All posts in “critters”

Badgers

Badgers

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Badgers

Badgers are short-legged omnivores and they are related to ferrets, minks, otters, weasels and wolverines. They prefer dry, open grasslands, though they are very adaptable. Some live in quarries, hedgerows, woods, and desert areas. American badgers are found in the Great Plains region of North America. They can also be found in the western United States, central western Canadian provinces and in the mountainous areas of Mexico.

Did you know that we had them in Arizona, I didn’t? It was a surprise when I got the call and more of a surprise when I saw it. Animals take advantage of our living conditions to set up their homes. Be very careful as they tend to be aggressive and vicious.

Winter Weather

Winter Weather

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Winter Weather

 

Winter weather generally means all of us are cold and that means critters as well. So as we are trying to maintain our houses, pests are trying to get in. Any hole or opportunity will allow them inside. I would recommend the use of IPM, the art of using everything at your fingertips and then getting to pesticide if you have to.

  • Do a monthly or at least quarterly check of your property.
  • Seal any cracks or holes on the home, use caulking or steel wool if rodents are involved. Remember mice need a hole the size of a dime. Rats require something in the area of a quarter to gain entry. Seal it with steel or copper wool and calking or cement.
  • Remove, replace any wood rot and seal it if possible.
  • Keep trash receptacles closed and clean and away from house.
  • Keep bushes, trees and vines away from the house.
  • Keep wood trim painted or sealed to keep away pests.
  • Keep water usage to a minimum, make sure you’re not collecting water in certain areas.
  • If you have a crawlspace keep it clean and dry, always good to keep it ventilated as well.
  • Once a year have a termite inspection done, they can also perform a pest inspection.
  • When in doubt, or maybe you don’t understand the pest – time to hire a Professional call 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

The picture is of bait in a rodent station and as you can see activity is taking place. The bricks show that something is gnawing at it, the next visit may or may not show more evidence but rodents should on the down swing.

Who is eating my fruit?

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Don’t leave fruit on the ground

Well its that time of year when the critters might be trying to get in to stay warm. With the rains, the termites might be active as well. Are birds or rodents eating the fruit that has fallen from the trees. So keep an eye out for signs of activity, what do you need to look for:

  1. Any new holes or scratching of any previous holes or opening in previously damaged wood or screens.
  2. Remove any old firewood and only bring in what you expect to use immediately.
  3. Pick up any fallen fruit and keep a watch for activity within the tree area.

Is this Orange being eaten by birds or rodents? Looks like teeth marks to me but its a tough decision…

fruit 20151218_105412

Did you know that rodent teeth continue to grow?

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This story is from Grant County, Washington and just highlights the need to understand rodents. I have on occasion had people tell me “I don’t care if I have rodents or birds in my attic”. “I don’t care if they are under my crawlspace, they are not bothering me”. Well maybe not today but how about tomorrow? What happens when they leave, what parasites do they leave behind? What damage can be done to the structure? “911 outage in Grant County possible caused by rodents”

  1. Rodents incisor teeth continue to grow and they need to keep them in check.
  2. Fleas, ticks and other critters make their homes in the nest or on the bodies of wildlife.
  3. Animals/wildlife seek shelter within our homes but it is very important to keep them out. They produce feces, urine and other bodily secretions daily – you don’t want or need them in your home.
  4. Mice urinate almost continuously, if this becomes airborne you have the chance to breath it in. This is how Hanta Virus is spread.

Home-sealing is a key to keeping them out.

StormShield

Don’t welcome those little critters into your homes.

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Every day

 

As the weather begins to change, critters will begin to find warmer areas and this could be your home or business.

In our desert environment they will often times build nest near cactus and often times will use those spines within their nest. I never could understand how they could use those spines without getting stabbed.

They will feed on berries, nuts and any type of vegetable material will find water where available including some plants.

So what can you do to prevent rodents from getting into your structure?

  • Fill in any holes around your structure, check at the roof line as well.
  • Check any holes on your property.
  • If you notice a lot of spines or cactus parts, investigate.
  • If you notice rodents feces or a smell in a garage or shed, investigate.
  • And, of course if you see rodents – investigate.

What is digging up my yard?

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Do you have holes in your yard? Have you seen critters or other animals digging in your yard? Many things can cause damage to yards, from animals digging for their food to animals or insects trying to get away from something. You know who to call…

University of AZ – grant for $250,000 – Part 2

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whatisipm

 How to do IPM?

  • Identify pests: not all creatures are pests. Proper identification helps you decide what to do about them.
  • Keep records: records give information about past pest problems, so you know when and where to look for them and what to do.
  • Keep pest away: maintain cleanness and deny food, water and shelter.
  • Non-chemical methods: managed pests by setting barriers, trapping, physical removal (by hand, vacuuming) or changing physical conditions (e.g. moisture, aeration) to make an area unfavorable for pests.
  • Use pesticides as the last resort: use least hazardous pesticides or application methods (self-contained baits, gels used as crack-and-crevice treatments, and exempt from U.S. EPA registration-25B). Use only if pests continue to be present and other methods are insufficient to manage the infestation. Regularly scheduled pesticide sprays are usually not necessary.

Tips for preventing pests at Christmas time.

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I’m not talking about uninvited people showing up at Christmas time and/or those over staying their welcome. Let’s talk about bringing in Christmas trees and the creatures we may be bringing in as well.

  1. Always check your Christmas tree for things like squirrels, remember the “Christmas Vacation” movie (I really love that movie) hilarious.
  2. Use caution when bringing things down from the attic, go through and make sure there are no rodents, bats or wildlife living in the boxes.
  3. While you are in the attic, do a little inspection – check for termites (mud or dirt and damaged wood), do you see feces from rodents or bird nests.
  4. Use caution when putting up Christmas decorations outside, you might disturb wildlife and you may accidentally fall.
  5. Use caution putting decorations into trees or bushes, critters may live there.

pinetree

Solar Fly Machine – update

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HUGE success….. My test site has an amazing amount of fly issues and they have had to dump this unit several times including feeding the flies to various critters. Solar Fly Trap

2 Thumbs up, the cost of this unit is $84.85 but well worth the cost. Unlimited usage, no throw away just refill the attractant and set in sun. Call ProBest Pest Management to place your order 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

probestpestmanagementIMAG0639

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