Lush vegetation and ample waterways make Clarksville the perfect location for all sorts of yard pests. They just keep coming back, no matter what you try. So, what do the pros use to keep these annoying critters away?
In this quick, informative guide, we’ll show you:
- How to eliminate pests that tear up your yard
- How to keep squirrels off your bird feeders
- Prevention methods to keep pests away for good
- Secrets to getting get rid of annoying sparrows
Moles
Moles are small mammals that spend most of their time burrowing underground in tunnels searching for food. They are about four to seven inches long and eat about 80 percent of their body weight in insects, grubs, and earthworms. That’s because they need lots of energy to keep digging.
Moles create massive damage to lawns and gardens by tunneling to find food. This digging behavior creates large mounds and ridges in your yard. It can also leave brown streaks on your grass as a result of having the roots destroyed.
Trapping
Traditional pincer-style kill traps are the most widely used to eliminate moles. However, the scissor trap is making quick gains to replace the pincer trap.
Scissor traps are easy to set using foot pressure. Despite that, you must make sure it’s completely into the tunnel. Otherwise, the animal can burrow under it.
Once set, it mimics a dirt obstacle that the mole is glad to dig through. When the trap senses the pressure of the mole’s movement, it goes off. Then, the scissor mechanism cuts through the animal, dispatching it almost immediately.
If you don’t catch anything within two days, move your trap to a new location. Also, be sure not to introduce any foreign objects such as twigs or leaves. Moles are wary creatures and will abandon a tunnel if it suspects threatening items.
Prevention Methods
To keep moles from digging in your garden, it’s preferable to use 1/2-inch steel mesh. Place it 12 inches below the surface around the entire perimeter to keep moles from tunneling in the area.
Also, it’s best to remove food sources that attract moles to your yard. For example, an insecticide containing imidacloprid works well to kill grubs and other insects. Or you could try laying down beneficial nematodes in granular form as a natural alternative to chemical controls.
Squirrels
You can find the common gray squirrel throughout Tennessee. Unfortunately, it often becomes a nuisance by stealing food from bird feeders. In extreme cases, entire families enter into homes and begin nesting in attics or crawl spaces.
Trapping
Live-trapping is the most common way to remove adult squirrels. However, it isn’t the easiest.
First, it’s vital to ensure that the trap is the correct size. For that reason, one that is at least eight inches wide and 16 inches deep is ideal.
Next, make sure the bait you use is suitable for squirrels. For example, a mixture of birdseed rolled into chunky peanut butter works fine.
Other items to use are:
- Walnuts
- Shelled corn
- Oats
- Barley
- Melon rinds
Be sure to contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for details about current regulations and approved release sites for squirrels.
Exclusion Measures
To keep squirrels from climbing your bird feeders, consider installing squirrel baffles. These funnel-shaped devices provide obstacles for all sorts of climbing pests.
To keep squirrels out of your attic, it’s a good idea to seal all entrance holes using wire mesh, steel wool, or expansion foam. In addition, repairing eve openings and replacing broken attic vents will help keep squirrels from nesting inside your home.
House Sparrows
House sparrows were introduced in the U.S. around 1850 from England. Since then, they have spread to almost every region of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
House sparrows nest around building ledges, openings in eaves, and under bridges. They become pests due to their invasiveness toward other bird species. For humans, they are annoyances due to their large numbers and the waste they leave behind.
Because sparrows are an invasive species, nests should be destroyed. However, a special permit may be required. For that reason, it’s best to check with local wildlife officials to see what’s allowed in your area.
Exclusion Methods for Sparrows
You can keep sparrows from nesting around your home. First, seal all entrance holes, cracks, and spaces around boards, eaves, and windows. The preferred material to use is either hardware cloth or metal screening.
Next, it’s essential to install bird spikes on ledges, roof pitches, and other areas where sparrows typically roost. In addition, bird netting may help in some areas, primarily to protect young trees and saplings.
These methods also work well for pigeons, blackbirds, and starlings as well. In addition, they can help limit wildlife access to rooftops and attics.