8. Management of Wildlife Problems
Contents
Table 8. Wildlife damage management
methods
Conflicts between humans and wildlife can be managed with a variety of chemical or nonchemical alternatives. These techniques for managing wildlife damage fall into several broad categories: exclusion, habitat modification, wildlife population reductions, biological control, visual or auditory repellents, chemical repellents, and chemical toxicants. Although exclusion and habitat modification may appear to be more expensive than other methods, they often provide the greatest efficiency and longer-term relief from damage problems.
In
Further Reading
Visit http://wildlifecontrol.info for a more detailed discussion of management options.
How to Live with Urban Wildlife. Bird, D. M. 1986. City
Critters:Eden Press,
Managing Canada Geese in Urban Environments: A Technical Guide. Smith, A. E., S. R. Craven, and P. D. Curtis. 1998. Cooperative Extension Information Bulletin 243. Ithaca, N.Y. 42 pp.
Managing White-tailed Deer in Suburban Environments: A Technical Guide. DeNicola, A. J., K. C. VerGauteren, P. D. Curtis, and S. E. Hygnstrom. 2000.. Cornell Cooperative Extension Information Bulletin 245. Ithaca, N.Y. 52 pp.
Reducing Deer Damage to Home Gardens and Landscape Plantings. Curtis,
P. D., and M. E. Richmond. 1994. Department of Natural Resources,
Resistance of Woody Ornamental Plants to Deer Damage. Fargione, M. J., P. D. Curtis, and M. E. Richmond. 1991. Cooperative Extension Home-Grounds-Garden fact sheet 800.00. Ithaca, N.Y. 3 pp.
Wildlife Damage Management in Fruit Orchards. Curtis, P. D., M. J. Fargione, and M. E. Richmond. 1994. Cornell Cooperative Extension Information Bulletin 236. Ithaca, N.Y. 28 pp.

See Chapter 7 in Part I: Cultural Methods, of Pest Management Around the Home, for nonpesticidal alternatives.
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Pest |
Damage Management Methods |
Bats |
Exclude bats in late summer using one-way doors or netting at entrance points. When all bats are out of the structure, seal holes permanently with sheet metal or expanding foam. There are no toxicants registered for bat control. |
|
Goose droppings can be a problem for those living near water. Repellents containing methyl anthranilate may help in some situations. Fencing is a deterrent especially during molting in late June. Scaring geese with border collies has been effective on golf courses and other large properties, but it requires repeated, daily use. |
Deer |
Prevent damage to ornamental plants with netting or wire barriers. Egg-based repellents can provide short-term control (about 6 weeks). Choose spring bulbs and woody ornamentals that are resistant to deer damage (See Resistance of Woody Ornamental Plants to Deer Damage, listed in Further Reading above). |
Mice |
In homes and other occupied structures, use traps, or use bait stations with commercial rodenticides. |
Moles |
Trapping is the best alternative for controlling mole numbers. The use of pesticides to control grubs (the mole’s food source) is not recommended. Soft, toxic baits that resemble earthworms have not been adequately evaluated. |
Rats |
In homes and other occupied structures, use traps, or
use bait stations with commercial rodenticides. Several multiple-dose
anticoagulant rodenticides are available. Follow label instructions
carefully. Some compounds have restricted use in |
Snakes |
One product is currently registered, but its effectiveness is questionable. Seal building foundations to prevent entry. |
Woodchucks |
Trapping is the best solution for removing problem woodchucks. Use wire cage traps in urban areas where pets or nontarget wildlife are at risk. Apples are the best bait for cage traps. There are no repellents or toxic baits registered for woodchuck control. |
Woodpeckers |
As a physical repellent, hang strips of mylar reflective tape on the side of the home to prevent woodpecker foraging and roosting holes. |
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