There are many yard pests in Memphis that will wreck your tree saplings, plants, and grass. So, it’s vital to keep the critters out. But how do you do that?
Here’s what you need to do to combat pests in your yard:
1. Live-trap animals using an attractant bait suitable for the type of pest you’re trying to catch
2. Use poison baits sparingly where children and pets can’t get to them
3. Limit food sources around outside areas
4. Use scaring devices for birds
5. Spray natural repellents to keep insects, rodents, and small animals from coming back.
In this targeted guide, we’ll show you:
- How to set humane traps for rodents and wildlife pests
- Where and how to employs poison baits
- What sanitation measures are necessary to keep pests away
- Mechanical methods for reducing yard pest populations
- Bird control for beginners
- How the pros eliminate even the most stubborn pests from yards
How To Get Moles and Voles Out of Your Yard
Trapping
Place scissor traps directly into tunnels. However, be sure to set them correctly. You don’t want to have just one side contacting the animal.
There are no baits to worry about with these traps. However, you should place at least two per run for maximum effectiveness.
Baiting
Poison baits are okay to use in Tennessee. However, read the label directions carefully. Placing these toxic substances can cause damage to pets and non-target wildlife.
Repellents
There are several types of repellents you can use for keeping moles out of your yard. Most are all-natural. They are made from essential oils that are non-toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.
Removing Food Sources
Here are a few tips for making your yard less attractive to moles:
- Reduce insects using granular insect baits
- Keep grubs at bay by spraying your yard regularly
- Avoid overwatering your lawn
- Eliminate tunnels and mounds where practical
How To Get Rid of Raccoons
Trapping Raccoons
Trapping raccoons is not an easy endeavor. However, with a bit of practice, you’ll be catching them like a pro. Follow these simple guidelines to achieve quick results.
- Use a live animal trap that is at least 12 inches wide and 32 inches deep.
- Bait your trap with fish, rotten meat, or canned dog food
- Be sure to place the bait behind the trip plate
- You don’t need to set the trip plate too sensitive since raccoons are medium-sized animals
All animals you trap should be released outside the city limits. Also, avoid transporting raccoons in enclosed vehicles. That’s because they are known to carry airborne diseases.
Prevention Measures for Raccoons
Raccoons will eat almost anything. That’s why it’s crucial to limit easy access to food sources.
Here are the favorite foods of raccoons:
- Live poultry
- Eggs from several species, including waterfowl
- Fruits
- Pet foods
- Vegetables
Be sure to seal trash containers tightly, especially if they’re kept in outdoor areas. Also, make sure all pet food is stored in proper containers. As mentioned earlier, raccoons love the grainy texture of dog and cat food.
How To Eliminate Squirrels From Your Yard
Trapping Squirrels
Be sure to use squirrel traps that are at least eight inches wide and 17 inches in length. The best bait to use is chunky peanut butter.
Once trapped, it’s essential to wear gloves when getting ready to set the animal free. Also, be sure to release it right away, so it has a greater chance of survival.
Mechanical Devices for Squirrels
Squirrels love bird food, and they often make a mess of bird feeders while climbing to them to access their food.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to use squirrel baffles. They fit around the bird feeder pole and block the squirrel from climbing.
How To Keep Starlings From Making a Mess
Exclusion Techniques
Starlings roost anywhere there’s a ledge. Also, they look for nesting spots around eaves, overhangs, and attics. So, it’s a good idea to seal these areas with wire mesh, expansion foam, or steel wool materials.
Mechanical Repellents
One of the best methods for keeping birds from roosting is to install bird spikes on roofs, ledges, and overhangs. This technique has the added benefit of repelling squirrels and roof rats as well.
Scaring Devices
Fake decoys in the shape of owls or falcons can sometimes scare away starlings and other bird species. However, it’s best to rotate these devices every three weeks. That’s because most bird species become accustomed to scare devices easily.