Philadelphia is home to a wide range of yard pests. These include chipmunks, bats, and all sorts of stinging insects.
The best way to remove yard pests is to:
- Eliminate food sources
- Seal entry areas
- Use live traps where practical
- Use poison baits only where allowed by law
- Use bird spikes to avoid roosting
Here, we’ll show you:
- How to use easy sanitation measures to prevent yard pests
- What kind of traps are best for small animals
- How to modify bat and bird habitats
- Where to use repellents for maximum effectiveness
How To Keep Bats Away From Your Property
Modifying Bat Roosting Sites
Bat roosting sites include human-made structures such as homes, bridges, or barns. Sometimes bats will enter houses through open windows or doors. They also can fly through openings at the top of chimneys.
However, these are relatively simple fixes. First, make sure all door and window screens fit tightly. Then, install 1/2 inch wire mesh over chimney tops.
Also, check these areas for entry holes:
- Pipe entry points
- Beneath eves
- Air vents
- Plumbing vents
- Roof caps
Use steel wool for pipe entry points. Use expansion foam around electrical entry points and close eaves and overhangs with ½ inch metal screen material.
Bat Repellents
Ultrasonic repellers seldom work for bats. Also, sprays and granular repellents used for other types of animals are equally ineffective. So, it’s best to simply seal them out.
Eliminating German Yellowjackets
Knocking Down Nests
German yellowjackets tend to nest in buildings. Therefore, it’s best to let a professional exterminator handle getting rid of these pests for you.
However, if you’re going to tackle the job yourself, use a high-pressure aerosol wasp spray for best results. Also, you need to be no farther back than about 10 feet to ensure the liquid doesn’t become dispersed.
It’s best to treat the nest at dusk when the insects are subdued. Also, it’s a good idea to wear a face shield, welders gloves, and a long-sleeve shirt to minimize the chance of getting stung.
How To Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard
Kill Traps for Moles
Snap traps for moles are legal in Pennsylvania. However, it’s essential to make sure you place them out of reach of children and pets.
A safer option is the scissor-jaw trap. These spring-loaded devices go into the ground, typically in the tunnel (run) where moles travel. Once tripped, the scissors trap the mole and quickly kill it.
Baiting
Mole baits are legal to use in Pennsylvania. However, regulations state that they need to be placed in the ground and covered over with turf. This ensures non-target animals aren’t poisoned.
How To Scare Blackbirds Away
Bird Exclusion Measures
Bird spike strips are the best way to keep birds from roosting in areas you don’t want them. However, it’s vital to keep them out of reach of children and pets. These metal spikes are sharp and can cause severe injury.
The latest innovation uses plastic spikes instead of metal ones. This eco-friendly design won’t harm people or non-target animals, and it allows you to install them where regular spikes would not typically be allowed.
Scaring Devices
Ultrasonic repellers are available for birds, rodents, and small animals. But instead, you can save some money by setting up some fake decoys in the shape of owls and hawks.
However, birds tend to get used to these devices. So, you may have to rotate them frequently, which some users deem to be too inconvenient.
Getting Rid of Chipmunks
Eliminate Food Sources
Be sure to limit food for chipmunks around your home. This includes sealing both trash cans and pet food containers. It also means keeping nuts and berries picked up from yards.
Chipmunks also love birdseed. So, it’s best to remove any that has spilled. Also, you may want to try using squirrel baffles to keep both squirrels and chipmunks away from bird feeders.
Live Trapping
Trapping chipmunks isn’t always practical. Still, it may be worthwhile if you’ve noticed only a few in your yard.
Set an eight-inch wide metal trap that is at least 16 inches deep. Use a combination of peanut butter and birdseed for the bait. Also, it’s best to place it under the trip plate for superior results.
Natural Chipmunk Repellents
Natural wildlife repellents work on a wide variety of pests, including:
- Chipmunks
- Squirrels
- Opossums
- Skunks
- Rats and mice
The active ingredient is typically a combination of natural essential oils. So, they’re safe for the environment. Lastly, they usually come in either liquid or solid granular form.