Gary Y. Gao
Joseph F. Boggs
Jane C. Martin
Charles T. Behnke
James A. Chatfield
Nuisance pests, such as rabbits, voles, squirrels, deers, skunks, and racoons, caused damage to Ohio landscape plants in 1997. The control measures vary for each. However, the principles of wildlife damage prevention and control are similar. They include physical exclusion, live trapping, relocation of wildlife, alteration of habitats, shooting, and use of chemical and physical deterrents.
Prevention and control of wildlife damage are an increasingly important part of the wildlife management profession because of expanding human populations and intensified land use. As more people move into previously agricultural areas, people and wildlife merge. People wish to control wildlife so that they can prevent or minimize damages to fruits, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and lawns. It is important to be aware of ways to handle wildlife problems as they relate to different geographic areas. This report is a compilation of the note-worthy wildlife problems discussed during the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL) conferences that occurred on Tuesdays, from April to October in 1997.
The first sign of rabbit damage was reported in the first week of May. The top was eaten off newly planted ornamental blue fescues, and violas were eaten down to their crowns.
Rabbit feeding injury to euonymus was reported during the third week of July. Branches showed characteristic damage - young stems were severed cleanly at an angle. These stems wilted very rapidly. Control measures include exclusion with a low fence or hardware cloth cylinders, trapping, or taste repellents.
Vole injury on junipers was reported in the first week of April. Diagnosticians should check on the undersides of branches of low-growing junipers. Gnawing injury from vole feeding on the stems is normally seen on the undersides of stems.
Squirrels were reported to clip twigs and remove bark from large and small deciduous trees. Damage to a small red buckeye was severe. BYGLers speculated that the bark stripping, twig clipping behavior may be associated with the rodents' need to gnaw frequently in order to wear down their front incisors. Unlike their forest brethren, urban squirrels often have fewer nuts such as acorns available, and bird seed probably offers little resistance to their four large incisor teeth.
Recommended control efforts primarily center on trapping (e.g., box and cage traps) and relocation. Taste repellents are also recommended to protect trees and shrubs; however, most are very water soluble and require frequent reapplication.
Flower buds on roses were nipped off by deer in southern Ohio, and similar phenomena were observed in northern Ohio. Deer damage is very difficult to control. Deer repellents such as "Deer-Away," "Hinder," "Thiram," "Miller's Hot Sauce Animal Repellent," "Tankage," "Ropel," hair bags, and bar soap may provide some short-term relief. It is important to read labels of commercial repellents to make sure target plants are listed.
Permanent, high-tensile electric fencing will provide year-round protection from deer damage. For more information on this recommendation, refer to Wisconsin Extension Fact Sheet G3083, Controlling Deer Damage in Wisconsin. To get a copy, contact Wisconsin Extension Publications at 608-262-3346.
Skunks and racoons caused significant damage to home lawns. Although skunks and racoons are dissimilar in appearance and classification, they all invade homes, damage lawns, and raid chicken coops and bee hives. They will continue to dig up lawns as long as grubs and earthworms are present.
Control methods are the same for both, but with extra precautions for skunks. They include habitat modification, live trapping, exclusion with fencing, fumigants, and shooting. Be sure to check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for appropriate permits before attempting to trap, fumigate, or shoot skunks and racoons. The most effective solution to skunk and racoon management is to make your home, lawn, and landscape unattractive to them by eliminating protective covers such as brush and wood piles, food sources such as pet food dishes and uncovered garbage cans, and potential sites for denning. It may be preferable to hire a pest control professional to deal with skunk and racoon problems, being sure that they have ODNR permits.
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage, University of Nebraska.
This publication is available in both book and electronic format (CD-Rom). Copies of the book are $40.00 each plus $5.00 shipping. CD-Rom copies of the publication are $40.00 each plus $3.00 shipping. Copies of the book plus CD-Rom are available at a discount price of $60.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Reduced shipping rates are available for orders of 10 or more. Call 402-472-2188 for information.
Make check payable to the University of Nebraska. Mail to:
Wildlife Handbook
202 Natural Resources Hall
University of Nebraska
P. O. Box 830819
Lincoln, NE 68583-0819
Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Wildlife District One
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-644-3925
Wildlife District Two
952 Lima Ave., Box A
Findlay, OH 45840
Phone: 419-424-5000
Wildlife District Three
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
Phone: 330-644-2293
Wildlife District Four
360 E. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740-594-2211
Wildlife District Five
1076 Springfield Pike, Box 576
Xenia, OH 45385
Phone: 937-372-9261
In Sandusky
Phone: 419-625-8062