Gary Y. Gao
Joseph F. Boggs
Jane C. Martin
Pamela J. Bennett
Curtis E. Young
James A. Chatfield
Nuisance pests, such as rabbits, voles, squirrels, deer, skunks, and racoons, can cause significant damage to landscape plants. As more people move into previously agricultural areas, people and wildlife converge. People need to learn to interact with wildlife so that they can prevent or minimize damage to fruits, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and lawns. This report is a compilation of the noteworthy wildlife problems discussed during the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL) conferences that occurred on Tuesdays, from April to October 2000.
During the week of May 5, it was reported that squirrels were nipping off tips of maple and ash twigs. In other seasons, they have also been reported to prune off tips of spruce and hemlock. Pruned twigs are typically one to several inches in length, with a few leaves still attached.
During the week of July 20, squirrels were reported to again be nipping off small branch tips. Some tips were cut completely while others remained attached to the tree by a few fibers. The trees had many flagged branches as a result of the branches having been severed from their water source. The ground below these trees was often littered with numerous branch tips whose ends typically had a splintered appearance.
There are several reasons why squirrels practice this tree-trimming behavior. First, squirrels use the branches, twigs, and leaves to build nests. These nests can be seen in the winter after the leaves fall from the tree. Second, the squirrels may be after something to eat that is out on the tip of the branch. It may be easier and safer to nip off the branch tip and haul it in to get to the food. Third, squirrels need to clean and sharpen their teeth. They can do this by biting through materials such as wood and pulling the fibers over and between their teeth.
Apparently, some squirrels are a bit nuttier about this behavior than others. Reports of strips of bark having been ripped from the trunks of trees attributed this handy work to one of these squirrels. In these cases, several feet of bark had been removed from the trunks. Unfortunately, squirrels do not always use natural materials for this purpose. They will also use exposed electrical wire and rubber hoses. Because squirrels are aggressive rodents, very little can be done to discourage them from this behavior.
During the week of June 1, yellow-bellied sapsuckers were reported to peck on trees. The injury was quite distinctive. This woodpecker drills holes in nearly horizontal and vertical rows in the upper branches and trunks of trees. The bird then feeds on the sap or on insects that forage at the site. If injury is repeated and severe, it can eventually kill the tree. Wrapping damaged areas loosely with coarse material, such as burlap, may discourage further injury.
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a woodpecker that is approximately 7-3/4 inches long. It has a yellow belly, a mottled back, and red markings on the head. This sapsucker is common, but quiet and shy, so it is easily overlooked. It taps a distinct rhythm, in a series of two or three taps per minute, but does not drum like other woodpeckers.
During the week of July 7, chipmunks were reported to be abundant. Many gardeners and homeowners were distraught over the damage they caused. Chipmunks consumed flower bulbs, fruits, seeds, and seedlings. When present in large numbers, they can also cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, or foundations. Most often chipmunks are simply a nuisance problem.
Chipmunks are not protected by federal law, but state and local regulations may apply. Exclusion, habitat modification, repellents, trapping, and shooting are possible means of dealing with them. Use 1/4" mesh hardware cloth to exclude chipmunks from gardens and flower beds. Place bird feeders at least 15' to 30' away from homes so spilled bird seed does not attract them.
Trapping is the most practical method of eliminating chipmunks in home situations. Trapping with wire mesh traps or common rat snap traps is possible. For details on trapping, see OSU Extension Fact Sheet 1034-99, The Eastern Chipmunk in the Home, Yard, or Garden.
Moles were active in lawns during the spring of 2000. Mole damage consisted of raised tunnels that wound through the lawn and adjacent flower beds. The common or eastern mole and the hairy-tailed mole are the species commonly causing damage in the eastern United States. These mammals are classified as insectivores, and their principal diet consists of live earthworms and insect larvae. Since moles feed primarily on earthworms, assuming that controlling grubs will eliminate moles from lawns often results in disappointment.
Trapping is the most successful method of eliminating moles - but patience and persistence are needed! The best time to trap is early spring when tunnels are first noticed, or after the first fall rains. Traps work well because they capitalize on the mole's natural instinct to clear an obstructed tunnel. A harpoon trap is perhaps the easiest to use; follow the directions that come with the trap. Choker trap and claw-type traps can also be used.
Poison baits, chemical repellents, and noise devices are commercially sold for reducing mole populations. Moles rarely take baits and are usually unaffected by repellents and noise. Fumigants (gas bombs) are also available, but, again, these are rarely effective.
1. Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. University of Nebraska.
This publication is available in both book and electronic format (CD-Rom). The cost of the book is $40 plus $5 shipping, while a CD-Rom copy of the publication is $40 plus $3 shipping. Copies of both the book plus the CD-Rom can be purchased at a discount price of $60 plus $5 shipping. Reduced shipping rates are available for orders of 10 or more. Call 402-472-2188 for information.
Make check payable to University of Nebraska. Mail to Wildlife Handbook, 202 Natural Resources Hall, University of Nebraska, P. O. Box 830819, Lincoln, NE 68583-0819.
2. Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Wildlife District One
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
614-644-3925
Wildlife District Two
952 Lima Ave., Box A
Findlay, OH 45840
419-424-5000
Wildlife District Three
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
330-644-2293
Wildlife District Four
360 E. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
614-594-2211
Wildlife District Five
1076 Springfield Pike, Box 576
Xenia, OH 45385
937-372-9261
In Sandusky
419-625-8062