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Monthly Archives: March 2019

Smell Ya Later, Spring!

Everyone knows the age-old tale of Punxsutawney Phil, the legendary Pennsylvanian groundhog notorious for detecting the spring season each year. Who decided that a groundhog was the most well-equipped mammal for the job? Why not something a little more easily recognizable, like a skunk, for example. Let’s be realistic, skunks are much easier to spot than groundhogs. In addition, more people can most likely distinguish a photo of a skunk from a photo of a groundhog.  Apart from being easier to spot, skunks are an in-your-face indicator of spring. This is because skunks are among the first animals to emerge from their wintery slumber. Of course, it is not the sight of skunks alone that we recognize; rather their repugnant odor most commonly noticed along the sides of the road.

Yep, another sign of spring is not only seeing skunks out and about, but also as roadkill. There is a significant uptick of skunk roadkill in the spring, which decreases as the warmer months go on. This is due in part to their mating season, which starts in February. Apart from some winter denning, skunks lead solitary lives. That being said, upon emergence from hibernation, skunks are eager to socialize and will travel many miles to do so. Being mostly nocturnal creatures, skunks most commonly meet their fate on roadways at night; especially with young, eager skunks seeking to breed for their first time.

There was a time in which skunk trapping was a lucrative business. However, since the decrease of trapping (as well as skunk fur couture), an obvious rise in populations has occurred. This has been most commonly in urban areas where food sources and shelter is abundant. Skunks will nest anywhere they can get into, including burrowing below decks and other structures. This causes a multitude of problems for homeowners. Despite being pretty much terrified of human interaction, skunks will not be as quick to flee from your beloved household pet.

Skunks are virtually untouchable by most natural predators because of their ability to spray noxious liquid from their scent glands when they feel threatened or afraid. Coyotes and Great Horned Owls are about the only predators that find the potential for burning eyes and mouth to be worth it. However, your beloved pet does not have the same instinct, rather the opposite actually. Dogs in particular greet and distinguish one another by smelling the rear glands in other animals…including skunks.

That being said, a nose-to-butt interaction isn’t the only way your furry friend can get doused in the scent—skunks can shoot the liquid 10-12ft!  Even after multiple baths, you may still notice a faint whiff of it, most especially when your furry friend goes for a swim. This is because skunk scent can last up to 7 years on certain surfaces and becomes most noticeable when damp or wet. Consequently, the scent of skunk roadkill will become stronger after it rains. All in all, It is best for humans and animals alike to avoid coming in close contact with skunks at all costs.

Aside from causing an odiferous issue, skunks pose as a threat to lawns and gardens in search of food. They burrow and dig soft, grassy surfaces hoping to find their next meal, ideally grubs. The holes they dig are distinct, 3-4 inches in depth and close in proximity.  Gardeners especially see skunks as a nuisance because skunks are omnivorous and do not limit their diet to grubs alone; they also feed on grasses, grains, leaves, buds, garbage, as well as any berries or fruit within reach— all of which become abundant, you guessed it, in the spring. If you take anything away from this piece, it should be that spring equals skunks and vice-versa.

If you notice any signs of skunks around your home in the coming months, your best option is to call a licensed wildlife professional. At Hogarth’s Pest Control & Wildlife Removal we specialize in the removal and exclusion work necessary for skunk eradication. Give us a call and let us take care of your smelly neighbor today!

Squirrels: Rats With Better Outfits

Squirrels, some of nature’s cheekiest creatures. We can agree that they are furry, cute, and quite entertaining to watch; however, these animals are rodents and ultimately cause health and safety issues for property owners. Squirrels can cause extensive structural damage to homes and other buildings, ruin crops, even harm other animals by raiding bird’s nests for eggs and chicks. Their droppings spread salmonella and can make humans sick. Our great state of Michigan has six species: the Eastern Chipmunk, Flying, Red,  Grey, Fox, and the Thirteen-lined Ground.  Proper identification is key in eradicating a squirrel issue, and there are many traits that distinguish one species from another. Apart from damaging crops and threatening bird populations, each species has specific tendencies when taking over a property or structure.

Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk

Unlike other species, Chipmunk tend to stay on the ground. These squirrels do not use trees or wires for access into a structure. They prefer to exploit an open gap at the base of the structure or chew in through the garage door seal. Once inside they will begin to rummage through things, looking for bird seed or other food storage in the garage. They also chew on wires in the garage or on a car. Chipmunks are carnivorous and known to raid bird nests for eggs and chicks.  Chipmunks are typically not hard to control, unlike Red, Grey, and Flying Squirrels.

Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrel

The most carnivorous, these squirrels are nocturnal and are rarely seen during the day. Flying Squirrels can be very loud in attics; they can also be mistook for a larger animals, such as a raccoon. They enter homes through holes in the soffit, window and door frames, and can chew holes in siding. Flying Squirrels can have multiple den sites; a reason some homeowners believe the problem is gone for good after not hearing any movement for awhile. It is best to trap double digits before declaring the problem eradicated.

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

Nicknamed “red devils” these squirrels nest inside structures and are one of Northern Michigan’s most common problems. Once this happens, it will typically turn into a generational situation and continue for years until something is done. Red Squirrels are excellent climbers; they will use anything close to the home to obtain access to a structure. Red Squirrels will even jump off close access points if nothing is touching! They will chew into the home through the ridge vent, soffit, dormer, crawl space vent, or any other pipe or open gap on a home. Red Squirrels are even known to chew into cedar sided and log homes to obtain direct access.

Grey Squirrel

Grey Squirrel

Grey Squirrels do not tend to chew into structures as much as other species, but they do tend to exploit pre-existing gaps. Once inside, they begin to nest and reproduce, however it is to be noted that Grey Squirrels have multiple den sites and will live elsewhere when not reproducing. Northern Michigan does not see as big of an issue with Grey Squirrels as it does with other species, but they can still cause a disturbance once inside. Like the Eastern Chipmunk, Grey Squirrels are known to be nest-raiders and will consume bird eggs and chicks.

Fox Squirrel

Fox Squirrel
The Fox Squirrel spends more time on the ground than other squirrels and is most active during the day. They enjoy raiding birdhouses to eat eggs and hatchlings but also invade bird feeders, attics, sheds, and garages.

Thirteen-Lined Ground

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

It is extremely rare to find the Thirteen-Lined Ground squirrel inside of structures. Rather than chewing inside, these squirrels will do their damage outside in the yard. They cause problems with erosion, tear up gardens, and create burrows and holes around the property.

Despite all of their differences, the best method for eradication is by trapping, removing, and maintaining by a licensed wildlife professional. We pride ourselves in staying on the cutting-edge of this type of trapping and have recently implemented new technology that allows customers to get a never-before-seen view of our work. The Arlo camera provides us with a live feed whenever movement is detected in an infested space— we share the videos with the customer which is both an extremely effective tool, but a bonus other trappers do not provide (but more on the Arlo later!). If you are hearing noises in your attic or walls, seeing new or larger than usual holes on the exterior of a structure, or seeing squirrels ransacking your bird feeders, please give us a call.