Dallas is home to a wide variety of yard pests. They destroy lawns, plants, and tree saplings, causing widespread economic damage. So, how do you keep these pesky critters from doing all that?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Limit food sources for deer, raccoons, and other wildlife
- Utilize mechanical controls such as bird spikes for pigeons
- Employ rodenticide baits where children and pets can’t access them
- Live trap animals with attractant baits specifically for their species
- Use natural repellents for long-term control of nuisance wildlife
In this focused guide, we’ll show you:
- How to employ easy sanitation measures to keep pests away for good
- How to get rid of pigeons from your home or business
- How to safely use rodent baits without harming other animals
- How to set and release live animal traps
- How to employ the same methods the pros use to keep pests out of yards
How To Get Rid of Moles
Easy Sanitation Measures
Here are a few simple hacks for making your yard less attractive to moles:
- Eliminate tunnels and mounds from your yard
- Avoid overwatering your grass
- Spray your lawn for grubs regularly
- Moles feed on insects. Reduce this food source by using granular insect baits for yard and garden areas
Trapping
Scissor traps are best to use for tunneling moles. Once you set them, they work by sensing the animal’s vibration as they travel underground. Then, as it passes under the trap, a scissors mechanism cuts the mole in half, killing it instantly.
You do not have to bait scissor traps. However, you should place at least two per run to ensure enough coverage in the area.
Poison Baits
Mole baits are legal to use in Texas. However, be sure to place granules at least six inches into tunnels. Then, cover the hole with dirt. This procedure will ensure that non-target animals will remain safe.
How To Get Rid of Raccoons
Trapping Raccoons
Live-trapping raccoons is not an easy task. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be getting rid of raccoons in your yard before you know it.
To get you started, follow these simple steps:
- Use raccoon traps that are at least 12 inches wide and 32 inches deep
- Bait the trap with rotten meat of fish for best results
- Place baits behind the trip plate instead of in front
- Avoid setting the trap too sensitive so that the animal is allowed to enter entirely before it trips
Animals that are released as close as possible to where you trapped them have a greater chance for survival. However, the safety of your family always comes first when deciding on a release site.
Prevention Measures for Raccoons
Raccoons are omnivorous, which means they’ll eat almost anything. That’s why it’s crucial to remove access to food sources.
Start by sealing pet food containers tightly. Raccoons love the grainy textures dog and cat food provides, and they are drawn to their strong odors as well.
How To Eliminate Squirrels
Mechanical Exclusion Measures for Squirrels
Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders. They love the taste of nutty grains and seeds that help sustain them. But, unfortunately, they also make a mess of your bird feeders while stealing their precious food source.
To prevent this, the easiest thing to do is install squirrel baffles on all your bird feeders. These cone-shaped devices fit around the poles. As the squirrel tries to climb up and eat the bird food, it’s met by the baffle with no way around.
Trapping Squirrels
Squirrel traps should be at least eight inches wide. Also, to ensure the safety of the animal, it should be at least 17 inches deep.
The best bait to use for squirrels is chunky peanut butter. However, if you discover that it doesn’t work fast enough, try rolling some bird food into the mixture. Also, be sure to place it behind the trip plate for maximum success.
How To Keep Pigeons From Making a Mess
Exclusion Techniques
Pigeons tend to roost anywhere there’s a stable surface. Also, they enter openings in eves, overhangs, and attic spaces. So, it’s vital to seal these areas with wire mesh, expansion foam, and silicone caulking material.
Mechanical Repellents
One of the best methods for keeping birds from roosting is to install bird spikes on roof pitches, ledges, and overhangs. This also has the added benefit of repelling other pests such as roof rats, squirrels, and blackbirds.