8. Management of Wildlife Problems

Contents

Further Reading

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 New York State it is illegal to possess or transport captive wild animals without a special license. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Special Licenses Unit in Albany (518-457-0689) maintains a list of licensed nuisance wildlife control operators who can trap and transport vertebrate pests. It is sometimes legal for a landowner to use lethal techniques (shooting or trapping) to reduce numbers of certain wildlife species causing property damage, but check with your regional DEC office before implementing these methods. Observe all local laws and exercise all precautions.

 

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, Montreal, Quebec. 115 pp.

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, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 22 pp.

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.

 

Table 8. Wildlife damage management methods
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.
Canada Geese	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 New York State.
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.