If the snakes in your yard are non-venomous species (like common Rat or Garter snakes), why not consider the live-and-let-live approach? Some benefits of not getting rid of snakes include:
They’re great at controlling disease-spreading rodent populations, including rats, mice, voles, and moles.
Some non-venomous species (like the common kingsnake) eat venomous species like rattlesnakes and copperheads.
Species like the garter snake keep down populations of garden pests like slugs and grasshoppers.
Yes, deer eat grass. But grass is far from a deer’s favorite food. Grass doesn’t have the nutrients deer need, so it only makes up a fraction of their diet. Deer eat woody plants, vegetation, acorns, fruit, and legumes. If deer are frequently in your yard, however, they will likely pick at the grass.
Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears.
Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.
Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.
Armadillos are most active during cooler hours to avoid extreme temperatures, particularly the daytime heat in the warm climates where they live. This activity pattern helps them reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration. They are generally active from late at night to early morning, often between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., but can also be seen around dawn and dusk. An exception to this is during mating season (June-July in the northern hemisphere, November-December in the southern hemisphere), when male armadillos may be more active than usual.
According to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, no frightening devices are proven effective for squirrel control. This is likely because the squirrels quickly become habituated to the noises. However, strobe lights show some promise, so motion-activated lighting could be an option worth considering as part of your integrated pest management strategy.
The Onida, SD homeowners’ guide to animal fencing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Pipe fencing is an extremely strong, durable option for containing horses and other livestock. This guide breaks down the factors that affect pipe fence cost.