Fly Away: Banishing Buzzing Pests

Flies, those pesky, buzzing insects, can quickly turn a pleasant day into a frustrating ordeal. From the annoying housefly to the disease-carrying fruit fly, these pests can invade your home or business, causing discomfort and potentially spreading germs.

Understanding the Fly Problem

There are countless species of flies, each with its own unique habits and preferences. Some common culprits include:

House flies: These are the most common household pests, often found around garbage, food, and other organic matter.
Fruit flies: These tiny flies are attracted to overripe fruit, sugary substances, and damp environments.
Cluster flies: These flies often invade homes in large numbers during the fall and winter.
Horse flies and deer flies: These biting flies can be a nuisance, especially in outdoor areas.

The Dangers of Flies

Beyond being annoying, flies can pose serious health risks. They are known to transmit a variety of diseases, including typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and E. coli. Flies pick up bacteria on their feet and bodies as they come into contact with garbage, feces, and decaying matter. Then these flying pests transfer these germs to food, surfaces, and people. Gross right?

DIY Fly Control: Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

While professional pest control is often necessary for severe infestations, there are several DIY methods you can try to reduce the fly population:

Sanitation: Keep your home and surroundings clean. Dispose of garbage promptly and securely.
Food storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent attracting flies.
Garbage disposal: Clean garbage cans regularly and use tight-fitting lids.
Eliminate breeding sites: Remove standing water, as it can be a breeding ground for flies.
Fly traps: Various fly traps are available, including sticky traps, electric traps, and bait traps.
Insect repellents: Use insect repellents outdoors to deter flies.

Professional Pest Control: When to Call in the Experts

If DIY methods fail to get your fly population under control, or if you have a severe infestation, it’s time to call in a professional pest control service like Prickly Pear. We have the expertise and tools to effectively eliminate flies and prevent reinfestation and a warranty to guarantee the results!

Prickly Pear’s pest team uses a combination of methods, including:

Inspection: A thorough inspection to identify the source of the fly problem.
Larvicide application: Treating areas where flies breed, such as drains and garbage areas.
Adulticiding: Using insecticides to kill adult flies.
Exclusion: Sealing entry points to prevent flies from entering your home.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Flies Away

Regardless of who helps get your fly situation under control, to prevent future fly problems, it’s important to maintain a clean environment and take steps to eliminate potential breeding sites. Regular cleaning, proper food storage, and garbage disposal are essential for keeping flies at bay. Additionally, using screens on windows and doors can help prevent flies from entering your home. By combining preventive measures with effective control methods, you can create a fly-free environment and protect your family’s health.

Fleas Are a Real Itch

Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that can make your home an itchy nightmare. These blood-sucking pests can quickly infest your pets, your home, and even your yard. While they might seem like a minor annoyance, fleas can cause significant discomfort and even transmit diseases. To effectively combat a flea infestation, it’s essential to understand the four stages fleas go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Adult fleas feed on blood, while the immature stages live in carpets, furniture, and bedding. This complex life cycle makes flea control challenging. Fleas are notorious for causing intense itching and skin irritation. Their bites can lead to scratching, which can result in skin infections. In severe cases, allergic reactions to flea saliva can occur. Additionally, fleas are known to transmit diseases, such as tapeworms, to pets and, in rare cases, to humans.

DIY Flea Control: Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

While professional pest control is faster and often necessary for severe infestations, there are several DIY methods you can try to manage a flea problem:

Thorough cleaning: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly to remove flea eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent fleas from escaping.
Washing laundry: Wash pet bedding, blankets, and any infested clothing in hot water to kill fleas and their eggs.
Pet treatment: Use flea prevention products on your pets as directed by your veterinarian.
Environment treatment: Apply flea sprays or foggers to carpets, furniture, and other infested areas. Be sure to follow the product label carefully.
Yard care: Mow your lawn regularly and remove any debris that could provide a hiding place for fleas.

How Experts Help

If your flea infestation is severe or other methods aren’t effective, it’s time to call in a professional pest control service, like Prickly Pear. We have the expertise and tools to eliminate fleas and prevent reinfestation. As wildlife control experts, we have seen and treated fleas in every situation and are at the ready for even the largest jobs.

Professional pest control services typically use a combination of treatments, including:

Inspection: A thorough inspection to identify the extent of the infestation.
Treatment: Applying insecticides to kill adult fleas and disrupt the flea life cycle.
Follow-up visits: Regular follow-up visits to monitor the situation and ensure the infestation is eliminated.

Preventing a Flea Comeback

Once you’ve successfully eliminated a flea infestation, it’s essential to take steps to prevent a recurrence:

Regular vacuuming: Continue to vacuum regularly to remove any remaining flea eggs or larvae.
Pet prevention: Keep your pets on a consistent flea prevention program.
Yard maintenance: Maintain a well-groomed yard to reduce flea habitats.
Inspection: Regularly inspect your pets and your home for signs of fleas.

Flea Bites and Beyond: Health Risks

While the itching caused by flea bites is the most common problem, fleas can also transmit diseases. Tapeworms are a common parasite transmitted by fleas. While tapeworms primarily affect pets, humans can become infected through accidental ingestion of flea feces.To protect yourself and your family from flea-borne diseases, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, wash your hands thoroughly after handling pets, and avoid scratching flea bites to prevent infection.

Summary

By understanding the flea life cycle, implementing effective control measures, and taking preventive steps, you can successfully combat these pesky parasites and regain control of your home. However, fleas are not a problem that should be taken lightly. They can be complex to eliminate and require a professional like Prickly Pear to treat combined with regular cleaning and frequent vacuuming to over come. But don’t worry with our experts by yourside you can easily overcome these itchy invaders!

Groundhogs: Getting to Know Your Garden Guests

Groundhogs, often playfully called woodchucks, are large rodents native to North America. While their exact population is difficult to estimate, they are widespread across the United States, particularly in the eastern and midwestern regions.

These creatures are most active during the spring and summer months, emerging from their burrows in search of food. Their diet primarily consists of vegetation, including grasses, clovers, alfalfa, and garden plants. An interesting fact about groundhogs is their hibernation habits.

Considered pests by gardeners, as they eat the vegetables and fruits before the gardener can pick them, groundhogs do play a role in the ecosystem. They help to aerate the soil through their burrowing activities, which benefits plant growth. Groundhogs also serve as prey for various predators, including coyotes, foxes, and hawks.

Fun Fact: Groundhogs can sleep for extended periods. This resulted in the midwest celebrating Groundhog Day, where a groundhog emerges to check for their shadow to predict the end of winter.

Signs of Groundhogs on Your Property

If you suspect groundhogs are making themselves at home on your property, there are a few signs to look for:

Burrows: Groundhogs create extensive burrow systems, often with multiple entrances.
Damage to vegetation: These critters can cause significant damage to gardens, lawns, and flower beds.
Sightings: Observing a groundhog in your yard is a clear indication of their presence.
Loose Dirt: If you find dirt that has been dug through and looks fresh, this may mean a groundhog was here.

Groundhog Breeding Season

Groundhog breeding typically occurs in early spring, shortly after they emerge from hibernation. Gestation lasts about a month, and litters usually consist of two to five pups. The young groundhogs emerge from the burrow a few weeks after birth and are weaned within a couple of months and able to go off on their own to establish a new den.

How to Make Your Property Less Inviting for Groundhogs

If groundhogs are causing problems on your property, there are several steps you can take to discourage them:

Secure your garbage: Store garbage in airtight containers to prevent attracting groundhogs.
Protect your garden: Install fencing or netting around your garden to deter groundhogs from accessing your plants.
Remove attractants: Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors, as these can entice groundhogs.
Burrow control: Fill in groundhog burrows with dirt and rocks to discourage them from returning.
Repellents: There are various commercial repellents available, although their effectiveness can vary.
Professional help: If groundhogs are causing significant damage or are difficult to control, consider contacting a wildlife removal professional.

How did Groundhogs Get Their Own Day?

If you have ever been in the Midwest or Northeast parts of the US, something strange happens on February 2nd, Groundhog Day! That’s right, it wasn’t just a made up thing for a movie in the 90’s!

There is actually an event where a groundhog is brought out to look for it’s shadow and determine if there will be 6 more weeks of winter or not. This tradition dates back to the 1800’s when Pennsylvania Dutch brought the tradition from Germany and switched from a badger to a groundhog.

Conclusion

Groundhogs are a nuisance to homeowners and farmers as they dig destructive holes in the yard and eat plants including crops. Given this, management of the groundhog population and removal of groundhogs is required to avoid unnecessary damage. If you would like to coexist with groundhogs on your property, you will need to commit to a disciplined program that manages their access to important places and uses multiple methods of exclusion. Prickly Pear is standing by to help you with the exclusions that actually improve the situation.

Fun Fact: How much wood, would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Gopher It! All About America’s Unloved Undercover Critters

Gopher it! These little earth-moving mammals may be out of sight, but they’re certainly not out of mind – especially for homeowners who find their yards riddled with unsightly mounds of dirt. But before you grab the shovel and declare war, let’s dig a little deeper (pun intended) and learn more about these fascinating subterranean residents.

Gopher Geography: A Burrowing Bunch

There are over 35 species of gophers in North America, with pocket gophers being the most common. These industrious burrowers are found throughout the western half of the United States, particularly in grasslands, prairies, and desert regions. While they’re not exactly social butterflies, gophers tend to live in close proximity to each other, creating elaborate underground tunnel systems.

gopher standing among flowers in a field

Gophers are most active during the day. They spend most of their time underground, burrowing tunnels and searching for food. Speaking of food, gophers are herbivores, with a particular fondness for roots, tubers, and bulbs. Their sharp incisors are perfectly adapted for gnawing through tough vegetation.

Fun Fact: Gopher’ make sounds that are so high-pitched that humans can’t actually hear them!

Signs of a Gopherly Guest

If you suspect you have a gopher living rent-free in your yard, there are a few telltale signs to look for:

Mound Mania: The most obvious sign of gopher activity is the presence of mounds of dirt. These expelled piles of earth, often volcano-shaped, mark the entrance and exit points of their underground tunnels.
The Lawnmower Massacre: Gophers love munching on roots and tubers, which can wreak havoc on your lawn. Patchy, uneven areas or dead spots in your grass could be a sign of gopher activity.
Tunneling Terror: If you see small holes or depressions in your yard, it might be the work of a burrowing gopher. These openings can also pose a tripping hazard.

Gophering It for Love: Breeding Season

Gopher breeding season varies depending on the species and location, but it generally occurs in the spring and early summer. Gestation periods are typically around 4 weeks, and females can have up to 5 litters per year! The young gophers, called pups, are born blind and hairless, but they develop quickly and are ready to venture out on their own within a few months. This reproductive pace allows gophers to repopulate quickly but not nearly as fast as other neighborhood pests like roof rats or even the common field mouse!

Gopher-Proofing Your Property: Keeping Your Yard Gopher-Free

Gophers can be persistent critters, but there are ways to deter them from taking up residence in your yard. Here are a few tips:

Fortify Your Fortress: Exclusion is key! Installing a physical barrier, like metal mesh fencing, around your property line can help to prevent gophers from burrowing in.
Plant Power: Certain plants with strong root systems, such as marigolds and castor beans, are said to deter gophers. While the effectiveness of this method is debated, it might be worth a try.
Trapping Tactics: When dealing with a large population of gophers, trapping becomes the best option to address these underground pests. While live trapping is possible, the effectiveness of them is extremely low. Most often resulting in the need to use lethal traps that humanely dispatch the gopher.

Living in Harmony with Our Subterranean Neighbors

Gophers may be out of sight, but when you are dealing with them in your yard… they are far from out of mind. Gophers may be a vital part of our natural world but as we convert more ranches into housing developments, they can become more nuisance than help. Prickly Pear can help you to coexist peacefully with these fascinating burrowing creatures.

Fox-y Facts: The Sneaky Sneaks of the Forest

Fox are cunning canines with their bushy tails and inquisitive eyes, are found in abundance across the United States. These adaptable creatures inhabit a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to suburban neighborhoods. While they are active throughout the year, foxes tend to be more visible during the cooler months when their prey is more active.

As opportunistic carnivores, foxes have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fruits. Their intelligence and hunting skills make them formidable predators. An interesting fact about foxes is their ability to mimic the calls of other animals, allowing them to both call in prey and ward off predators. Foxes play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. As predators, they help to control populations of rodents and other small mammals. Additionally, they are prey for larger predators, such as coyotes and owls.

Signs of Foxes on Your Property

If you suspect foxes are visiting your property, look for these clues:

Digging: Foxes often dig shallow holes to bury food or create dens.
Footprints: Check for small, pointed tracks in soft soil.
Scent Markers: Foxes mark their territory with urine and feces.
Kill Sites: Remains of small animals may be found in a fox’s hunting area.
Dens: Foxes may create dens in burrows, under sheds, or in dense vegetation.

Fox Breeding Season

Foxes typically breed in late winter or early spring. After a gestation period of about 50 days, a litter of 3-6 cubs is born. No rest for the parents, the cubs are born blind and helpless and rely on their parents for care. These young foxes look to their mom (vixen) and dad (dog) to care for and feed them then teach them the world and skills like hunting. This process of growing up and parenting happens for up to seven months as the young fox grows and matures. Over the months, you can watch the young foxes learning how to hunt, play, and gain confidence in the world around them.

Making Your Home Less Inviting to Foxes

While foxes can be fascinating to observe, they can also cause problems on residential properties. Often times the problem starts with the pets on the property as foxes size up the dogs and cats as competitors for resources (or in some cases, curious playmates). Either way, a relationship with a fox and a domestic pet can be a tense one. But over longer periods of times, foxes can establish den sites on your property and leave their waste and leftovers attracting secondary predators and scavengers. Here are some tips to deter foxes:

Secure Your Trash: Invest in heavy-duty trash cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a secure garage or shed.
Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food, birdseed, or fruit outdoors.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal any gaps or holes.
Repellents: Commercial fox repellents can be effective, but their results may vary.
Habitat Modification: Trim back bushes and tall grasses near your home to reduce hiding places.
Scare Tactics: Motion-activated sprinklers or loud noises can deter foxes.

Foxy Finish

When a fox is encountered, it is important to approach with caution. While they are generally shy animals, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Additionally, foxes are opportunistic so even if you feel safe around the fox, don’t turn your back on them as they may see that as an invitation to be a little more aggressive. If you are commonly seeing foxes around your home, preventative measures may be warranted. Understanding fox behavior, you can minimize conflicts and enjoy the natural beauty of these wild creatures. Fortunately, Prickly Pear has a deep understanding of wildlife like foxes and is available to help out if you find yourself dealing with a fox-y situation of your own.

Busy Beavers For Biodiversity

Busy Beavers, those industrious architects of the animal kingdom, are found throughout much of North America, including the United States. While their population has fluctuated over the centuries due to trapping and habitat loss, they’ve made a strong comeback in many areas.

busy beaver chewing while sitting on a damn

Overview of the Beaver

These primarily nocturnal creatures are most active in regions with abundant water sources, such as rivers, streams, and ponds. Beavers have chisel-like teeth and an insatiable appetite for woody plants, beavers play a crucial role in shaping their environment. They consume a variety of aquatic vegetation, including bark, leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants.

Fun fact: Beavers are extraordinary engineers. They construct intricate dams, lodges, and canals, creating wetlands that support a diverse array of wildlife.

Signs of Beavers on Your Property

The first question is are you near a body of water? Beavers typically remain near water, so if you don’t have a lake, pond, or river nearby… you probably don’t have a beaver. However, If you suspect beavers are making themselves at home on your property, keep an eye out for these indicators:

Dam Construction: The most obvious sign is a dam built across a stream or waterway, causing water levels to rise.
Trees and Shrubs with Gnaw Marks: Beavers have sharp teeth and leave distinct chew marks on tree trunks and branches.
Canals: Look for shallow channels dug by beavers to transport materials.
Lodges: These dome-shaped structures made of sticks and mud are built for shelter.
Castor Slabs: Beavers secrete a substance called castoreum, which they deposit on underwater structures. It has a strong, musky odor.

Beaver Breeding Season

Beaver breeding typically occurs in late winter or early spring. After a gestation period of about three months, a litter of 2-4 kits is born. The kits are born blind and helpless and rely on their parents for care. These babies will spend their first two to three years with their family before going off into the world to find their own family.

Beavers’ Role in the Ecosystem

Beavers are considered keystone species, meaning they have a disproportionately large impact on their environment. Their dams create wetlands, which provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Wetlands also help to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and recharge groundwater. Beavers are directly responsible for creating ecosystems that lead to diverse wildlife, healthy ecosystems, and even create wetlands that filter water.

Making Your Property Less Inviting to Beavers

While beavers are beneficial to the environment, their activities can sometimes cause problems for property owners. When that happens, there are some things you can do to deter beavers:

Protect Trees: Wrap tree trunks with wire mesh or plastic guards to prevent beavers from gnawing on them.
Dam Removal: If a beaver dam is causing flooding or erosion, consider removing it carefully to avoid harming the animals.
Flow Devices: Installing flow devices in streams can help maintain water levels and discourage dam building.
Repellents: There are commercial beaver repellents available, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the environment and how it is applied.
Live Trapping and Relocation: In severe cases, live trapping and relocating beavers may be necessary, but this should be done by a professional wildlife control operator as a final resort as the beaver’s role in your property needs to be carefully evaluated before removal.

Fun Fact: Beavers’ front teeth (incisors) never stop growing. They must gnaw on hardwood to maintain a healthy length.

Summary

It’s important to approach beaver problems with a balance of human and wildlife needs. By understanding their behavior and implementing appropriate management strategies, you can coexist peacefully with these remarkable creatures. And if you need it, Prickly Pear is standing by to help you get this flat tailed rodent under control whether it is dam breaking or relocating these beavers to a better home!

a grackle bird standing on a blue plastic bag

Feathered Foes: Dealing with Birds

Birds, with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs, are often seen as symbols of freedom and beauty. However, when they become too comfortable in our human-dominated environments, they can transform into pesky nuisances. From property damage to health hazards, these feathered friends can quickly become unwelcome guests.

Birds: More Than Meets the Eye

While it’s easy to romanticize birds, it’s crucial to recognize the potential problems they can cause. Their presence can lead to a host of issues, including:

Property damage: Birds can cause significant damage to buildings, with their droppings corroding surfaces and their nesting activities clogging gutters and drains.
Health risks: Bird droppings can carry harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, posing a health risk to humans and pets.
Agricultural losses: In agricultural settings, birds can cause substantial crop damage, especially during harvest time.
Noise pollution: Large flocks of birds can generate excessive noise, disrupting peace and quiet.

The Migratory Bird Act: A Feathered Friend or Foe?

The Migratory Bird Act is a cornerstone of bird conservation in the United States. It protects most migratory bird species by prohibiting their killing, capture, or possession without a permit. While this law is essential for safeguarding bird populations, it also presents challenges when dealing with bird-related problems.

Due to the Migratory Bird Act, many traditional pest control methods, such as trapping or poisoning, are illegal. This means that homeowners and businesses often find themselves at a loss when dealing with bird infestations. Humane wildlife control, like what Prickly Pear offers, provides solutions that can produce results without violating the Migratory Bird Act.

Fun Fact: The Migratory Bird Act protects bird nests from being disturbed when there are eggs or babies present.

Bird Behavior: Why They Stick Around

Understanding bird behavior is crucial for effective bird management. Birds are creatures of habit, and once they discover a suitable location for roosting, nesting, or feeding, they tend to return year after year. This makes it essential to implement preventive measures to discourage them from returning.

Factors attracting birds to a particular area include:

Food sources: Bird feeders, garbage, and open food storage areas can attract birds.
Water sources: Birdbaths, ponds, and other water bodies provide essential resources for birds.
Shelter: Nesting sites, such as trees, shrubs, and building crevices, offer protection for birds.
Perching areas: Wires, ledges, and other elevated surfaces provide perching spots for birds.

Bird Management Tips

While the Migratory Bird Act imposes limitations, there are still effective and humane ways to deter birds from your property:

Habitat modification:

Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other attractants.
Trim trees and shrubs to reduce potential nesting sites.
Seal up any openings in your building that birds can use for entry.
Physical deterrents:

Install bird netting or spikes on vulnerable areas, such as ledges, roofs, and gutters.
Use visual deterrents, such as reflective tape or owl decoys.
Consider using auditory deterrents, such as distress calls or ultrasonic devices.
Employ harmless scare tactics, like water sprinklers or motion-activated lights.
Cleaning and sanitation:

Regularly clean up bird droppings to prevent the spread of diseases.
Disinfect contaminated areas with a disinfectant solution.
Professional help:
If you’re dealing with a severe bird infestation, consider contacting a wildlife control professional. They have the expertise and permits to handle bird problems effectively.

The Health Hazards of Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are not just unsightly; they can also pose serious health risks. These droppings can contain harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which can cause respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, and other health issues.

It’s essential to clean up bird droppings promptly and thoroughly to minimize the risk of contamination. Wear gloves and protective gear when cleaning up droppings, and avoid disturbing the dried droppings, as this can release airborne particles. Prickly Pear offers a service to clean and disinfect areas with heavy droppings which can help reduce your exposure to these health issues.

A Note About Grackles

If you live in central Texas, you have undoubtedly experienced the nuisance that a flock of grackles can create. Be it the bird poop covering your car, the loud screeching in the parking lot of your local HEB, or the sneaky thieves watching you on the patio of your favorite taco shop, these black birds seem to be everywhere!

Despite their protected status as a songbird, most Texans only know of these birds as pests and the size of their flocks with hundreds of birds quickly give us images of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds” from the 1960’s. Managing these birds has proven to be problematic for businesses, homeowners, and governments alike and while a large flock that has been using a roost (perhaps the trees in a local parking lot) is unlikely to be deterred by the usual bird deterrent, we have seen some success with a small flock and deterring them from selecting a new sight. But if you are dealing with an infestation of grackles, give Prickly Pear a call we would love to help.

Conclusion

While birds are undoubtedly fascinating creatures, they can also become problematic when they overstay their welcome. By understanding bird behavior and implementing effective management strategies, you can minimize the negative impacts of these feathered visitors while still appreciating their beauty from a safe distance. Early prevention is key, and consistent efforts are essential to keep birds at bay. Also, if you are dealing with a nest, it can be frustrating, but we need to wait for the babies to grow and leave the nest before mitigating the bird issue. Professional companies, like Prickly Pear, have a variety of products at their disposal to not only deter birds, but to clean up the mess they left behind when they are gone.

Cheeking Out a Chipmunk

The chipmunk, a striped symphony of rust and brown, is a tiny tenant in the grand scheme of North American wildlife. These energetic burrowers hold the title of “cheekiest character” in the critter kingdom, thanks to their signature bulging cheeks used to store an impressive amount of food.

Close up of a chipmunk filling his cheek pouches with acorns

A Statistical Snapshot of the Speedy Scamperer

Chipmunks number in the tens of millions across the US and Canada. With over 25 species of chipmunks across North America there is a lot of variety among these curious rodents. They’re most active in the eastern half of the continent, particularly in deciduous forests with a healthy understory. While some species venture out for an occasional midnight snack, chipmunks are primarily diurnal (active in the day), bustling about in the warmth of the sun.

A chipmunk’s diet is a buffet of nature’s bounty. They devour nuts, seeds, fruits, and even insects. Adapted to living among humans, these cheek-pouch bandits are notorious for raiding vegetable gardens and sampling your backyard produce.

Fun Fact: a chipmunk’s cheek pouches can stretch to hold up to three times the volume of their head – that’s like a human stuffing a watermelon in each cheek!

Do You Have a Backyard Hoarder?

If you suspect a chipmunk has set up camp in your yard, keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

Tunnels: Chipmunks create elaborate burrow systems with multiple entrances and chambers. You might spot small piles of dirt near potential entrances as these diggers work to build their personal catacombs.
Missing snacks: Suddenly disappearing vegetables or fallen fruit could be the work of a chipmunk pilfering your garden bounty as they eat and stock pile without regard for whose property it was.
Speedy streaks: Chipmunks are quick and agile, darting through undergrowth or scurrying up trees in a flash. Combined with their small stature and camouflage coloring, it can be hard to know for sure if it was a chipmunk that darted by.

Chipmunk Courtship

Despite what a certain crime fighting cartoon duo may have you believe, Chipmunks are solitary creatures except during breeding season. Mating Season typically occurs in the spring (March-May) when males compete for a mate through a series of vocalizations and chases. These chases are often thought of as brothers playing rather than the show for superiority. After a successful courtship, the female gives birth to a litter of 4-8 pups in an underground chamber. The young chipmunks will stay with their mother for about 8 weeks before venturing out on their own.

The Vital Role of the Little Chomper

Chipmunks may seem like garden pests, but they play a crucial role in their ecosystem. They help disperse seeds through their food-storing habits. When they bury nuts and forget about them, new trees and plants sprout, promoting diversity in the forest. Additionally, chipmunks become prey for various animals like owls, hawks, and foxes, keeping the food chain balanced.

Keeping Your Property Chipmunk Challenged

While chipmunks are undeniably adorable, their love of vegetables can be a source of frustration for home gardeners. Here are some ways to make your property less attractive to these cheeky critters:

Secure your garden: Use fencing with a buried bottom edge to deter burrowing.
Harvest ripe produce: Don’t leave fruits and vegetables on the vine too long, as they become a prime target.
Clean up fallen nuts: Rake up fallen nuts regularly to reduce the chipmunk’s food source.

Remember, they’re just trying to gather enough nuts to survive the winter – and that requires a whole lot of cheek! With this understanding, you might even come to appreciate their frenetic energy and the symphony of chirps that fill your backyard in the spring. Prickly Pear is available to assist with getting your chipmunks under control.

Fun Fact: Did you know that while there are 25 species of chipmunk in North America, the eastern half of the US is dominated by 1 species while the other 24 species share the western US!

Hogs Wild: The Wild Boar Woes

Wild hogs, also known as feral hogs, are a formidable and increasingly problematic species across the United States. Their numbers have exploded in recent decades, with estimates ranging in the millions. These adaptable creatures can thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to agricultural lands. While they are active throughout the year, their behavior is influenced by factors such as food availability and weather conditions. Wild hogs are omnivores with a voracious appetite, consuming a wide range of plants, insects, and even carrion. The hog problem, used to only be an issue on farms and ranches here in Texas, but as our population of humans (and hogs) has exploded, we are increasingly seeing hogs in neighborhoods and backyards.

Signs of the Animal on Your Property

If you suspect wild hogs are on your property, there are several signs to look for. The most obvious evidence is direct sightings, but other indicators include:

Root damage: Wild hogs love to root for food, leaving behind distinctive, overturned soil.
Damaged crops: These pests can cause significant damage to gardens, crops, and lawns.
Mud wallows: Wild hogs often create mud wallows for cooling and parasite removal.
Dead animals: Wild hogs are known to prey on smaller animals, such as deer fawns.
Damaged Fencing: In order to gain access into or out of an area, these hogs are known to break through fences, rip down barbed wire, or even break through parts of barns and other structures.

Hogs Breeding Season

Wild hogs have a flexible breeding season, with sows capable of reproducing multiple times a year. Typically, breeding occurs in the late fall and winter months. Gestation lasts approximately three months, resulting in litters of 4 to 12 piglets. The young are weaned within a few months and can reach sexual maturity by the following year. While this is not reproducing like smaller mammals (rabbits or mice for example), it is still at a rate that quickly grows the population.

Fun fact: Wild hogs have an incredible reproductive rate. A sow can produce two litters of up to 12 piglets per year, contributing to their rapid population growth.

What Role They Provide in the Ecosystem

The negative impacts of wild hog populations outweigh the benefits of hogs, especially at the numbers of hogs we are dealing with today. Despite their destruction, there is a small role that they do play in the ecosystem. As omnivores, they help to control populations of insects, rodents, and other small animals. Additionally, they can contribute to seed dispersal by consuming fruits and nuts and depositing the seeds in new locations.

Fun Fact: Feral hogs caused an estimated $2.5 billion in damage across the US in 2023.
Insurance Journal

How to Make Your Property Less Inviting

Protecting your property from wild hogs requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some effective strategies:

Secure food sources: Store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Avoid leaving food scraps or garbage exposed.
Remove attractants: Clean up fallen fruit and remove bird feeders to reduce food availability for wild hogs.
Fencing: Construct a sturdy fence to deter wild hogs. The fence should be at least 4 feet tall and buried at least 6 inches underground.
Repellents: There are various commercial repellents available, including those based on hot pepper or predator urine.
Habitat modification: Create unfavorable conditions for wild hogs by removing brush piles and potential hiding spots.
Trapping and relocation: In some cases, trapping and relocating wild hogs may be necessary. However, this should be done under the guidance of wildlife professionals.

Clearing Out Hogs

Given the overpopulation of hogs throughout the US, the best management of hogs is to focus on reducing the population in an attempt to reach a more sustainable number. If we could reduce the population, the billions of dollars of annual damage would go down as well. However, given their reproductive abilities, it will take a large and coordinated effort to get the population down to a healthy level. The best way to address problems on your property is to trap and exterminate these hogs. Prickly Pear is experienced in managing hogs around Texas and can help if you have hogs running wild on your property.

Batty About Bats

Bat’s are a symbol used to drive fear into the hearts of my enemies. “I am vengeance, I am the night, I am the bat… wait sorry, we are not a masked vigilante running around the rooftops of a certain city. But we are here to talk about these mammal masters of flight, the undisputed champions of echolocation, and the bane of many a nighttime insect. Yes, we’re talking about bats!

Bat Basics: Numbers, Nibbles, and Nightlife

There are over 1,400 species of bats found around the world, and 47 of them call the United States home. These nocturnal critters are most active in the southern states, with their populations thinning out as you head north. However, Austin is known to have one of the most famous bat colonies living under Congress bridge in Austin with tourists coming just to watch as millions of bats emerge at twilight to head out hunting their breakfast.

Fun Fact: A single bat can consume hundreds of insects in a single night, making them natural pest controllers. But that’s not all! Did you know that some bat species are even known to pollinate plants and disperse seeds?

Signs You Share Your Space with Bats

While bats are beneficial to the environment, they can become unwelcome guests if they take up residence in your attic or chimney. Here are some signs that you might have batty roommates:

Bat Guano: This fancy term is just a polite way of saying bat droppings. If you find small, dark pellets in your attic, around your chimney, or near your eaves, it could be a sign of bats.
Strange Noises: Bats can be surprisingly noisy creatures. You might hear squeaking, chirping, or scratching sounds coming from your roof or walls, especially at dusk and dawn.
Musty Odors: Bat guano can emit a strong, ammonia-like odor. If your house has developed a mysterious musty smell, bats could be the culprit.
Unexplained Entry Points: Bats are tiny and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. If you find small holes in your soffit vents, roof, or chimney, it’s worth investigating further.

Bat Breeding Season

Bat breeding season varies depending on the species and location, but it generally occurs in late spring and summer. During this time, female bats form maternity colonies in places that offer shelter and warmth, like caves, attics, or hollow trees (or in the case of Austin, roadway bridges that hold heat from the sun and the cars). They typically give birth to one or two pups at a time, and the young bats stay with their mothers for several weeks until they learn to fly and hunt on their own.

Bats Help Balance the Ecosystem

Bats are a vital part of healthy ecosystems. Incredible insect-eaters, bats help to control populations of mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and other potentially harmful bugs. This not only protects crops and gardens but also helps to reduce the spread of diseases transmitted by insects. Additionally, some bat species play a crucial role in plant pollination and seed dispersal. Their nocturnal foraging habits allow them to visit night-blooming flowers, transferring pollen between plants and ensuring the reproduction of these vital species.

Fun Fact: Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. Birds, for example, are technically flying dinosaurs, while bats have evolved unique wings formed by a thin membrane of skin stretched between elongated fingers.

Making Your Home Less Bat-Friendly

While bats are beneficial creatures, having them roosting in your home can be a nuisance. Here are some tips on how to make your property less inviting to these flying friends:

Seal Up Entry Points: Inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as gaps in your soffit vents, roofline, or chimney. Use caulk or wire mesh to seal up these openings, ensuring they are completely closed.
Exclude Them Humanely: If you discover bats already roosting in your home, the best course of action is to evict them humanely. There are several exclusion methods available, such as installing one-way exclusion doors that allow bats to leave your home but prevent them from returning. It’s important to note that bat exclusion should only be done when bats are not actively raising young.
Consider Alternatives: If bats are a recurring problem in your area, you might consider installing bat houses on your property. These provide bats with a safe and alternative roosting location, keeping them out of your home while still allowing them to benefit your ecosystem.

Remember, bats are not aggressive creatures and will generally avoid contact with humans. By understanding their habits and implementing humane exclusion methods, we can coexist peacefully with these fascinating nocturnal neighbors. Prickly Pear specializes in humane removal of bats using a variety of tools and methods to not only get the bats out of your belfree (or attic) but to also clean, disinfect, and repair any efvidence of them.