Prairie dogs are small, burrowing rodents that are native to North America. While they can be cute from a distance, they can also cause significant damage to your property. If you’re dealing with a prairie dog infestation, here are some effective methods that you can use to get rid of them.
Understanding Prairie Dogs
Before you start dealing with your prairie dog problem, it’s important to understand these creatures. Prairie dogs live in complex burrow systems known as “towns”, which can stretch for miles.
Here are some key facts about prairie dogs:
- They are social animals and live in closely-knit family groups.
- Their diet primarily consists of grasses, but they can also eat insects and seeds.
- Prairie dogs are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Identifying Prairie Dog Damage
Prairie dogs can cause significant damage to your property. They dig burrows, which can undermine the stability of structures, damage agricultural crops, and create holes that people and pets can trip over.
Here’s how you can identify prairie dog damage:
- Look for mounds of dirt with a hole in the center. These are the entrances to prairie dog burrows.
- Check for damaged plants. Prairie dogs can strip vegetation around their burrows.
- Look for paths leading to and from burrow entrances. Prairie dogs create these paths as they travel back and forth.
Methods of Control
There are several methods you can use to control a prairie dog population. These include:
- Habitat modification: Make your property less attractive to prairie dogs. This can include removing food sources and filling in burrows.
- Exclusion: Install barriers to prevent prairie dogs from entering your property. This can include fences and underground barriers.
- Trapping: Use live traps to capture prairie dogs and relocate them. This method should be used in conjunction with habitat modification or exclusion to prevent other prairie dogs from moving in.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat modification | Non-lethal, can be done at any time | Requires regular maintenance, may not be effective on large populations |
| Exclusion | Effective at preventing new infestations | Can be expensive, may not be feasible on large properties |
| Trapping | Non-lethal, can remove large numbers of prairie dogs | Time-consuming, requires expertise to be effective |
Working with Professionals
If your prairie dog problem is large or persistent, it may be best to work with a professional wildlife control company. They have the training and equipment to safely and effectively remove prairie dogs from your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are prairie dogs dangerous?
A: Prairie dogs can carry diseases, such as plague, but they are generally not aggressive towards humans.
Q: Can I use poison to get rid of prairie dogs?
A: While poison is an option, it’s not recommended due to the risk to non-target animals and the environment.
Q: How can I prevent prairie dogs from coming back?
A: Regularly maintain your property to make it less attractive to prairie dogs, and consider installing barriers to prevent them from re-entering.
In conclusion, dealing with prairie dogs can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can protect your property from these pesky rodents.
