Huntersville Squirrel Removal Attic Raccoon Animal Control Bat Service

Wildlife Removal and Exclusion Specialist

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All your wildlife problems from squirrels destroying your attic to animals digging up your yard can be solved by calling

US Animal Control.. We are wildlife professionals that deal with all types of wildlife problems on a daily basis, and what may surprise you, is an ordinary everyday occurrence to US Animal Control. Call us any time of day or night to allow us to help solve your animal problems

After removing the nuisance animal we can repair the damage the animal has inflicted on your dwelling or structure.

Squirrel removal and squirrel control can be very challenging. It will require many different types of tools and ladders to complete this task. There are many different types of squirrel traps. Live traps in the attics aren't as effective as you might think. Trapping squirrels at the roof entrance and near the entrance can be very successful Most squirrel control service work is at the roof line if the house or dwelling. Properly trained & licensed exclusion professionals will make squirrel control, problem free. State animal control officers will respond free of charge when a squirrel is in the living areas of your home. How to Trap Squirrels & trapping Squirrels Squirrel Removal Prevention

Raccoon control and removal is very dangerous work. Raccoons have a higher possibility of carrying rabies and will be aggressive if cornered in the attic or inside your chimney. See page on raccoon diseases Most county and state animal control officials will respond to a raccoon inside you living areas of your home at no charge. Raccoons cause damage or nuisance problems around houses and outbuildings when they seek to gain entrance to attics or chimneys or when they raid garbage in search of food. In many urban or suburban areas, raccoons are learning that uncapped chimneys make very adequate substitutes for more traditional hollow trees for use as denning sites, particularly in spring. In extreme cases, raccoons may tear off shingles or facia boards in order to gain access to an attic or wall space. When the raccoon takes up residence in your yard, crawlspace, attic, and chimney then you need a professional. Most wildlife removal and control professionals have had a rabies pre-exposure vaccine administered to them. Trapping raccoons will be the best form of control. Raccoons that enter traps must always be treated as if they have rabies. Tips on how to trap raccoons and raccoon trapping

Skunk control and removal will always be unpredictable. Trapping skunks pose a special problem. How do you get the skunk out of the trap? The best way to remove a live skunk from your trap is to talk to it. This lets the trapped skunk know where you are at all times. When talking to the skunk, you don't startle the trapped animal. The spray from a skunk can linger for weeks. unless you are very brave and or very confident, always have a professional remove these friendly but smelly creatures.

Opossum trapping and removal is less dangerous than most other wildlife control. it is still not for everyone. Trapping opossums to remove them from under your building will keep them from eating your trash. Removal is the best form of opossum control. The opossum is part of the kangaroo family. usually the opossum resides in the lower areas of your dwelling. The opossum usually feeds on the dead caucus of other animals. Trapping, removal and exclusion is the best way to handle these creatures.

There are more than 60 different species of opossum, which are often called possums. The most notable is the Virginia opossum or common opossum�the only marsupial (pouched mammal) found in the United States and Canada. A female opossum gives birth to helpless young as tiny as honeybees. Babies immediately crawl into the mother's pouch, where they continue to develop. As they get larger, they will go in and out of the pouch and sometimes ride on the mother's back as she hunts for food. Opossums may give birth to as many as 20 babies in a litter, but fewer than half of them survive. Some never even make it as far as the pouch. Opossums are scavengers, and they often visit human homes or settlements to raid garbage cans, dumpsters, and other containers. They are attracted to carrion and can often be spotted near roadkill. Opossums also eat grass, nuts, and fruit. They will hunt mice, birds, insects, worms, snakes, and even chickens. These animals are most famous for "playing possum." When threatened by dogs, foxes, or bobcats, opossums sometimes flop onto their sides and lie on the ground with their eyes closed or staring fixedly into space. They extend their tongues and generally appear to be dead. This ploy may put a predator off its guard and allow the opossum an opportunity to make its escape. Opossums are excellent tree climbers and spend much of their time aloft. They are aided in this by sharp claws, which dig into bark, and by a long prehensile (gripping) tail that can be used as an extra limb. Opossums nest in tree holes or in dens made by other animals. These animals are widespread and are sometimes hunted as food, particularly in the southern United States.

Snakes get the worst publicity of all. They have been feared since biblical times. Although snakes are sometimes thought to stalk humans that's quite untrue. they're very east to predict. Food, heat and water is all they pursue. Take any of these things out of the equation and the snake leaves. Wildlife control professionals know how to remove the factors and then remove the snake problem.

What Rebecca Hurst thought was the sound of sprinklers outside her Bluffton home Sunday night was actually the rattling of a venomous snake. Rebecca,her husband, John, and their 5-year-old daughter, Jenny, had recently returned from a four-day vacation. After relaxing on his rocking chair on the back patio, John Hurst went inside the house around 10:30 p.m. but left the patio door open. "I heard this sound that sounded like water gushing in the sink," Rebecca Hurst said. "I got out the flashlight. I shined it to the left where the sprinklers are, and there was a huge coiled-up snake." The Hursts called 911. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office responded and confirmed it was a canebrake rattlesnake. The Hursts asked the Sheriff's Office to remove the snake, and a deputy shot it, Rebecca Hurst said. "We had no choice; that thing was huge," she said. Canebrake rattle snakes typically grow to four to six feet long, according to DNR wildlife biologist Anna Tarter. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said snakes are on the move now to find mates and places to lay their eggs, and residents should be aware when they go outside to garden. With the recent rains, snakes also could be looking for dry ground if their holes have been flooded, said Tarter. If you find a snake in your yard, you should leave it alone and call an animal removal service or local law enforcement. Liz Mitchell, staff writer

Beavers destroy man made habitat, but create much needed wetlands. The beaver will never stop tearing down trees and blocking waterways. Most humans cannot tolerate beavers when they devour the ornamental trees that humans plant . Hancock traps can remove beavers live.

Birds crap all over everything. from starlings nesting in vents to pigeons roosting at areas where humans do business, birds create many environmental hazards. Removal and control of birds in attics and vents require specialized tools including rods, cameras and blowers to remove nests and to blow the loose debris out. Installation of bird netting and bird spikes are preventive ways in which to deal with birds.

Bats and Bat removal in the United States are considered dangerous carriers of rabies and should be excluded by professionals. When doing bat removal there are to many variables in which to consider in bat control and exclusion. Every situation with a bat removal and cat control work are considered unique and should be evaluated and handled by a state licensed wildlife Bat removal, animal control professional. Experience is the key in removing these critters. From vents with a maternity colony to completely infested buildings, bat removal and bat exclusion work is the most detailed work that can be done by the certified bat removal professional. In most States Bat control is best done by a bat removal service using exclusion methods and repairing the building is recomended. Bat removal And control season is now upon us.

I live in an old farmhouse and have always had bats in the attic. My attitude was �they could have the attic and I would have the rest of the house�. I had no flies, mosquitoes, and very few other flying insects. It worked quite well for a number of years. We lived in harmony, more or less. Unfortunately, word got out and I soon had 4 colonies in the attic. Than a black snake took up residence. Harmony was destroyed and utter chaos took its place. Bats began to slip under the doors, through the keyholes, down the chimney etc.etc. Princess Nephriti (the Siamese cat) thought that this event was on a par with the invention of Fancy Feast and as playmates, right up there with snakes (that�s another story). She would sit on the newel post of the stairs, and when one would fly by, she would grab them in mid-air. She would then come to me with bat in mouth and wings flapping. I would grab the leather gloves, take it out of her mouth and pitch it outside. After a few episodes of this, she stopped bringing them to me and would instead play with them, throwing them in the air and jumping up after them. Than I noticed that she wasn�t sleeping much during the day anymore. Found her sitting in front of the woodstove patiently waiting for a bat to come out. They would come down the chimney and slip out through the air vents. After I shut those down, they would slip out where the stove pipes fit together: a bat would slip a wing through, than his body and head and than the other wing. Nephie always waited until they were all the way through before pouncing. She always got her bat. It got to the point where Nephie couldn�t keep up with the traffic and when I came downstairs one morning to find a row of bats hanging from a bookcase I gave up. Called in professional help, my bat removal service responded promptly. We all live in harmony once again, the snake is still in the attic, he got to fat to get out again. At least I hope it�s a he and not a she producing little snakes.

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Huntersville residents love the outdoors: outdoor recreation, trapping, wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking and camping in addition to Huntersville adventure sports like rock climbing, white water rafting and canoeing, skiing and other activities. Many Huntersville residents enjoy simply watching wildlife. Nest boxes for birds, bats, squirrels, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, opossums and other wildlife are popular items purchased or constructed by many people. Huntersville residents spend large amounts of money feeding wildlife -- primarily birds. In addition, gardening, landscaping and wildlife observation are popular past times for young and old alike. While many Huntersville residents enjoy watching wildlife, sometimes wildlife interferes with other human activities. Wildlife eat our birdseed, dig up our gardens and landscape plants, and eat or damage our fruit, flowers and vegetables. When wildlife populate a place where they are unwanted or cause damage to valuable plants or structures, they are no longer appreciated. Instead they become a nuisance and need to be trapped and removed. We will discuss some basic principles for dealing humanely with nuisance wildlife.

Dont Break the Law / Legal Issues

Huntersville State and federal laws protect nearly all Huntersville wildlife. These laws regulate which species can be harassed, harvested, trapped, hunted or harmed. Wildlife are generally defined as free-ranging, terrestrial animals. Fish are usually treated separately by the states. This definition excludes feral animals like cats. Generally, all Huntersville wildlife are protected and cannot be harmed. This usually includes snakes, lizards, frogs and toads, and all wild animals. There are exceptions, and you should learn the laws if you work with nuisance wildlife. These laws can be found on the website of the state agency responsible for wildlife protection. In Huntersville, that agency is the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of the Huntersville Department of Natural Resources (DNR) All native birds are federally protected in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (http://laws.fws.gov/lawsdigest/migtrea.html). Non-native and non-protected exotics are the House Sparrow , European Starling , Domestic Pigeon or Rock Dove , the Monk parakeet , and the Eurasian collared dove . This law is a strict liability law with no requirement to prove intent. This means that enforcement is absolute and not discretionary. Huntersville residents may not pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or possess at any time any migratory bird or any part, nest or egg. This includes all feathers, eggs, shells, nest or other part. Federal salvage permits are required to possess any bird. For the purposes of this law, all birds are considered migratory. The best advice is to leave all birds alone and as you find them. Licensed rehabilitators only can care for injured birds. Other bird protection laws include the Bald Eagle Protection Act (http://ipl.unm.edu/cwl/fedbook/eagleact.html) and the Endangered Species Act (http://endangered.fws.gov/ESA/ESA.html). Huntersville residents can protect property from wildlife committing or about to commit damage. Huntersville residents can obtain permits to trap house mice because, as an exotic species, they are not protected. Consider lethal measures as a last resort, however. Most Huntersville residents can deal quite effectively with wildlife using safe, non-lethal means.

Wildlife Removal Help Is Available

Huntersville residents seeking assistance for dealing with nuisance wildlife have several avenues available to them. Options are outlined here. County Agriculture Extension Agent -- located in most Huntersville counties, the county agent will provide advice on nuisance wildlife control, damage prevention and individual removal. Huntersville agencies may also lend you traps and can supply printed literature for many problems a homeowner is likely to encounter. Huntersville State Wildlife Biologists -- may offer advice and programs. Conservation or law enforcement officers (Game Wardens) may issue permits for taking nuisance wildlife. U.S. Department of Agriculture -- Wildlife Services -- a federal agency that deals with nuisance wildlife in both municipal and agriculture settings. Wildlife Services offer two support levels: Technical Advice -- handouts, videos, verbal support and/or they will sell or loan you a trap, conduct field demonstrations. Operational Support -- they will perform certain work for landowners for a fee. A signed contract is required. In Texas TX, contact Wildlife Services Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO; pronounced "newco"). These individuals own and operate their own wildlife control business and charge for their services removing, via trapping or exclusion, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, snakes, opossums, and most wildlife that is not protected. They are licensed by the state and most are insured and can often be located in the phone book under "Pest Control" or "Animal Removal Services". These Huntersville wildlife operators are different from the common termite control service providers and one should not be confused with the other. These Huntersville wildlife operators are also different from the county "dog catcher" or "Animal Control Officer." Animal control usually will not catch a skunk or snake for a homeowner, but there is a lot of variability here and each county and situation is different. One should not use a pest control (bug guy) business to remove animals, unless that pest control business is licensed for wildlife removal.

You Are the Solution / Do what the wildlife control operator advises

As a Huntersville homeowner if you do not want to hire someone there are several options available for the do-it-yourselfer. What follows are some simple guidelines to assist the homeowner in solving their nuisance wildlife problem.

Rules of Thumb

Huntersville Wildlife needs three things -- food, water and shelter. Remove anyone of these and the animals will go somewhere else. But remember: Treat the problem not the symptom.

Example No. 1: There is a Huntersville opossum in the shed eating the dog/cat food.

Wrong Answer -- trap the opossum and relocate it. This will provide a short-term solution but not solve the problem. In a few days, another hungry animal will be back in the shed.

Right Answer -- seal the pet food in a container with a tight fitting lid, seal openings to the shed, and relocate the opossum. This removes the problem (pet food in an open and accessible container) and the symptom (a hungry opossum).

Right Answer -- treat yard for grubs, trap the mole, and reduce watering. This will remove the offending animal, the food source that attracted the mole and the conditions that favor the grubs.

Learnthe biology of the animal. Huntersville Moles eat insects and earthworms. Watering may lure the insects and earthworms to near the surface. Huntersville Moles look there for food.

Animal Signs

When diagnosing animal damage problems, you should look for signleft by the animal. Almost all Huntersville animals leave signs -- some are more obvious, some are easier to identify, but the sign is usually there some where. Droppings are often readily observed, especially for Huntersville mammals. Fresh droppings are black, shiny and moist. Old droppings are dry, brown or gray. Black and white droppings could be from a bird, snake or lizard. Sizeis important for identification. Huntersville Rats, Huntersville mice, Huntersville chipmunks and Huntersville toads leave droppings the size of a rice grain. Huntersville Rabbit droppings are pea size and usuallybrown. Huntersville Deer droppings are large ovals and could be deposited loosely or in a large clump, depending on diet. Even in a clump, individual pellets can be easily recognized.

Another obvious sign of Huntersville animal damage is digging. Here again there are important clues to the culprit. Diameter of the hole is a clue to the size of animal culprit. If a dirt mound is present, this could be due to a Huntersville woodchuck, Huntersville turtle, Huntersville armadillo or Huntersville coyote. If a dirt mound is not present,this could indicate a Huntersville chipmunk, Huntersville skunk, Huntersville mole or Huntersville vole. Tunnels in the dirt but near the surface are likely a Huntersville mole or vole. Remember, moles eat insects,earthworms or grubs. Huntersville Voles eat plants and plant parts like bulbs,roots, tubers or bark. Try this simple procedure to distinguish moles from voles.

Apple test -- place a piece of apple in the tunnel under a board; if the apple is eaten, it is a vole; if not, it is a mole.

And finally, armadillos dig an inverted, cone shaped hole, 3-4 inches deep and 1-2 inches in diameter.

Other sign includes gnawing. Look for the size of tooth marks and the size of the stem or root gnawed. This will be a clue to vole, chipmunk, squirrel, beaver or rabbit. Also consider browsing by deer. Deer lack upper incisors. If leaves are pulled and have a ragged end, then deer are likely to blame. However, if leaves are clipped or bitten with clean, sharp ends, then the offender is likely to be a rabbit, squirrel or wood rat. Also, if branches are cut, then consider the squirrel or rabbit as the responsible party. Finally, ask "What was the height where damage occurred?" Deer can easily reach 4� to 6 feet up the stem while rabbits and woodchucks reach about 1 foot or more. Vole and chipmunk damage is usually close to the ground and could be restricted to roots.

There are others signs of nuisance wildlife as well. One annoying habit of wildlife invaders is noise. Noise inside a wall could be mice. Noise inside the attic or crawl space could be mice, Huntersville bats, Huntersville squirrels, Huntersville raccoons, Huntersville skunks, opossums or birds. Noise in a chimney often suggests the culprit is a squirrel, raccoon, birds or bats. Attic noise at night could be Huntersville mice,Huntersville bats or Huntersville flying squirrels, while attic noise during the day could be Huntersville gray squirrels.

Do not overlook some simple clues such as time of day. A nocturnal (active at night) animal like wood rat, Huntersville raccoon, Huntersville skunk or opossum causes holes or other dam-age to appear overnight. Holes that appear during the day are caused by diurnal (active during the day) animals such as Huntersville squirrel, chipmunks or woodchucks. If damage is to a bird feeder due to squirrel activity, try moving the bird feeder away from house, deck rail or tree limbs. You could also mount the feeder on a slick pole or add a predator guard.

Citizen Options for Huntersville Nuisance Wildlife Issues

Before you panic, spend a lot of money to hire someone or sell your house think of the model we will define as H-E-R-L. Work through this model and you may be able to solve most problems. The letters in the HERL model stand for specific actions you, as the homeowner, can take to deal with many nuisance wildlife situations. The steps in the model are outlined below.

Step 1: H - Habitat Modification

The steps undertaken to make a habitat unattractive are often the opposite of activities a homeowner might undertake to encourage wildlife and create backyard habitat. It is often difficult or impossible to both create habitat for wildlife you want to encourage and, at the same time, remove habitat to discourage wildlife. The animals cannot tell the difference and often you will be left with both attracting wildlife and dealing with nuisance species in the same habitat. By remembering and following these steps, however, you can enhance your enjoyment of wildlife around your home. Without habitat (such as, cover to hide in or food to eat) the animal will leave. Remember this simple equation: No cover = no mice = no snakes.

Step 2: E -- Exclusion THE BEST SOLUTION

This option includes using fencing or other solid materials to exclude wildlife by creating a physical barrier. For large animals (such as wild pigs or dogs) use welded wire or "hog" wire with a 2" x 4" mesh size about 48"-60" tall. Chain link fence also works but is more expensive. Wooden fence also works. Stake or secure the fence firmly to the ground For deer, fences should be 8 feet tall or more to ensure success, but even this is not guaranteed because deer can crawl under a fence, fences can be damaged by falling limbs, or trees or other factors can allow deer inside. For small animals such as opossum, woodchuck, Huntersville raccoon, Huntersville fox or Huntersville squirrel use chicken wire, hardware cloth or electric fence. Chicken wire -- 2 feet tall and buried 6-12 inches for diggers like rabbits, Huntersville skunks, opossums and Huntersville armadillos Hardware cloth -- � to � inch mesh, 1-2 feet tall and also buried 6-12 inches will exclude chipmunks, moles, voles and other small animals from gardens and flower beds. This can be combined with decorative fence around flowerbeds and shrubbery. For certain large animals, like deer, use an electric fence. Many brands are available, including single strand "hot-tape," which consists of vinyl webbing imbedded with fine conducting wires. This is usually hooked to a 12-volt battery or 110-volt household current. Some models use solar power or D cell batteries and are very effective. Spreading peanut butter on the wire or wires (or on aluminum foil attached to the wires) will encourage the deer (or other animals) to contact the fence and receive a mild shock, which should deter future contact. These fences will deter some animals but do not have enough energy to injure animals or people.

In addition to fencing, other materials are often used to exclude animals from dwellings. Chimneys -- capped to prevent raccoons, Huntersville bats, Huntersville squirrels and birds from entering. Soffit vents -- keep in good repair; often used as entry point for insects, Huntersville bats, and birds. Gable end of house/barn -- block animals by using hardware cloth or screens but maintain airflow to cool attic and buildings. This is often the entry point for Huntersville flying squirrels, Huntersville gray squirrels, Huntersville bats and birds like pigeons, wrens, house sparrows, European starlings and swallows. Windows and doors -- These are entry points for snakes, bugs, mice and some large animals like Huntersville raccoons and opossums if the doors on garages or sheds are not closed or properly sealed. Close doors and windows; repair screens and maintain proper weather seal. Dryer vent -- entry for snakes and mice. Cover vent with screen large enough to vent hot dryer air but to exclude animals.

Step 3: R - Removal or Repellents / DO NOT RELY ON REPELLENTS ALONE

Removal -- trap offending animal and relocate to a safe area � to 5 miles away. Move larger animals a greater distance. Remember -- you must have permission of the landowner and possibly a permit issued by Huntersville DNR before relocating wildlife. Check with your local conservation officer.

In many states it is illegal to relocate animals. Check with the state wildlife agency before moving animals.

These products are available from home improvement stores, farm and garden suppliers, nurseries, the Internet or forestry supply companies. Most are available in ready-to-use form; some require mixing with water. Most are sprayed on plants. However, some are not labeled for use on edible crops or vegetable gardens. Read and follow all label restrictions. Human hair, soap, cat urine, garlic and many other remedies have been suggested with varying degrees of success. This table lists some of the commercially available products, some of which have been tested in controlled experiments. In general, it seems that a combination of repellents or repellents and physical barriers provide the most effective solution to preventing damage to landscape and garden plants. Other forms of repellent work with tactile or visual senses. Tactile -- water spray; motion activated sprinklers are relatively new to the market and not yet widely tested.

Generally, success or failure depends on the size of the animal population, palatability or growth stage of the plants, type of damage, hunger of the animal and conditioning of the animal. Let's review for a moment. Always remember that if it sounds too good to be true -- it probably is. In general, sonic devices that claim to repel animals with sound waves that only the animal can hear probably are not effective. Always use common sense and good judgement before spending money on repellent items that make unbelievable claims of effectiveness. Here is a list of other products that have been tried as repellents. Homeowners can experiment with each until they find a product or combination that produces satisfactory results.

Capsaicin -- Miller's Hot Sauce� Deer Away� -- not for use on edible crops; place a band around plants or garden Castor Oil Suggested for moles -- untested Egg Solids

Step 4: L -- Lethal Control

This may require permits from federal and/or state wildlife agencies but generally is allowed for homeowners dealing with a small number of pests. Remember that wildlife, especially birds, are protected. Even if only one woodpecker is causing damage, a federal (and possibly state) permit is required.

Trapping Live trap or kill trap -- what should you do with a live, trapped animal?

Live trapping is not recommended for homeowners when dealing with animals such as raccoons or skunks, which can transmit rabies. Generally the animal is disposed of; many localities require testing for rabies. Leave this type of trapping to professionals. Generally, homeowners should not attempt to live capture wild animals. If, however, you are prepared to undertake live trapping, then consider these guidelines.

Once caught, the animal will be aggressive. Approach the trap slowly and quietly, cover it with a cloth, relocate the animal 5 miles away but remember, is may be illegal or ill advised to move animals. Call a professional in these situations or consult the state fish and wildlife agency.

Several brands of traps are available for live capturing animals. Most are wire but some are solid or fully enclosed. Place traps near burrows or runways. Face trap into opening or hiding cover. Cover the trap to provide a dark area more attractive to animals. Protect trap from children and pets. Protect trapped animal from harassment by pets or exposure to sun, rain or snow. Use simple baits similar to natural foods. For predators or carnivores, use canned cat food or sardines. For herbivores, use peanut butter or sliced apples. Peanuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and oatmeal balls, walnuts or pecans may also work.

Kill traps, mouse and rat traps are readily available to most homeowners; they are simple to use and relatively harmless to humans.

Bait with peanut butter -- a small amount on the bait pad Place the trap so the bait pan is next to the wall Other types of traps are multi-catch mousetraps; pigeon traps with swinging, one-way doors and numerous other designs. Consult a nuisance wildlife operator for details. Poison Bait -- Many homeowners can use a poison bait to control rats and mice or other small rodents. These baits are sold at home improvement stores, lawn and garden stores or hardware stores.

Summary

Many other items and remedies have been suggested. Most are untested but appear to have some value in limited situations. Try a variety of approaches to solving your specific problem and see what works. Remember, many solutions are temporary. Animals learn to avoid our traps or get accustomed to various odors, sprays, scare devices or other solutions. In general, noise repellents are not proven to be effective against moles, bats or rodents. Snakes are deaf, so this won't work for them either. Powders such as naphthalene or sulphur may have some limited effectiveness in confined situations but are not likely to be effective when broadcast over a large area. In fact, these common chemicals can be harmful if used incorrectly. Always read and follow labels.

Other products that claim to be effective may not have been tested in controlled environments and should be viewed with caution. Always read labels and follow directions. Do not apply pesticides or toxicants without proper safety equipment and training. Do not use in a manner inconsistent with the safety label.

Additional Resources

Numerous books are available about dealing with wildlife in home and garden situations. Local libraries and on-line bookstores may carry these items. County agricultural extension agents (http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/) are an excellent source of information, knowledge, reading material and, sometimes, they sponsor classes or clinics for gardening and landscaping. The Internet has a vast amount of information, if you spend the time searching. A very valuable source of information is the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management at the University of Nebraska (http://icwdm.org). Other sites include Land Grant University Extension Service Web pages, state wildlife departments, on-line bookstores, and both private and commercial product Web pages. It is good advice to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And in general, when dealing with nuisance wildlife, often several techniques used together work best. Patience is often necessary as well as some imagination.

Your county agricultural and natural resource agent or state wildlife specialist can offer other suggestions and specific advice for dealing with nuisance wildlife.