
Inside...Use 1/2 of a 10 ounce container of Maxforce
granular bait and all of the Drax inside. Put bait under appliances and
sinks. Delta Dust may also be used inside the electrical boxes. Do NOT spray
inside for 7 days.Gourmet Ant
Bait Gel: This a new bait on the market. It comes with 4 bait stations,
attracts both sweet and protein feeding ants. Very economical. Gourmet Ant Bait Gel CARPENTER ANT Camponotus species
Color: Varies
depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The two most common
species are black. Carpenter ants get
their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their
excavation results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. Carpenter ants range in
size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters inch for a
queen. For immediate destruction of the Carpenter Ant colony, find and treat directly inside the carpenter ant nest. A good dust such as Drione works better than a liquid spray. A bellows duster such as the Crusader Duster is a valuable dust application tool. If you cannot find the nest, then use Advance
Carpenter Ant Bait. This is an effective granular bait especially formulated for
carpenter ant control. It is both safe and easy to use. One pound is rated to
cover one acre, and it can be used inside and outside the home. For faster
control consider using Maxforce Carpenter Ant gel bait. This has a natural "honeydew
attractant" that Carpenter Ants find irresistible. Using either one or
both baits may not destroy the colony completely, but simply cripple it. For
complete and immediate death of the entire carpenter ant colony, repair the
water leak and treat the Carpenter Ant gallery with Drione dust. Best Buy! Carpenter ant bait kit For the Carpenter ants. A complete ant kit to fit all the dietary needs, for inside and outside. odorous ants
How to get rid of odorous ants?
Need to kill pavement ants?
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VELVET ANTS - COW KILLERS Various
Most of the time only one of these wasps is seen at a time, posing no problem. But at times there are many located in one area. Spraying with a Cypermethrin compound will keep these wasps and ants under control. Cypermethrin (Cynoff WP.) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that is very safe to humans, pets and wildlife but is very effective against a wide range of insects including ants, fire ants, roaches, spiders and crickets Rodents ( Rat & Mice )
Professional Rat Control
Procedures: The proper procedures for rodent control are sometimes a
difficult chore for a homeowner. The information below is provided to help the
inexperienced make the necessary decisions for a successful rodent control
program. All of the rodent control products you will need are provided
throughout these pages.
If your rat infestation is only in the yard and there are
no pets or children on the premises, you only need to purchase the
CONTRAC BLOX RAT and MOUSE BAIT. Place the bait blocks in the
rat holes or any noticeable paths in the yard. Regular movements (foraging) of
rats will leave paths in the grass. Contrac Blox will kill rats and kill rats
fast. It is a single-feed bait. When children or pets are present,
tamper resistant rodent stations are needed. You need to purchase
theProtecta LP(LowProfile)Rat
Stations or the regular
Protecta Rat Stations. We recommend that you choose the larger Protecta Rat Stations if a combination rat trapping & rat baiting program is necessary. BEST BUY We now offer a Mice Kit
&Rats KITS containing The Trapper T-Rax Snap Traps / Rat are
used inside the Protecta Rat Stations when children or pets are present or will be present. If
you suspect a rat problem is within your walls or indoors, baiting is not an
option. Baiting inside for large animals such as rats will only increase your
problem. Baiting will quickly solve the rat infestation but will create 3 more
problems. #1: Odor from the dead animals #2: Maggots and thousands of flies and
#3: The dead rats are rarely located. The odor from the dead rats will linger
for several weeks. Indoor treatments should be done
with baited traps or glue boards. We recommend the Trapper T-Rax Snap Traps /
Rat because they
are easier, sanitary and safer to handle. The pre-formed holes
in the rat trap base allow for surface mounting if it s needed. Your fingers
never touch the dead rodent. The Trapper T-Rax Snap Traps / Rat are easy to clean and can be reused for years. They
are simple, safe, and sanitary. They will kill rats every time the trap is
sprung. No rats will be able to steal the bait. After setting the baited traps indoors
you will also need to place some traps outside in the regular
Protecta
(Tamper Resistant) Rat Stations. The Protecta
Rat Station keeps
the Trapper T-Rax Snap Traps /
Rat out of
harms way to little children or pets. This larger station can be used with the
Trapper T-Rax Snap Traps / Rat
and follow-up
maintenance rat baiting or trapping. All points of entry should be sealed the same time you start your rodent control program. Why? A rat will not change his habits easily, especially if he already has a safe path to food and water. Sealing his points of entry will disrupt his normal routine and cause him to wonder off the usual path. You will then start catching the rats. If you want the right rodent control products to kill rats, we have all the supplies you will need to succeed. Stuf-fit Access Control copper mesh is the very best for most access control sealing jobs. Some holes may require concrete. If you follow the
procedures that apply to your particular kind of infestation you WILL
solve your problem.
If shingles or insulation is
on the ground, you may have raccoons. Check for paw prints on the gutter
downspouts or hair on a tree trunk. Raccoon traps can be purchased at
this
Deer Mice Peromyscus maniculatus House Mice Mus Domesticus The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Habits  Color: Gray, brown or black Legs: Four Shape: Long Size: 10 to 12 inches (8" body plus 4" tail) Antennae: No Flight: No These rats have smaller eyes and ears and shorter tails. Threats Roof Rats Rattus rattus Roof rats get their name from their tendency to be found in the upper parts of buildings. Ranging in size from 6 to 8 inches in length, not including their tails, they have very poor vision and are color blind. They do have extremely strong senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. Roach Roaches can't help the fact that to most humans, they are unwanted company. It's funny, though, how these pesky insects can often make a grown man or woman scream, tremble and run for cover. If you have a roach problem and the Raid TM just isn't working, and if you want to get rid of roaches in your house,
Pest Products Online offers you effective ways to get rid of roaches. Because they reproduce rapidly and
can enter your home in mass numbers, roaches can be difficult to control. These insects are known to spread
bacteria, carry parasitic worms, and other diseases. As they forage for food, they can deposit germs and bacteria on counter tops, dishes, and in food, which
can cause food poisoning, dysentery, or diarrhea. Some people are allergic to roaches and medical studies
have shown that cockroaches are responsible for childhood asthma Roaches can't help the fact that
to most humans, they are unwanted company. It's funny, though, how these pesky insects can often make a grown man or woman scream, tremble and run for cover.
If you have a roach problem and the Raid TM just isn't working, and if you want to get rid of roaches in your
house, we have a 5 step cure that's Basically, there are 5 species of roaches that are common in the Western Hemisphere. It is interesting to note that each of these cockroaches has it's own distinct habits and traits, each cockroach behaves differently. Therefore each must be treated differently. For instance, the German cockroach
(the number 1 roach in the USA) is an indoor roach. Sometimes they
are called kitchen roaches or grocery store roaches because they live in kitchens
and bathrooms and infest cabinets.
Step 3: Monitor, Monitor, Monitor ! Basically, there are 5 species of roaches that are common in the Western Hemisphere. It is interesting to note that each of these cockroaches has it's own distinct habits and traits, each cockroach behaves differently. Therefore each must be treated differently. For instance, the German cockroach (the number 1 roach in the USA) is an indoor roach. Sometimes they are
called kitchen roaches or grocery store roaches because they live in kitchens
and bathrooms and infest cabinets. Most of the time they are brought in through
goods from the grocery store. Brown Banded Roaches
are also an indoor roach. They are common to closets where you will find small
clusters of eggs glued to the ceiling or to the walls. For these two roaches
you must treat indoors, especially cabinets and closets.
American Cockroach Habitat Threats Prevention
Brownbanded Cockroaches Color: Brown, with pronounced
banding across wings Brown banded cockroaches get their name from the two lighter bands they have across their dark brownish bodies. In addition to the distinctive banding, males have full wings, which reach beyond the tip of their rather pointed abdomens, but females have underdeveloped wings, much shorter than their broad, rounded abdomens. The lighter band markings are much more distinct in nymphs than in adults of either sex. Habits Habitat Threats Prevention
Oriental Cockroaches Oriental Cockroaches, Blatta orientalis (L.), are large very dark (almost black, but sometimes dark reddish-brown), shiny cockroaches which live in sewers and similar wet, decaying organic matter. They are sometimes called ater bugs because they come out of drains, and lack beetle cockroaches?because of their smooth, dark bodies. Males are about 1 inch long, with wings that cover only about 3/4 of their abdomen; females are about 1 1/4 inch long, and have only short stubs of wing pads. Habits Habitat Threats Prevention
To
control Spiders we recommand
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House Flies House flies get their name from being the most common fly found around homes. Adult house flies can grow to one-quarter of an inch long and usually live between 15 and 25 days. Habits Habitat Threats Prevention To eliminate house flies from your kitchen, we recommend: Maxforce Granular Fly Bait
Fruit Flies Fruit flies feed on decaying fruits and vegetables. Habits Habitat Threats Prevention To eliminate house flies from your
kitchen, we recommend:
Bed Bugs Bedbugs get their name because they like to live and feed in beds. Habits Habitat Threats Prevention Flea Size: Small, wingless, about 1/12- to 1/6-inch long. Fleas cannot breed unless the host animal is present, for example a cat flea can only breed whilst there is a resident cat. They will however jump onto other animals or humans and feed on the blood to survive. Habits A parasite that attaches to a host Feeding & Breeding Like other fleas found in homes, they cause discomfort by biting, but they
can also transmit several diseases such as plague and urine typhus. Control Tips You may be able to control a small flea infestation by taking these simple steps:
The infested areas should then be treated with an insecticide spray formulated for fleas. Once you have sprayed the areas you should leave them for ten days before vacuuming thoroughly and repeating the treatment. The insecticide will kill only adult fleas, it does not kill flea eggs, and this is why you will possibly need to repeat the treatment more than once for it to be effective. Carpenter Bees Carpenter bees look like typical bumblebees but often lack yellow stripes. They are solitary bees. Habits Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees are solitary insects. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called frass. The male carpenter bee guards the outside of the nest. He does not have a stinger, but his constant buzzing causes concern for some. Habitat Carpenter bees bore through soft woods to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop. Threats Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can damage wood through their nest building. Prevention Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them. However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood, so contact a pest control professional for assistance. Africanized ("Killer") Bees Africanized "killer" bees looks so much like a regular honeybee that the only way to tell the two apart is by measuring their bodies. Africanized bees have different wing measurements than honeybees. Habits These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened. Habitat Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes, and empty cars. Threats Their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees-they just tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans. Prevention Because of the aggressive nature of these pests and the enormity of their nests, a pest control professional or beekeeper must address an infestation. If you are chased by Africanized honeybees, run in a zig zag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car.
Bumble Bees Bumble bees are beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants. Habits The occupant of a disturbed bumble bee nest will buzz in a loud volume. They defend their nests aggressively. Habitat Bumble bees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. They will sometimes build their ness in soffits of attics. Threats As part of their aggressive defense of their nests, bumble bees will chase nest invaders for a considerable distance. The bumble bee sting is one of the most painful. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting more than once. Honey Bees Honey bees are social insects found all over the world. They are an extremely important beneficial insect because of their role in pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S. Habits Honeybees are active pollinators, and produce honey which feeds their young in colder months. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years. Habitat Honeybees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests. They often build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys. Threats Honeybees do sting, but they only sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the sting. Persons allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction. Prevention Honeybees should be addressed by a professional. Removal of a honeybee nest and the honey product can be very messy. Because honeybee colonies are so large, only a pest control professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest. Wasp The wasps can cause alarm when present in large numbers and if the nest is in a place where the individuals from it interfere with humans they can inflict painful and sometimes dangerous stings Damage Hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people in the United States die each year from allergic reactions to the venom of this insect. Wasp is more dangerous and unpredictable than honey bees Appearance Size: They are fairly large insects approximately 30mm in length. Habitat Wasp nests may be found in roof spaces, wall cavities and air grates of buildings, hanging from trees, as well as underground. A normal nest can contain from 3,000 to 5,000 individuals depending on its size, by late summer. Control Tips Knockdown insecticidal aerosol spray i.e. "Flying Insect Killer" can be used to treat occasional wasps that become a problem when they appear indoors. Nests that are built in lofts or under eaves are more difficult to treat yourself and are best treated from the outside. If the nest is treated from inside the loft you may not be able to get at the nest entrance to treat if effectively and if you disturb the nest during treatment you may encounter a swarm of angry wasps trying to protect their nest. ***REMEMBER*** Extreme care must be exercised when treating wasp nests. Anteaters Pest Control Program will protect your home and family from Wasp. Mosquitoes
One of the best known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or soft soil and can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. Habits Female mosquitoes suck our blood. Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectars. They can develop from egg to adult in 10 to 14 days. They are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a blood meal. Habitat Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources such as storm drains, old tires, children's wading pools and birdbaths. Threats Mosquitoes are well-known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, malaria and dengue fever. Prevention Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes bird baths, ponds and unfiltered pools. Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed. Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water. Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh. Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite. To eliminate an mosquitoes colony we
suggest: Blacklegged (Deer) Ticks The blacklegged tick is named for its dark legs, which are a contrast to its pale body. Blacklegged ticks are sometimes called deer ticks. Habits These ticks like to feed on the blood of white-tailed deer, which is why they are sometimes called deer ticks. Habitat Blacklegged ticks prefer to hide in grass and shrubs. Threats Blacklegged (deer) ticks can spread Lyme Disease. Prevention When in an area where ticks are common, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light colored so ticks will be easy to detect. Tuck pants into socks. Use a tick repellent. When you return indoors, inspect clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, including head. Wash clothes immediately. Scorpion While they will sting if someone accidentally contacts them, their sting is seldom more painful than that of a wasp or honeybee. Damage Scorpions are of concern because of the painful sting they can inflict when threatened. Any scorpion sting can be serious to anyone that is allergic to insect stings. A physician should attend to all stings. Appearance Size: Scorpion sizes vary between species but most measure about 2" fully
grown. Habitat They crawl into buildings through exterior cracks in search of food or suitable shelter. Scorpions are night feeders, and are attracted to water, swimming pools, and irrigation areas. Scorpions live both outside in wood piles, palm trees, decorative bark, and inside homes or places that are dark and cool. Control Tips To reduce scorpions around a home, eliminate as many piles of items or debris on the ground and keep dense vegetation to a minimum. Varied Carpet Beetles Habits These pests enjoy dining on carpets, woolen fabrics, dead insects, furs, hides, feathers, horns, hair, silk and bones. It can take 249-354 days to three years for varied carpet beetles to grow from an egg to an adult. Habitat Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics, Oriental carpets, tapestries and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting. Threats Varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects, but also feed on upholstery and carpet, so they can damage those materials. They can also damage clothing fabric. Prevention As with moths, to avoid varied carpet beetle infestations, store clothing in plastic containers. Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time. Powderpost Beetles Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in cracks of wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface, filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. Powderpost beetles have long, narrow, flat bodies that allow them to easily attack wood surfaces. These beetles are reddish-brown in color. Habits Adult powderpost beetles are very active at night, enjoy flying and are attracted to the light. Habitat Powderpost beetles often attack hardwoods, and can be found in hardwood floors, timbers and crates, antiques and other objects made of hardwood materials. Threats Some researchers believe that powderpost beetles are second only to termites in the United States in their destructiveness to wood and wood products. Prevention Powderpost beetles can be prevented through vigilant inspection of wood sources in the home. Merchant Grain Beetles Merchant grain beetles are typically not found in grain products, but instead like to attack cereals, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies and chocolate. Merchant grain beetles are dark brown and have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies. They can grow to be one-eighth of an inch long and have very flat bodies. Habits The merchant grain beetle's body shape allows it to crawl into packaging to eat, live and have babies. Habitat Merchant grain beetles are found in pantries or in food processing areas or warehouses. Threats Merchant grain beetles can infest stored food products and can contaminate food. Prevention Discard infested packages. Clean spilled grain and food sources. Earwigs Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into their brains. The long cerci, or clippers, on their backsides easily identify an earwig. Habits Earwigs hide during the day and feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits, mold and insects at night. Habitat These insects live together outdoors in large numbers. They can be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. They gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks Threats Contrary to folklore, earwigs do not crawl into ears and eat peoples' brains at night. They do not spread diseases, but their menacing appearance can be alarming to a homeowner. Prevention Remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation. Seal cracks and crevices well to prevent structural entry. Idian Meal Moths The indianmeal moth was given its name after an insect scientist found it feeding on corn meal, also known as Indian meal. From wing tip to wing tip, adult moths measure from five-eighths of an inch to three-fourths of an inch long. Habits These moths like to feed on dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, bird seed, dog food, powdered milk, dried red peppers and candy. Habitat Attracted to the light, these bugs are found worldwide in areas where food is stored, such as grocery stores. Threats Indian Meal Moths infest foods and can contaminate food products. Prevention Dried food products should be inspected thoroughly for signs of moth infestations. Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins. Clean infested cupboards thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water. Store food in sealed containers Pillbugs This pest is the only crustacean that has become completely adapted to spending its life on land. Pillbugs have oval bodies and seven pairs of legs. They are easily recognized by their back, which is made up of seven hard individual plates. Pillbugs are sometimes referred to as rollie-pollies. Habits Pillbugs eat decaying vegetable material and are most active at night. They are known for their ability to roll into a ball. Habitat Pillbugs live in moist locations. They are found under damp objects or under vegetable debris. Threats Pillbugs do not spread diseases or invade food products. However, the pillbug is often considered a pest when it gains entry into a home. Prevention Pillbugs can be avoided by eliminating food sources such as vegetable or plant debris. If pillbugs enter a structure, they will often dry out and die. Centipede Centipedes have pair of poison claws behind the head and use the poison to paralyze their prey but they are not usually harmful to humans. Some species can inflict a painful bite. Appearance Most centipedes found around buildings rarely measure longer than 2 inches.
Habitat This centipede can be found outside under stones, boards, or sticks or beneath moist leaf litter and other organic matter. Control Tips Eliminate dark, damp nesting areas inside the home. Cricket All kinds of crickets may be considered a nuisance because of their "chirping," none of them bites or carries diseases. Appearance Size: There are several species of field crickets ranging in
size from 1/4 to 3/4 inch Habitat Active at night. Attracted to lights Control Tips Seal cracks, gaps and holes in foundation, siding, windows, doors, screens, and other possible entry points. Remove vegetation and debris from next to the house that serves as a hiding place or breeding site. Anteaters Pest Control Program will protect your home and family from Cricket. Clover Mite Clover mites are merely nuisance pests and don't cause noticeable damage to grass, or breed indoors. When mashed, the dead mite leaves a red mark that resembles blood. Appearance Size: Clover mites are tiny, the adults being smaller than the head of a
pin Habitat This mite has a habit (in their natural surroundings) of migrating to trees where they hide in the tree's bark. If close to a home, the arachnid considers the building the same as it would a tree - a wonderful place to hide from extreme temperatures. Entering through tiny openings around windows and doors, the clover mite invades the wall voids of the structure and then enter the house itself. Control Tips Removing all vegetation next to the home will eliminate clover mites Anteaters Pest Control Program will protect your home and family from Clover Mite. Grasshopper Grasshoppers are one of the most destructive insect pest of crops and rangeland. They are voracious feeders, consuming approximately one-half of their body weight per day. Appearance Size: 1-2" long Habitat They roost in trees and shrubs, as well as turf areas. Control Tips Homeowners can protect valuable plants, to some extent, through the use of residual insecticides. Geotextile fabrics can be used as barriers to protect valuable vegetables and specimen ornamental plants. Also, landscape plants that are less attractive to grasshoppers can be used. Anteaters Pest Control Program will protect your home and family from Grasshopper. Millipede Millipedes are not poisonous, but many species have repugnatorial glands capable of producing mild acids which may produce allergenic reactions in sensitive individuals . Appearance Size: 5/8 to 4-inches in length. Habitat Millipedes normally are found outdoors where they feed on damp and decaying wood, organic material, and will also feed on tender roots and green leaves that have fallen to the ground. Control Tips Homeowners can eliminate damp, dark hiding places by reducing mulch use around the home and moving wood piles. Anteaters Pest Control Program will protect your home and family from Milipede Silverfish Silverfish can damage book bindings, wallpaper, paper goods and dry foods.
They may eat holes, irregular shaped in the wallpaper to get to the paste.
Appearance Size: 1/2 inch long, Habitat Silverfish are found in basements, kitchens, sinks, bathtubs, in bookcases, on closet shelves, behind baseboards, wallpaper, window or door frames, wall voids, and sub-floor areas. Control Tips Sources of any undue moisture, such as faulty plumbing or condensation that
provide the humidity favored by these pests should be eliminated.
Termites ANTS OR TERMITES ? Do I have ants or termites? This can be a very troublesome question. Some of the flying winged ants can resemble the winged-swarming termite. Here are some ways do identify the difference between the physical resemblance. While both species have four wings, the termite wings are all the same size and the ant wings have noticeably larger wings in the front as compared to the hind pair. Termites have an almost straight antennae, the ants antennae are elbowed. Termite wings are twice as long as the body. Ants appear distinctly segmented, because of their thin-waisted appearance. Termites have a broad-waisted appearance. Carpenter ant: Carpenter ants are black or brown and measure up to 1" in length. They are often confused with termites. Unlike termites they have pinched waists and elbowed antennae. Termites have straight bodies and antennae. As with termites, there is a winged version too. Carpenter ants can do significant structural damage, but are more a nuisance than a structural problem. Investigation:There are several ways to recognize a carpenter ant infestation: 1.Swarmers:
Winged form of the carpenter ant in a great number Termite Damage
Damage: Replace two wall
studs, small section of bottom plate and plywood subfloor in a hall
bath. Damage: Replace two kitchen wall studs adjacent to window unit and to
the rear of the cabinet. Depending on the construction of
your home, it's geographical location, moisture, heat and soil Dampwood Termite Family:
Kalotermitidae C. formosanus Need to know how to
kill termites? Pestmall currently offers termite insecticide for your home or
business. They nest in wood
buried in the ground or where wood is high in moisture, such as in fallen trees
or tree stumps. They are not normally Health Risks Termites do not sting or bite and are not known to carry or transmit diseases. Let us assist you on how to kill termites in your residence. Property Damage They
cause damage by boring holes and tunnels throughout wood. Most species of
termites have microscopic, Prevention To rid your home of Dampwood Termites, we suggest: Timbor Professional See All Our Termite Products Drywood Termites
Getting rid of
termites in your home or business can be difficult. However,
Pestmall provides you the tools the professionals Drywood termites
form colonies of up to 2,500 members. The termite colonies do not have a worker
caste. They have a low
moisture requirement and can tolerate dry conditions for long periods. They
remain above ground and do not connect their Health Risks :Termites do not sting or bite and are not known to carry or transmit diseases. Property Damage They cause damage by
boring holes and tunnels throughout wood. Most species of termites have
microscopic, one-celled animals called Prevention Ventilate crawl
spaces and install a moisture barrier. Remove infested wood and tree stumps and
do not store fire wood or lumber on the To rid your home of Drywood Termites, We suggest: Bora Care CB D-Foam See All Our Termite Products Formosan Termites Color: yellowish brown Habitat Killing termites in your home or business? Pestmall is a complete solution for termite pest control. Order now and save! The Formosan termite is a subterranean species that is about ½ inch in length, including its wings. Originally from China, these termites are among the most aggressive in attacking wood. Habitat They
build earthen-shelter tubes to protect themselves from low humidity and
predators. The tubes are usually ¼ to 1 inch wide and Health Risks: Termites do not sting or bite and are not known to carry or transmit diseases. Property Damage Termites
cause damage by boring holes and tunnels throughout wood. Most species of
termites have microscopic, one-celled Prevention Destroy
shelter tubes to interrupt access to wooden substructures and to open colonies
to attack from natural enemies such as ants. To
rid your home of Formosan Termites We suggest: Subterranean Termites These termites
develop underground in moist areas. They build mud tubes to gain access to wood
and to protect themselves from Habitat: These insects disperse throughout the soil building underground tunnels hundreds of feet to reach feeding sites. The workers,
soldiers, and reproductives are the three forms found in a termite colony. For an effective termite killer, let Pestmall provide you the supplies the professionals use. Typical homeowner's
insurance doesn't cover the threat of termites. Ironically, most homes are
protected against the threat Health Risks : Subterranean termites are not known to impose any health risk. Property Damage:
These insects can be detected when termites swarm. mud tubes and wood damage. Prevention :To
prevent infestation, eliminate moisture and food
sources such as
wood and paper. To rid your home of Subterranean Termites, we suggest: Bora Care Termidor SC CB D-Foam Baiting System See All Our Termite Products Mole
Moles are members of the family
(Talpidae) of mammals in the order Insectivora that live underground, burrowing
holes. Some species are aquatic or semi-aquatic. They have cylindrical bodies
covered in fur with small or covered eyes; the ears are generally not visible.
They feed on small invertebrate animals living under ground. Moles can be found
in North America, Europe and Asia.There are about 30 species of moles worldwide,
with North America being home to seven. These moles are widespread in the United
States and parts of South-western and Eastern Canada. Often confused with those
of gophers and ground-squirrels (rodents), the mounds and meandering tunnel
ridges made by these animals in their constant search for food are familiar
sites to many North Americans. However, few people have more than vague ideas
concerning the nature of the creatures that inhabit them. Relatively speaking,
little is known scientifically of these fossorial mammals. In fact, they are
among the least understood components of the North American fauna. The population demography and home range sizes of moles is poorly known. However, data suggest that the home ranges of moles may be substantially larger than those of other fossorial mammals. The food habits of moles have received more attention than many
aspects of their biology. The diet is highly variable among species, but in
general earthworms, insects, and other invertebrates compose the majority of the
diet. However, vegetation is known to comprise a small portion of the diet in
most species. Presumably due to the enormous costs of excavating their numerous
tunnel galleries, most moles are reported to have a voracious appetite. In fact,
one star-nosed mole was noted to consume 1850 earthworms, three mice, one frog
and two large grubs in 14 days!
Most extensive distribution of any North American mole, and
occurs substantially farther north than other species. Broadly distributed from
the Atlantic region, including Cape Breton Island, in the east to eastern
Manitoba in the west (an isolated population may occur in Riding Mountain
National Park, Manitoba). In the United States this mole is found all along the
Atlantic coast to extreme northern Florida, and among the Appalachian Mountains
to eastern Tennessee and western South Carolina.
Eastern mole
American shrew-mole
Coast mole
Townsend's mole
Broad-footed mole
Victor mole trap Dr T's Whole Control repellent Squirrel Unlike rabbits or deer, squirrels cannot digest cellulose, and must rely on foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Early spring is the hardest time of year for squirrels, as buried nuts begin to sprout and are no longer available, but new food sources have not become available yet. During these times squirrels rely heavily on the buds of trees, in particular, those of the Silver Maple. Despite popular impression, squirrels are actually omnivores; as well as eating a wide variety of plant food, including nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi (for example, mushrooms), and green vegetation, they also eat insects, eggs, and even small birds, smaller mammals, frogs, and carrion. It is also a common occurrence that these foods replace nuts in some of the tropics. Squirrels are generally clever and persistent animals; in residential neighborhoods they are notorious for eating out of bird feeders, digging in potted plants either to bury or recover seeds, and for setting up house in sheltered areas including attics. While many companies sell bird feeders which are supposedly “squirrel-proof”, very few—if any—of them really are. A fox squirrel eating a nutSquirrels are sometimes also pests because they chew on various edible and inedible objects; the habit helps keep the squirrel's teeth sharp and also wears them down (rodents' teeth grow continuously). Homeowners in areas with a heavy squirrel population must keep attics and basements carefully sealed to prevent property damage caused by nesting squirrels. Some homeowners resort to more humane ways of dealing with this, such as collecting and planting fur from pets (such as domestic cats and dogs) in attics. This fur will indicate to nesting squirrels that a potential predator roams and will encourage evacuation. Fake owls and scarecrows are generally ignored by the animals, and the best way to prevent chewing on an object is to coat it with something to make it undesirable: for instance a soft cloth or chili pepper paste or powder. Squirrel trapping is also practiced to remove them from residential areas. Squirrels can be trained to be hand-fed. Because they are able to cache surplus food, they will take as much food as you put out. If a person starts to feed one, that squirrel will come back day after day to get its food. Squirrels living in parks and campuses in cities have learned long ago that humans are typically a ready source of food. Hand feeding is not recommended, however, because squirrels may carry plague or other animal-borne diseases. Even if they do not carry disease, they often have a hard time telling fingertips from food, and bites are painful. Squirrels are often the cause of electricity outages. The animals will enter transformers or capacitors looking for food. The squirrels are then electrocuted and cause a power surge that shorts equipment. Squirrels have brought down the high-tech NASDAQ stock market twice, and were responsible for a spate of power outages at the University of Alabama [1]. They will often chew on tree branches to sharpen their teeth, but cannot tell the difference between a tree branch and a live power line. Rubber plates are sometimes used to prevent access to these facilities. Urban squirrels have learned to get a great deal of food from generous humans. One of the more common, and inexpensive foods fed to squirrels is peanuts. Recent studies however have shown that raw peanuts contain a trypsin inhibitor that prevents the absorption of protein in the intestine. Dr. James K. Kieswetter of Eastern Washington University suggests using roasted peanuts instead.[2] However, wildlife rehabilitators in the field have noted that neither raw and roasted peanuts or sunflower seeds are good for squirrels, as they are deficient in a number of nutrients needed. This type of deficiency has been found to cause Metabolic Bone Disease, a somewhat common ailement found in malnourished squirrels.[3] [4] Proper sanitation and property maintenance will prevent most problems. Most urban squirrels owe their existence to humans. We supply both food, and shelter without thinking. A house is just another funny looking tree to the squirrel. Why should the squirrel spend days cutting and hauling twigs up a tree to build a nest, when there is a perfectly good attic to sleep in. Its warm, out of the weather, and they don't have to worry about predators coming in. Just add a few leaves, a bit of fluff, and call it home. Now what's for dinner? A dish of pet food left unattended, an open garbage can, or a full bird feeder is a free meal to a hungry squirrel. Their common sense says "this sure beats foraging" and it's a lot easier. Wow...these humans are really great! If you read this far, then you probably have some of these problems already. So, remove the food supply. If it is a bird feeder, move it twenty or more feet from the house. Close or cover garbage cans, and if possible make them inaccessible. If you have a barbecue near the house, keep it clean and covered. Squirrels have been know to eat the drippings and sometimes build a nest if they can get inside. It doesn't take very long, sometimes just hours. Maybe the squirrels are digging in your garden, or flower pots. While you can't stop a squirrel from digging, you can discourage it. Use hardware cloth, a heavy metal screening with a half inch square grid, to place in the flower pot. Cut it to fit around the stem of the plant, and extend it to the edges of the pot. Place it just below the soil. Put some small rocks near the edge to hold it in place. This same approach can be used in a small garden. If the squirrels are eating your fruit as it ripens, about the only way to stop them is to cage the entire plant. Most times this is not practical, and allowing them to have a little may be a small price to pay. I know they can be wasteful, try to accept it as food tasting. Other devices, such as high frequency sound emitters and animal scents may be effective for a short period of time. Once the squirrel gets use to them, and they will. They become ineffective, and you're out a lot of money. The use of "Squirrel Away" or "Hot Pepper Spray" are also ineffective as deterrents. They can actually do harm to both squirrels, and other animals, especially when these products get into their eyes. Then how do you deal with a blind squirrel? The use of "moth balls" as a deterrent does work. But again, only temporarily. A determined squirrel will get used to the smell, or simply push the "smelly stuff" out of its way. So if you do try this method, wrap them in a piece of metal screening to form a bag. Then tie the bag to a solid object, make it as difficult as possible for the squirrel to move. You will have to replace the contents every few days for it to be truly effective. Another problem area can be exposed wires or rubber hose's. Most common are those on gas grills, and stored motor vehicles. But, low voltage lighting can be a tempting target for squirrels. What the most squirrels are trying to do, is clean and sharpen their teeth. They do this by biting through some material, (normally wood) then they pull their head back so the fibers slide between the teeth. I guess you could call it the squirrel version of dental floss. Most squirrels stick with small tree branches, but some have found the plastic coated wire or rubber hose does a much better job. The only way to stop this problem is to trap and relocate the offending squirrel. Once the squirrel is removed, the problem should end. Once a squirrel has chewed its way into an attic or crawl space, again the only practical way to remove it is by trapping (see section below). Of course repairs should be made immediately to close the entrance hole. It is also important to cut off the access route to the attic or crawl space. This may require trimming tree branches that overhang the roof. Remove firewood that may be stacked against the building. Fill cracks in foundation walls. Even a one inch hole or crack can make a suitable entrance hole for a determined squirrel. When patching wood, use metal plates or flashing where ever possible. On foundations walls use concrete. Avoid plastic or PVC vents when ever possible. If your only alternative is to trap, and remove an unwanted squirrel, you should first check with your local government agency. Your City, County, or State may require you to obtain a permit. There may be certain circumstances when a professional trapper is needed to capture and relocate the animal. A phone call can save you a lot of trouble. The other very important part of trapping concerns the time of year. The female squirrel will give birth to a litter of three or four, in the early spring and possibly again in the fall. If you trap and relocate the mother squirrel, you will surely kill her babies since they can not leave the nest on their own. While this alone would be heart breaking, consider what will become of those baby squirrels. They can cause quite a smell. Please give this some careful thought before you proceed. If you're not sure, please ask for help. That's what we're here for. If you are allowed to trap, your next step will be to find a suitable trap. Most large sporting goods stores will have a selection of live animal traps to choose from. Live traps sell for about $30, for a small "five by five by eighteen inch Havahart Trap" and can go up to $90 for larger sizes. Tomahawk Live trap also carries a complete line of traps and supplies. You can also rent traps from some Rental Service Stores. One store in Minnesota rents the small Havahart 1025 trap for $15 per day. Be sure to find one that is the proper size for the squirrel you wish to trap. Too small of a trap may not completely enclose the squirrel and one too large may not be sensitive enough for a one pound squirrel. Traps should come with instructions to bait and set them, be sure you under- stand and follow the directions. Peanut butter (Skippy crunchy) is considered the best bait for a squirrel. Placing a spoonful on the trip lever usually does the trick. Your first step is to do a little detective work. Find the path that the squirrel is using to your attic, crawl space or where ever it should not be. To find this path, you must first observe your squirrel's routine. Normally, a squirrel will leave the nest at dawn or shortly after in search of food. This would be the best time to watch and wait. Find a place where you can view your house and the entrance hole. Be very still, and watch how it gets to or from the house. E.g. climbing, jumping or both. Once you discover this path, you should place the trap accordingly. Always set the trap on a stable surface, such as the ground, on a porch or deck. Never hang the trap! If you have the time, leave the trap opened and without bait for several days, so the squirrel will accept it as part of the landscape. You should also consider what if any other animals might be in the area of the trap. Since a cat, dog, or even a bird may be tempted into your trap. You must be able to see or hear the trap operate, so it would be best to set it only when you have the time to watch or listen for it to operate. Once a squirrel is trapped it must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent stress to the animal. Be sure you are wearing heavy work gloves while handling the trap. Be prepared to listen to a lot of complaining. This squirrel is going to voice its displeasure non-stop! You must relocate the squirrel at least a three miles from your location, even further if you are in a heavily wooded area. An ideal location would have a natural barrier, such as a river or lake. If you're moving the squirrel within an urban area, try to place it across several highways or other busy streets. You should give some thought to where you are going to relocate the squirrel before capture. A place where it can find food, water and shelter would be in your best interest. Don't give this squirrel a reason to return! It may be necessary to repeat this process if more than one squirrel is involved. Please remember that if there are babies in the nest, they can "not" be trapped and must be removed by hand. Then be sure to correct the problem that led to the squirrel moving in, as quickly as possible. Be sure to wash the entrance area, with a strong solution of ammonia and water, or a household cleaner to remove any scent the squirrel's may have left. If you have problems, concerns, or questions about live trapping. Many local government agencies have people that are knowledgeable in this area and may be able to offer you additional advice. If you do not have the time or are not sure you can accomplish this task. There are professional animal or pest control companies that can remove squirrels for you. If you consider the time and effort involved, it may be best to contact a local company for an estimate. Generally, you can expect to pay between one and two hundred dollars for this service. Haveahart live trap Snakes Poisonous snakes Of the many kinds of snakes found in the United States, only the following are harmful: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes, and sea snakes. The latter group lives only in the oceans. All poisonous snakes, except coral snakes and sea snakes, belong in a group called pit vipers. There are three ways to distinguish between pit vipers and nonpoisonous snakes in the United States: (1) All pit vipers have a deep pit on each side of the head, midway between the eye and the nostril. Nonpoisonous snakes do not have these pits. (2) On the underside of the tail of pit vipers, scales go all the way across in one row (except on the very tip of the tail, which may have two rows in some cases). On the underside of the tail of all nonpoisonous snakes, scales are in two rows all the way from the vent of the snake to the tip of the tail. The shed skin of a snake shows the same characteristics. (3) The pupil of pit vipers is vertically elliptical (egg-shaped). In very bright light, the pupil may be almost a vertical line, due to extreme contraction to shut out light. The pupil of nonpoisonous snakes is perfectly round. The poisonous coral snake is ringed with red, yellow, and black, with red and yellow rings touching. Nonpoisonous mimics of the coral snake (such as the scarlet king snake) have red and yellow rings, separated by black rings. A helpful saying to memorize is: “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack.” Some species of nonpoisonous snakes occur throughout several
states, but the majority have only limited ranges. Snakes are specialized animals, having elongated bodies and no legs. They have no ears, externally or internally, and no eyelids, except for a protective window beneath which the eye moves. The organs of the body are elongated. Snakes have a long, forked tongue, which helps them smell. Gaseous particles from odors are picked up by the tongue and inserted into the two-holed organ, called the Jacobson’s Organ, at the roof of the mouth. The two halves of the lower jaw are not fused, but are connected by a ligament to each other. They are also loosely connected so the snake can swallow food much larger than its head. Because snakes are cold-blooded and not very active, one meal may last them several weeks. Also, because they are cold-blooded, they may hibernate during cold weather months or aestivate during hot summer months when the climate is severe. In either case, they consume little or no food during these times. Some snakes lay eggs, some hatch their eggs inside the body, and some give live birth. The young of copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths are born alive. Nonpoisonous snakes are harmless to humans. In most cases, a snake will crawl away when approached if it feels it can reach cover safely. No snakes charge or attack people, with the exception of the racers, which occasionally bluff by advancing toward an intruder. Racers will retreat rapidly, however, if challenged. Snakes react only when cornered. Different species react in different ways, playing dead by turning over on the back, hissing, opening the mouth in a menacing manner, coiling, and striking and biting if necessary. Nonpoisonous snakes have two rows of scales between the vent and the tip of the tail, while poisonous snakes have only one row. A nonpoisonous snake bite has no venom and can do no more harm
than frighten the victim. After being bitten several thousand times by
nonpoisonous snakes, the author and his students have never suffered any adverse
reaction, and no treatment was ever used. The only harm nonpoisonous snakes can
cause is frightening people who are not familiar with them. A bite from a
poisonous snake, however, causes an almost immediate reaction—swelling, tissue
turning a dark blue-black, a tingling sensation, and nausea. If none of these is
observed or felt, the bite was from a nonpoisonous snake. Also, bites from one
of the pit vipers (copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths) will reveal two
fang marks, in addition to teeth marks. All snakes have teeth; only pit vipers
have fangs. North American pit vipers have only two rows of teeth on top and two
on the bottom, whereas nonpoisonous snakes have four on top and four on the
bottom. Seal all openings (1/4 inch [0.6 cm] and larger) with mortar,
1/8-inch (0.3-cm) hardware cloth, sheet metal, or steel wool. A snake-proof
fence can be used to exclude snakes. Reduce rodent populations. Keep all
vegetation closely mowed; remove bushes, shrubs, rocks, boards, firewood, and
debris lying close to the ground, especially around buildings. Alter all sites
that provide cool, damp, dark habitat for snakes. Glue boards can be used to capture snakes found inside houses or other buildings. Once caught, the snake and board can be taken outside. The snake can be released unharmed by pouring vegetable oil on it (the oil counteracts the adhesive). Feral cats Feral cats are the 'wild' offspring of domestic cats and are primarily the result of pet owners' abandonment or failure to spay and neuter their animals, allowing them to breed uncontrolled. Feral cat 'colonies' can be found behind shopping areas or businesses, in alleys, parks, abandoned buildings, and rural areas. They are elusive and do not trust humans. Many people assume their animals will survive when they move away and leave them behind. Contrary to popular belief, domestic animals do not automatically return to their "natural" instincts and cannot fend for themselves! Already, U.S. animal shelters are forced to kill an estimated 15 million homeless cats and dogs annually. The alternative to humane euthanasia for almost every stray is a violent end or slow, painful death. Many "throwaways" die mercilessly outdoors from starvation, disease, abuse --- or as food to a predator. To control Feral cat we recommend Havhart 1081 live trap More information Check local animal control Unit or FCCC (Feral Cat Caretakers' Coalition )
Pocket gophers Pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.) are
burrowing rodents that get their name from the fur-lined external cheek pouches,
or pockets, that they use for carrying food and nesting materials. They are well
equipped for a digging, tunneling lifestyle with powerfully built forequarters,
large-clawed front paws, fine short fur that doesn't cake in wet soils, small
eyes and small external ears, and highly sensitive facial whiskers to assist
movements in the dark. An unusual adaptation is the gopher's lips, which can be
closed behind the four large incisor teeth to keep dirt out of its mouth when it
is using its teeth for digging. Mounds of fresh soil are the best sign of gopher presence. Mounds are formed as the gopher digs its tunnel and pushes the loose dirt to the surface. Typically mounds are crescent- or horseshoe-shaped when viewed from above. The hole, which is off to one side of the mound, is usually plugged. Mole mounds are sometimes mistaken for gopher mounds. Mole mounds, however, appear circular and have a plug in the middle that may not be distinct; in profile they are volcano-shaped. Unlike gophers, moles commonly burrow just beneath the surface, leaving a raised ridge to mark their path. One gopher may create several mounds in a day. In nonirrigated
areas, mound building is most pronounced during spring or fall when the soil is
moist and easy to dig. In irrigated areas such as lawns, flower beds, and
gardens, digging conditions are usually optimal year round and mounds can appear
at any time. In snowy regions, gophers create burrows in the snow, resulting in
long, earthen cores on the surface when the snow melts Gophers do not hibernate and are active year-round, although fresh mounding may not be seen. They also can be active at all hours of the day. Gophers usually live alone within their burrow system, except for females with young or when breeding, and may occur in densities of up to 16 to 20 per acre. Gophers reach sexual maturity at about 1 year of age and can live up to 3 years. Females produce one to three litters per year. In nonirrigated areas, breeding usually occurs in late winter and early spring, resulting in one litter per year, whereas in irrigated sites, up to three litters per year may be produced. Litters usually average five to six young. Pocket gophers are herbivorous, feeding on a wide variety of
vegetation, but generally preferring herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees.
Gophers use their sense of smell to locate food. Most commonly they feed on
roots and fleshy portions of plants they encounter while digging. However,
sometimes they feed aboveground, venturing only a body length or so from their
tunnel opening. Burrow openings used in this manner are called "feed holes."
They are identified by the absence of a dirt mound and a circular band of
clipped vegetation around the hole. Gophers will also pull entire plants into
their tunnel from below. In snow-covered regions gophers may feed on bark
several feet up a tree by burrowing through the snow. First, locate areas of recent gopher activity based on fresh
mounds with dark, moist soil. Fresh mounds that are visible aboveground are the
plugged openings of lateral tunnels. The main burrow can be found by probing
about 8 to 12 inches from the plug side of the mound; it is usually located 6 to
12 inches deep. When the probe penetrates the gopher's burrow, there will be a
sudden, noticeable drop of about 2 inches. You may have to probe repeatedly to
locate the gopher's main burrow, but your skill will improve with experience.
Because lateral tunnels may not be revisited by the gopher, trapping and baiting
in them is not as successful as in the main burrow. To set traps, locate the main tunnel with a probe, as previously described. Use a shovel or garden trowel to open the tunnel wide enough to set traps in pairs facing opposite directions. By placing traps with their openings facing opposite directions, a gopher coming from either end of the burrow can be intercepted. The box trap is easier to use if you've never set gopher traps before, but setting it requires more excavation than if you are using the Macabee trap, an important consideration in lawns and some gardens. Box traps are especially useful when the diameter of the gopher's main burrow is small (less than 3 inches) because to use the Macabee-type wire traps, small burrows must be enlarged to accommodate them. It is not necessary to bait a gopher trap, although some claim baiting gives better results. Lettuce, carrots, apples, or alfalfa greens can be used as bait. Place the bait at the back of a box trap behind the wire trigger or behind the flat pan of a Macabee-type trap. Wire your traps to stakes so they can be easily retrieved from the burrow. After setting the traps, exclude light from the burrow by covering the opening with dirt clods, sod, cardboard, or some other material. Fine soil can be sifted around the edges to ensure a light-tight seal. If too much light enters, the gopher may plug the burrow with soil, filling the traps and making them ineffective. Check traps often and reset them when necessary. If a gopher is not caught within 3 days, reset the traps in a different location. The key to an effective toxic baiting program is bait placement. Always place pocket gopher bait in the main underground tunnel, not the lateral tunnels. After locating the main gopher burrow with a probe, enlarge the opening by rotating the probe or inserting a larger rod or stick. Following label directions, place the bait carefully in the opening using a spoon or other suitable implement that is used only for that purpose, taking care not to spill any on the ground surface. A funnel is useful for preventing spillage. Strychnine-treated grain bait is the most common type used for pocket gopher control. This bait generally contains 0.5% strychnine and is lethal with a single feeding. Baits containing anticoagulants are also available. When using anticoagulant baits, a large amount of bait (about 10 times the amount needed when using strychnine baits) is required so that it is available for multiple feedings. Although generally less effective than strychnine baits, anticoagulant baits are preferred for use in areas where children and pets may be present. When using either type of bait, be sure to follow all label directions and precautions. After placing the bait in the main burrow, close the probe hole with sod, rocks, or some other material to exclude light and prevent dirt from falling on the bait. Several bait placements within a burrow system will increase success. Tamp down existing mounds so you can distinguish new activity. If new mounds appear for more than 2 days after strychnine baiting or 7 to 10 days after anticoagulant baits have been used, you will need to rebait or try trapping. If a large area is infested with gophers, a hand-held bait
applicator will speed treatment. Bait applicators are a combination probe and
bait reservoir. Once a burrow is located using the probe, a trigger releases a
measured amount of bait into the tunnel. Generally, strychnine bait is used with
such a bait applicator because the applicator dispenses only a small quantity of
bait at a time. Six to 8 inches of coarse gravel 1 inch or more in diameter around underground sprinkler lines or utility cables may deter gophers. Because no population will increase indefinitely, one alternative to a gopher problem is to do nothing, letting the population limit itself. Experience has shown, however, that by the time gopher populations level off naturally, much damage has already been done around homes and gardens. Predators, including owls, snakes, cats, dogs, and coyotes, eat pocket gophers. Predators rarely, however, remove every prey animal, but instead move on to hunt at more profitable locations. In addition, gophers have defenses against predators. For example, they can escape snakes in their burrows by rapidly pushing up an earthen plug to block the snake's advance. The idea of attracting barn owls to an area for gopher control
by installing nest boxes has been explored. Although barn owls prey on gophers,
their habit of hunting over large areas, often far from their nest boxes, and
their tendency to hunt areas with abundant prey, make them unreliable for gopher
control. When a single gopher, which is capable of causing damage rapidly,
invades a yard or garden, a gardener cannot afford to wait for an owl to arrive.
Effective action, usually trapping or baiting, must be taken
immediately. No repellents currently available will successfully protect
gardens or other plantings from pocket gophers. Plants such as gopher purge
(Euphorbia lathyrus), castor bean (Ricinus communis), and garlic have been
suggested as repellents but these claims have not been substantiated by
research. Although there are many frightening devices commercially available to
use on pocket gophers (vibrating stakes, ultrasonic devices, wind-powered
pinwheels, etc.), pocket gophers do not frighten easily, probably because of
their repeated exposure to noise and vibrations from sprinklers, lawnmowers,
vehicles, and people moving about. Consequently, frightening devices have not
proven to be effective. Another ineffective control method is placing chewing
gum or laxatives in burrows in hopes of killing gophers The Giant Destroyer ( gas bomb ) Electric Fence TOP Ground Squirrel Ground squirrels are easily identified as they forage aboveground near their burrows. The ground squirrel's body measures 9 to 11 inches and its semi-bushy tail adds another 5 to 9 inches in length. The fur is brownish gray and speckled with off-white along the back; the sides of the head and shoulders are light gray to whitish. One subspecies that occupies most of northern California has a dark, triangular-shaped patch on its back between the shoulders; this patch is missing from other species. While ground squirrels are similar in appearance to tree squirrels and may climb trees, when frightened they will always retreat to a burrow, whereas tree squirrels will climb a tree or tall structure and never use a burrow. Ground squirrels live in a wide variety of natural habitats but usually avoid thick chaparral, dense woods, and wet areas. Populations may be particularly high in grazed rangelands and in areas disturbed by humans such as road or ditchbanks, fence rows, around buildings, and in or bordering many crops. California Ground Squirrel
Gray, light brown and dusky fur are mixed to give the California Ground Squirrel's upperparts a mottled appearance. A band of slightly darker fur, flecked with light gray, extends from the head over the middle of the back. Gray fur forms a cape over the sides of the head and shoulders. This gray cape may have a protective function, breaking up the animal's body outline and making it more difficult for a predator to spot. Light buff or grayish yellow fur covers the undersides. Whitish fur rings the eyes and perhaps protects the squirrel's eyes from too intense sunlight. Black fur edges the outer rims of the ears. The tail, five to seven inches long and more than half the length of the head and body, is covered with mixed yellowish gray and black hairs and is lighter on the underside. Generally, California Ground Squirrels measure between sixteen and nineteen inches total length. From central Washington through western Oregon, California and
into the northern part of Baja California, this squirrel is found in plains,
small meadows, tree-covered hillsides, rocky outcrops and granite taluses. The
northern extent of its range was once bounded by the Columbia River, but the
California Ground Squirrel has crossed the river into south-central
Washington. During the breeding season, from about February to April, and during the summer months, California Ground Squirrels are above ground for long periods each day. They often spend their time feeding (they eat a variety of seeds, fruits, acorns, roots, mushrooms, and even insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars), sunning, dust-bathing, and grooming. In one of their favorite sun bathing positions the squirrel lies with its belly on the ground, elbows on the ground with forearms extended and head raised. They also like to sit straight up, motionless, with their arms hanging down across their chest and their paws resting one upon the other. From this position they love to look about. In fact, their vision is thought to be about equivalent to a human's. California Ground Squirrels are ever vigilent and ready to sound an alarm if danger is perceived. If frightened, a squirrel often makes long leaps and emits a sharp, metallic alarm cry several times in rapid succession. The squirrel may pause near its burrow and clink at intervals, or it may drop down into its tunnel system. Generally, ground squirrels spend most of their life within a fairly small area. In fact, most of their time is spent within about 100 feet of their burrow and rarely does a ground squirrel go beyond a 150-yard radius of its burrow. California Ground Squirrels hibernate for several months of the year. How long they hibernate depends on where they live. In some areas, adult squirrels may spend as much as eight months dormant in their burrows. Sometime in the fall or eary winter the squirrels will settle in for the winter. It is interesting that the males are the first to begin hiberation. Females and young squirrels may not begin hibernation for over a month later. California Ground Squirrels go into "true hibernation," that is, unlike a bear which merely enjoys a long period of sleep, the ground squirrel goes into what might be thought of as a state of near suspended animation. Their heart rate slows down to as little as only a tenth of its normal heart rate and their respiration may slow down to the point where they only take a breath every couple of minutes. Even in this state, they wake up every four to five days for short periods. During these times they eat food they stored away in special chambers during the summer months and they use special "bathroom" chambers before climbing back into their underground nests. The males are the first to emerge from hibernation, usually in the early spring. The breeding season, from February to April, is a busy time for California Ground Squirrels. Mating chases are common, with males chasing females until she is ready to accpet one. Females may mate with more than one male and often mate more than one time. After about a month-long gestation period, a mother squirrel may give birth from three to as many as fifteen babies, with from five to six being an average number. The babies remain underground with the mother. Their eyes open at about five weeks and by about the eighth week, they are ready to come out of the burrow for the first time. At first the youngesters will play and feed very near the burrow entrance under the mother's close and attentive supervision. California Ground Squirrels may live as long as six years, but three or four years is probably their average life span in the wild. Captive ground squirrels have lived for ten years. Wyoming ground squirrel The Wyoming ground squirrel (Spermophilus elegans) is one of six species of ground squirrels found in Colorado. Formerly called Richardson's ground squirrel, the Wyoming ground squirrel averages 10 to 15 inches long and weighs 9 to 14 ounces as an adult. Its fur is generally a brownish smoke-gray, with a dappled pattern of cinnamon-buff. The underside of the tail is buff. Wyoming ground squirrels are found in Colorado, southern Wyoming, western Nebraska and Utah. The species occupies areas from 5,000 feet to above timberline in the north central and northwestern sections of Colorado. It prefers open sagebrush, grasslands and subalpine meadows. Wyoming ground squirrels prefer green foliage, such as grasses, but also eat forbs and shrubs. When green vegetation becomes scarce, the squirrels eat dry grasses and seeds. They also eat Insects, including grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars, and scavenge eggs from ground-nesting birds. Wyoming ground squirrels construct and live in underground burrows. In brushy country, Wyoming ground squirrel burrows often are identified by a substantial pile of debris (sticks, rocks, sagebrush leaves) that covers the area downslope from the burrow entrance. Squirrels stay in their burrows at night and during the warmest part of summer days. The burrow is the center of a ground squirrel's activity. The squirrels enter their burrows in late July or early August and hibernate underground until the following March or April. Males usually come above ground one to three weeks before the females. Breeding takes place one to four days after females emerge from hibernation. The young are born after a three- to four-week gestation period with two to 10 young per litter. Only one litter is produced each year. The young are weaned at five weeks and are above ground foraging by June. Density of Wyoming ground squirrel populations can range from two ground squirrels per acre before young are born in the spring, to 20 or more animals per acre in early June when juveniles and adults are active. Predators include bullsnakes, coyotes, foxes, badgers, weasels and hawks. Ground squirrels are hosts for fleas and may act as carriers for bubonic plague. Plague is transmitted to humans via flea bites. Early symptoms of plague include swollen and tender lymph nodes, chills and fever. Early diagnosis and treatment is imperative. When walking through suspected plague areas, apply an insect repellent to socks and pant cuffs before tucking pants inside boots. High concentrations of Wyoming ground squirrels can pose a serious pest problem. They compete with livestock for forage and can destroy food Crops. The mounds of dirt that squirrels excavate to build burrows in hay fields can damage haying equipment and take fields out of production. Burrowing activity also can damage grasslands, golf courses and lawns. Several alternatives are available for Wyoming ground squirrel control. Landowners may use control methods themselves or hire a commercial firm. Small, isolated colonies of Wyoming ground squirrels can be effectively controlled by shooting. Shooting lowers the population by removing individuals and disrupting their life cycle. However, if there are other colonies of ground squirrels nearby, individuals from those populations will migrate into the area where squirrels are being removed. For effective control of problem ground squirrels, a population must be kept under constant shooting pressure. For small populations, wire-mesh cage traps can be set anywhere that squirrels frequent. Place traps on level ground within a few feet of burrows or other high-activity areas. Bait for several days with the door wired open to get squirrels accustomed to visiting the trap and unafraid of it. Wooden snap-type rat traps and modified pocket gopher traps also can be used. Bait the traps with rolled oats, peanut butter, fruit such as apples, or grain, depending on what works best in your area and the time of year. If corn is used as bait, it should be cracked. Poison grain bait is the most practical method for controlling large numbers of Wyoming ground squirrels. Baiting is most effective at two points during the Wyoming ground squirrels' annual cycle: early spring, or late June to early July. In a year of average rainfall, begin poison grain control early in the spring, about one to two weeks after squirrels emerge from their burrows. Continue for one month or until vegetation turns green. Early control is enhanced by cold weather and minimal vegetative growth that makes bait more desirable to ground squirrels. As soon as green vegetation becomes available, bait is less accepted. To achieve successful control in early spring, apply bait when the entire ground squirrel population is active. If part of the population is still hibernating, baiting is not effective. Since females emerge one to two weeks after males, do not start baiting at the first sign of activity. Baiting also is not effective late in the gestation period or shortly after the young are born because females are rarely above ground then. Check the activity level of the population by trapping or shooting 10 or more animals and checking the ratio of males to females. A 1-to-1 ratio usually means that females are active and baiting is appropriate. Baiting in mid-summer is common in Colorado. Bait after green vegetation is dry and dormant (sometime in June or July) but before squirrels disappear into their burrows to hibernate in late July to early August. Bait acceptance is high in June and July because Wyoming ground squirrels are eating to build fat reserves for winter. In a very dry spring, control can continue from April until July because of the scarcity of green vegetation. Prebaiting with untreated, steam-rolled oats, barley or cracked corn (depending on bait used) two to three days before baiting improves bait acceptance. On rangelands, apply prebait and bait by hand in a 6-inch bait spot near each active burrow. Place no more than 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of bait per spot. Do not place bait in the burrows because squirrels forage above ground and are wary of any food found in the burrow. Apply bait only after all or most of the prebait is eaten, and only in areas where prebait is consumed. In non-crop areas, apply prebait and bait by hand near each active burrow or runway. Place bait (no more than 1 teaspoon per burrow) on the grass and allow it to fall to the ground. Do not put treated bait in piles. Apply poison bait only once per year. Surviving squirrels from the first treatment sometimes become ill after eating bait. Consequently, these animals will become bait shy and further treatments are unsuccessful. Use of poison baits according to label directions usually results in an 80 to 90 percent reduction in Wyoming ground squirrel numbers. Poor results after baiting usually are due to improperly placed bait, failure to prebait, presence of green vegetation, or inactivity of a portion of the ground squirrel population. To use aluminum phosphide, insert one to four tablets (usually one) as far back into the burrow as possible. Then insert a wadded newspaper and plug the opening to the burrow with moist soil or a plug of sod placed grass-side down to form an airtight seal. The wadded newspaper prevents the fumigant from being covered and may delay ground squirrels from digging out before the tablets activate. Aluminum phosphide appears to provide the best control when soil temperatures are above 60 degrees F. To use the gas cartridge, punch at least five or six holes in one end with a nail or ice pick. Insert the sharp point part way and rotate it to loosen the contents so the cartridge will burn more rapidly. Insert and light the fuse. Once the fuse is burning well, gently slide the cartridge as far back into the burrow opening as possible. Immediately plug the opening with moist soil or a piece of sod placed grass-side down to form an airtight seal. Do not cover or smother the cartridge. As a rule, gas cartridges do not give satisfactory control if the soil is dry. The hydrogen phosphide gas produced by aluminum phosphide tablets is toxic to all forms of animal life. Exposure through inhalation produces symptoms such as a pressing sensation in the chest, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and a rapid onset of stupor. Expose affected people to fresh air and provide immediate medical attention. After Wyoming ground squirrels have been exterminated, reinvasion may be slowed by deep ripping with a tractor and ripping blade. After successful control of California and Belding ground squirrels, 18-inch-deep ripping of individual burrows or the entire area significantly reduced recolonization. Ripping did not reduce ground squirrel numbers on sites where control was unsuccessful. Weigh negative aspects of ripping, such as cost, against the potential benefits of slower recolonization and reduced frequency of rodenticide use. Raccoon
The Common Raccoon is a mammal native
to the Americas. Its name derives from the Algonquian word aroughcoune, "he who
scratches with his hands". Raccoons are intelligent omnivores with a reputation
for slyness and mischief. The raccoon is found throughout the United States, with the
exception of the higher elevations of mountainous regions and some areas of the
arid Southwest. Raccoons are more common in the wooded eastern portions of the
United States than in the more arid western plains. Any animal with suspected rabies should not be approached and if it requires killing the local health department should be notified to obtain instructions on means of disposal. Blood, feces and other bodily fluids may carry the rabies virus. Many communities have animal control officers who can deal with rabid animals. Rabies is so prevalent in some populations of wild raccoons that
several states and the US federal government, as well at authorities in Canada
have developed programs of oral vaccination to try to reduce the spread of this
lethal disease. Woodchucks Woodchucks are found over east
central Alaska and across southern Canada to the Pacific coastal provinces,
extending south to northern Idaho. They are also distributed in the eastern
United States (south to central Alabama and Arkansas)and westward to the edge of
the plains. The woodchuck is the largest sciurid in its geographic range. It has a heavy, chunky body (18 -26 in) set atop relatively short but powerful legs well adapted for digging. Males are slightly larger than females. The dark-colored, bushy tail is about one-fourth as long as the total body length, much shorter in comparison to other squirrels. Woodchuck skulls are broad and flat. Strongly developed supraorbital processes project at right angles from the frontals with the tips projecting slightly forward.The dense, woolly underfur of the back and sides of the woodchuck is somewhat obscured by longer, less dense guard hair. These guard hairs are banded with alternating dark and light coloring (bands usually yellowish to reddish brown, hairs tipped with white), giving this mammal a frosted appearance. The underfur of the woodchuck is gray with yellow tips, much paler from the dorsal area. Ears are small, low and rounded atop a black-colored head with small black eyes. The woodchuck also possesses three nipple-like anal glands,
which secrete a musky odor. Woodchucks can live up to six years in the wild, and ten years
in captivity. Dens are situated in well-drained locations. With strong, clawed, forelimbs and large teeth, woodchucks can easily construct burrows with as many as five entrances. A plunge hole is often near the major den entrance and may have a vertical drop of as much as 2 ft to a main tunnel. These dens are also very long, up to 45 ft of tunnels, extending as far underground as 5 ft. Dens in open areas are used in the summer, and those under stumps, at the edge of rock ledges, and near other protection are generally occupied during the winter hibernation. Dens are always kept clean and well padded. Occupied dens can be recognized by a pile of fresh earth at the entrance. Nesting chambers are about fifteen inches in diameter and are usually sparsely lined with dry leaves. Woodchucks are true hibernators, relying soley on body fat for winter survival. Hibernation takes place in a side chamber along one of the underground corridors of the burrow system. This prolonged topor reduces various metabolic processes- heartbeat slows (from more than 100 per minute to as few as 15), body temperature drops from about 35 degrees C to 8 degrees C, and respiration also decreases. While hibernating, the woodchuck rolls itself into a ball and tucks its head between its hind legs. Hibernation generally begins in October and ends in March or April (not on February 2). Hibernating chambers are thought to be located under the roots of trees. Woodchucks somehow seem to know when to wake up, controlled by a circannual clock, but actual emergence depends on the daily temperature. Soon after leaving hibernation, sexually mature woodchucks begin
the reproductive process. Males tend to venture above ground first and fight
vigorously with each other. Woodchucks are not monogamous and males do not take
part in raising the offspring. There is some evidence that woodchucks associate
in groups which are dominated by a single adult male, discouraging other males
from mating with his females. The burrowing activities of woodchucks often provide homes for
many kinds of wildlife. Also, vegetation growth around burrows is enhanced by
fertilization from buried fecal materials. As a result of deforestation and maintenance of the land of cultivated fields and pastures, the woodchuck has thrived and multiplied. Woodchucks are favorite targets for sport hunting, which helps control their numbers. Their ability to reproduce quickly is sufficient to prevent local extermination. Bats Bats are mammals in the order Chiroptera. Their most distinguishing feature is that their forelimbs are developed as wings, making them the only mammal in the world naturally capable of flight; other mammals, such as flying squirrels and gliding phalangers, can glide for limited distances but are not capable of true sustainable flight. The word Chiroptera can be translated from the Greek words for "hand wing," as the structure of the open wing is very similar to an outspread human hand, with a membrane (patagium) between the fingers that also stretches between hand and body. There are estimated to be about 1,100 species of bats worldwide, accounting for about 20% of all mammal species. About 70% of bats are insectivores. Of the remainder, most feed on fruits and their juices; three species sustain themselves with blood and some prey on vertebrates. These bats include the leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomidae) of central America and South America, and the related bulldog bats (Noctilionidae) that feed on fish. At least two known species of bat feed on other bats: the Spectral Bat or American False Vampire bat and the Ghost Bat of Australia. Despite the cold weather, there are 6 species of bats in Alaska. Some of the smaller bat species are important pollinators of some tropical flowers. Indeed, many tropical plants are now found to be totally dependent on them, not just for pollination, but for spreading their seeds by eating the resulting fruits. This role explains environmental concerns when a bat is introduced in a new setting. Tenerife provides a recent example with the introduction of the Egyptian fruit bat. By emitting high-pitched sounds and listening to the echoes, microbats locate prey and other nearby objects. This is the process of echolocation, an ability they share with dolphins and whales. Two groups of moth exploit the bats' senses: tiger moths produce ultrasonic signals to warn the bats that the moths are chemically-protected (aposematism) (this was once thought to be a form of "radar jamming", but this theory has been disproved); the moths Noctuidae have a hearing organ called a tympanum which responds to an incoming bat signal by causing the moth's flight muscles to twitch erratically, sending the moth into random evasive maneuvers. Although the eyes of most microbat species are small and poorly developed, their sense of vision is typically very good, especially at long distances, beyond the range of echolocation. Their senses of smell and hearing are excellent. The teeth of microbats resemble those of the insectivorans. They are very sharp in order to bite through the hardened armour of insects or the skin of fruits. Thermographic image of a bat using trapped air as insulation.While other mammals have one-way valves only in their veins to prevent the blood from flowing backwards, bats also have the same mechanism in their arteries. The finger bones of bats are much more flexible than those of other mammals. One reason is that the cartilage in their fingers lacks calcium and other minerals nearer the tips, increasing their ability to bend without splintering. The cross-section of the finger bone is also flattened instead of circular as is the bone in a human finger, making it even more flexible. The skin on their wing membranes is a lot more elastic and can stretch much more than what is usually seen among mammals. Because their wings are much thinner than those of
birds, bats can maneuver more quickly and more precisely than birds. The surface
of their wings are also equipped with touch-sensitive receptors on small bumps
called Merkel cells, found in most mammals, including humans. But these
sensitive areas are different in bats as each bump has a tiny hair in the
center, making it even more sensitive, and allowing the bat to detect and
collect information about the air flowing over its wings. An additional kind of
receptor cell is found in the wing membrane of species that use their wings to
catch prey. This receptor cell is sensitive to the stretching of the membrane.
The cells are concentrated in areas of the membrane where insects hit the wings
when the bats capture them. The ability to fly is congenital, but after birth the wings are too small to fly. Young microbats become independent at the age of 6 to 8 weeks, megabats not until they are four months old. At the age of two years bats are sexually mature. A single bat can live over 20 years, but the bat population growth is limited by the slow birth rate. Most microbats are active at night or at twilight. The social structure of bats varies, with some bats leading a solitary life and others living in caves colonized by more than a million bats. Insects— About 70 percent of all bats eat insects: flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and cockroaches. A colony of bats in Texas eats 500,000 pounds (226,796 kilograms) of mosquitoes nightly! Nectar— Bats that eat nectar are like hummingbirds, with long snouts and tongues that allow them to lap up nectar as they hover. Their hair catches pollen and carries it from flower to flower. Many plant species would not survive without bat pollinators. Fruit— Fruit-eaters are drawn by the smell of ripe fruit and are important seed-dispersers. Some seeds will not sprout unless they have passed through a bat’s digestive system. Bats are a crucial resident of healthy rain forest habitats. At the San Diego Zoo, the fruit bats are fed nectar and a variety of juicy fruits, including oranges, pears, grapes, and watermelon, as well as bananas and a bat pellet (to supplement their nutritional needs). Fish, etc.— A few species of bats eat fish, plus lizards, frogs, birds, rodents, and even other bats! These bats kill their prey by biting its head. Fishing bats fly over the surface of the water, use echolocation to find the fish, grab it with their sharp claws, and then move it into their mouth. Blood— Only three species of bats, found from Mexico to South America, eat the blood of mammals or birds, often domestic animals like cows. These bats make a small, V-shaped cut in the animal’s skin with a bite, then lick up the blood. They don’t suck blood, like the vampire legends say! And licking the blood from an animal’s leg is usually more annoying than dangerous. A chemical in the bat’s saliva keeps the blood from clotting before it's done eating. This chemical could have medical uses for humans. Investigations are being done to see if this chemical can help humans who have blood clots that could cause strokes. Bats are responsible for pollinating trees, flowers, and cacti. They spread seeds so plants grow in new areas. Bats pollinate avocados, bananas, breadfruit, dates, figs, mangoes, and peaches. These remarkable mammals live together by the millions and each can eat half its weight in insects a night, so they are great at controlling large numbers of pests that harm crops and spread disease. Certain microorganisms found in bat droppings may have important medical uses for humans. Without active conservation programs, bats face
extinction. Bats have been killed on purpose when people disturbed their caves
or hunted them for food or medicine. Contact a local nature center or park to
find out if there is a bat club in your area, or join Bat Conservation
International. You can start your own club, help protect local caves and other
roosting areas, or build a bat house for your yard or
neighborhood. Havahart live trap. Rabbits
Few animals are as content to sit unmoving for as long as rabbits are. As prey animals, rabbits go to extremes not to advertise themselves as available to be eaten—but that isn't to say they don't let their guard down once in a while. If lucky, the patient observer may see them in the early morning or evening hours in spirited and spontaneous chases of other rabbits, or energetically hopping and leaping about—revealing this animal's playful nature. While rabbits lead lives full of concern and fear, they sometimes display a joie de vivre that we can envy. Rabbits are commonly misunderstood to be rodents, but they actually belong to their own order and are properly called lagomorphs. Lagomorphs are found in both the Old and New Worlds, with the New World species distinguished between "true" rabbits (genus Sylvilagus) and hares and jackrabbits (genus Lepus). While many people mistakenly believe that wild rabbits and domesticated pet rabbits are the same species, the truth is that the domesticated rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) belongs to another genus entirely and is only distantly related to his wild brethren. Of the wild species in the United States, there are 14 species of true rabbits, of which the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is the most widely distributed and familiar. Eastern cottontails have been introduced to the Pacific Northwest and are widespread enough throughout the South and Midwest to make the descriptor "eastern" misleading. Cottontails vary in color from gray to brown and have large hind feet and ears—which also function as body heat regulators, since rabbits don't pant or sweat—and short fluffy tails. They vary in size, but on the whole are rather small animals, averaging about a foot long and weighing just two to three pounds. Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they're most active at dusk and dawn. Cottontails are generally found in brushy hedgerows and the edges of wooded areas with dense cover, but they also do well in suburban and urban areas where lawns, gardens, and various shrubs meet their habitat requirements. Rabbits feed on leafy plants during the growing season and the buds and bark of woody plants in the winter. Besides the plants essential to their diet, rabbits also need safe resting places and cover in which to escape from predators. Famous for their breeding abilities, cottontails breed from February through September in the north. Gestation is about 28 days. Three to four litters of four or five young ("bunnies") are born each year. Young are born helpless in a shallow depression lined with grass and mother's fur, but they grow rapidly and are weaned when less than half the size of the adult. They may live up to two years in the wild, but where predators are numerous they seldom survive more than one year. However, it is important to recognize the role that predation plays in keeping rabbit populations in balance. Hawks and owls are important avian predators, and foxes, raccoons, skunks, and opossums are mammals that prey on rabbits. Rabbits have a remarkable ability to circumvent fences and raid vegetable gardens. One can of course shoot, trap, or gas them; but by then a good deal of damage has been done, and more may occur before the offending rabbit or rabbits are dispatched. One can also use repellents such as Rid-a-Critter, but if your vegetables provide a good potential food source, the rabbits may eventually get accustomed to the repellant and ignore it. For the vegetable gardener, the best answer to the rabbit problem is electric fence.This powerful yet economical device puts a low barrier fence just behind two pet-safe, child-safe charged wires–so that a rabbit or other small animal seeking to go over or under the barrier will come into good contact with the charged wires, get zapped, and go home. Since animals are terrified by electricity much more than by repellants, this answer is 100% effective all of the time–and it works not only against rabbits but also against raccoons, woodchucks, ground squirrels, skunks, opossums, and virtually all small animals. People don’t normally want to put fences, even low ones, around flower gardens or ground cover plantings vulnerable to rabbits, so in such cases electric fence is usually not an option. As noted above, in addition to the traditional trapping and bombing options, one can also scatter Rid-a-Critter granules around vulnerable areas (the granules will last up to 2 months outdoors). Electric Fence
Pigeon
The feral pigeon is the number one urban pest bird. Large
numbers exist in every city across the country. Not a native bird, feral pigeons
are descendants of domestic homing pigeons brought over from Europe and released
here in the 1600s. They were domesticated from the wild rock doves from the sea
cliffs of Europe by the Romans over two thousand years ago. Several traits have
allowed them to dominate the urban landscape. Because of their history, pigeons
are not afraid of people; they roost and nest readily in man made structures and
they have a diverse diet. These birds have a dark bluish-gray head, neck, and
chest with glossy yellowish, greenish, and reddish-purple iridescence along its
neck and wing feathers. There are two narrow black wing bands and a broad black
terminal tail band. The females tend to show less iridescence than the males.
The bill is dark grayish-pink. Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. The usually flimsy nests are made of sticks, and the two white eggs are incubated by both sexes. Doves feed on seeds, fruit and other soft plantstuff. Unlike most other birds (but see flamingo), the doves and pigeons produce "crop milk", which is secreted by a sloughing of fluid-filled cells from the lining of the crop. Both sexes produce this highly nutritious substance to feed to the young. This family occurs worldwide, but the greatest variety is in the Indomalaya and Australasia ecozones. The young doves and pigeons are called "squabs". Pigeons are not protected by Fed. Government. There are a wide variety of solutions available for handling a pigeon infestation. The best solution for pigeon problems, is complete exclusion with BirdNet. Many ledge problems can be solved by using products such as BirdGel, or Bird Needle Spikes. When bird pressure is heavy in an area, exclusion work must be accompanied by flock dispersal methods like trapping or use of moving predator deterrents like the visual repellent. Flock dispersal alone is not a long term solution especially in medium-heavy pressure situations like when there are food/water/shelter sources at the site. One vital component to pigeon removal is to modify their habitat by eliminating food supply. Discourage people from feeding pigeons in public areas. Clean up spilled grain around elevators, feed mills, and railcar clean-out areas. Eliminate standing water. Raven Ravens are frequently a big agricultural pest bird due to their
fondness for corn and other farm crops and have been accused of killing or
maiming small livestock, but they are a minor urban pest compared to the pigeon,
starling or house sparrow. They may also negatively affect conservation efforts
aimed at desert tortoises, sandhill cranes, and California condors. These birds
can overwhelm trees, creating a lot of noise and harassing people and animals in
the vicinity which can be a nuisance to the suburban resident. Furthermore, like
any pest bird, dropping buildup can lead to structural damage from the uric acid
while also posing a health risk due to the harborage of disease. Breeding pairs must have a territory of their own before they begin nest-building and reproduction, and the territory and its food resources will be defended against others. The nest is made of large sticks and twigs lined with a softer material, such as deer fur. The female will lay from three to seven pale bluish-green, brown-blotched eggs. Both parents keep the eggs warm, and take turns feeding the chicks. As with many birds, pairing does not necessarily mandate sexual monogamy, and raven habits show fluidity in this regard. Popular beliefs about Ravens include the notion that they are
attracted to shiny objects, but research indicates that juveniles are deeply
curious about all new things, and that Ravens retain an attraction to bright,
round objects based on their similarity to bird eggs. Mature Ravens lose their
intense interest in the unusual, and become highly neophobic. Ravens usually
live ten to fifteen years in the wild, or twice that in captivity. Ravens have impressed their biologist observers with their apparent intelligence and insight. Experiments have shown that members of the crow family are capable of using tools; an experiment, where some desirable item lay on the bottom of a bottle, showed that some of these birds were able to form a hook to reach the item. Like other corvids, Ravens can copy sounds from their environment, including human speech. They have a wide range of vocalizations, which remain the object of interest to ornithologists. The Common Raven is the official bird of the Yukon and of the
city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Raven species include: Common Raven (C. corax) It is possible to drive away large flocks of Ravens and other crows with audio-visual scare devices To maximize effectiveness, hang visual products in trees before beginning an aural campaign. They can be kept off ledges using Bird Spikes or Bird-Shield biodegradable food spray. BirdNet netting will exclude ravens completely from most areas. Canadian
Geese This species is 90-100 cm long with a 160-175 cm wing span.
Males weigh 3.5–6.5 kg, (8–14 pounds), and can be very aggressive in defending
territory. The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter at 3–5.5
kg (7–12 pounds), and has a different honk. paradeThese birds feed mainly on plant material. When feeding in water, they submerge their heads and necks to reach aquatic plants, sometimes tipping forward like a dabbling duck. Flocks of these birds often feed on leftover cultivated grains in fields, especially during migration or in winter. During the second year of their lives, Canada Geese find themselves a mate. Most couples stay together all of their lives. If one is killed, the other may find a new mate. The female lays 4-8 eggs and both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate, but the female spends more time at the nest than the male. During that time, they lose their flight feathers, so that they cannot fly until after their eggs hatch. This period lasts for 25-28 days. Adult geese are often seen leading their goslings in a line with one parent at the front, and the other at the back of the "parade". While protecting their young, parents often violently chase away nearby creatures, from small blackbirds to other geese, to humans that approach. However, geese may form groups of a number of goslings and a few adults, called crèches. The young do not leave their parents until after the spring migration, when they return to their birthplace. This well-known species is native to North America. It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a variety of habitats. However, the nest is usually located in an elevated area near water, sometimes on a beaver lodge. The eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population of Canada Geese. Like most geese, it is naturally migratory, the wintering range being most of the US. The calls overhead from large groups of Canada Geese flying in V-shaped formation signal the transitions into spring and autumn. In some areas, migration routes have changed due to changes in habitat and food sources. In mild climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, due to a lack of former predators, some of the population has become non-migratory. If a goose feels threatened by another creature it will usually warn the creature by giving off a hissing sound. By the early 20th century, over-hunting and loss of habitat in
the late 1800s and early 1900s had resulted in a serious decline in the numbers
of this bird in its native range. The Giant Canada Goose subspecies was believed
to be extinct in the 1950s until, in 1962, a small flock was discovered
wintering in Rochester, Minnesota by Harold Hanson of the Illinois Natural
History Survey. With improved game laws and habitat recreation and preservation
programs, their populations have recovered in most of their range, although some
local populations, especially of the subspecies occidentalis, may still be
declining. They have adapted well to urban environments, especially those with
well-trimmed lawns and large ponds, such as golf courses and city
parks.
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