Help: Rodent Advice

[dreamcatcher]

The cutest, little, dusty brown rabbit has been visiting my yard for a couple of week.  I think he is looking for water.  Should I discourage him if I don't want a hundred rabbits next year?

[ForestGal]

Thanks for the advice; that was my suspicion, though I haven actually seen a ground squirrel yet, 

If you're anxious to see ground squirrels, come on over here.   
Funny thing is this year, although I've seen them running all over the place, and my little dachshund is digging in their burrows out back, they have not been eating my flowers.  I got a late start this year in planting my flowers, due to health issues in June, so didn't get my flowers in until early July, and they have thrived without being nibbled on.  Last year I planted earlier and was out dusting my plants with cayenne pepper several times a week to try to get rid of them. 

I have used the Havahart traps in years past, with pretty good luck.  I would trap them and take them up the road a bit and let them out, which I don't think you're supposed to do but oh well.

[Toolman]

Anyone have any idea as to what would dig this hole?  It's about 9 inches in diameter, I'd say, and appeared in the last week.  I'm still not familiar with the local critters -- being right next to the house, is it something I should try to encourage to move elsewhere?

Heck we have ants that can dig a hole that size. 

[free2bee]

I would like to find a way to charge them for taxi service. I have unknowingly delivered a mouse and a packrat to Staters, two mice to Lowe's, and a packrat to the Phelan post office.

Since that major downpour, their homes were destroyed in the deluge--they are creating a condo in my garage and apparently catching a ride when they feel like an outing.

I do various crafts in the garage and when the mechanic fixed my husband's A/C he brought us a lovely nest with pretty ribbons, and pieces of cloth and sparkly things.

We must evict all squatters from the garage before winter makes it impossible for them to find other shelter. And as for the freeloaders taking rides--I'll take it out of your relatives hide!

[free2bee]

As for advice. We've tried live traps, poison (unfortunately the neighbors beagle found it before the rodents), but since this is a banner year for them all I can say is...do your best to lock them out, clean up after them with bleach as soon as you find it, keep food stuffs (dog/cat food and trash) out of their purview and try to keep nesting materials to a minimum.

Lock them out means get vehicles supplied with a 'screen', fill and block all holes on, in or near your house, and check behind appliances frequently for new scratches.

Pay attention to your cat! They will hunker down beside scatching places you can't hear and may even try to 'tell' you there is a problem. They may also use the area for a 'scratch' spot as that is one way they mark territory. Of course, some cats are so domesticated as to befriend and ignore unwanted guests. But most will not appreciate their boundary being violated.

[Chuck]

[Chuck]

[Chuck]

[wrightwoodgirl]

WE Have gophers we stick moth balls down the holes and we shoot ground squirrels we dont have neighbors near by we have 3 acres

[Chuck]

Pellet rifles have less range than 22's.  22's can travel or ricochet a mile.

[Nolena]

I just use live traps and relocate them all to Chuck's house.
No problem.

[Chuck]

I guess then I have you on video surveillance .  Smile next trip!! 

[Toolman]

This simple little tool would be wayyy more fun.... 

http://www.rodenator.com/pests-controls-videos-rodenators