Moles are not rodents, but relatives of the insectivores (insect eaters) such as shrews and hedgehogs.  In their search for food, moles burrow in lawns, meadows, stream banks, and open woodlots, creating elaborate underground tunnels. They feed mainly on earthworms and insect larvae (grubs). Only rarely seen above ground, moles are 4 to 9 inches long, including the tail, with long dark gray or brown fur. Eyes are tiny, like a pinhead, and the tail and feet are usually pink. They have no visible ears.

Can’t figure out why your home or office flowerbeds are all torn up?  Sounds like you may have a mole problem! Moles are one of the garden’s worst pests. Nothing can ruin the design of a gorgeous lawn or garden faster than moles.

As they burrow, they sometimes damage plants, but the major problem with moles is the mounds and ridges that disfigure lawns.  As they tunnel just below the surface, moles raise the sod up with their front digging feet, looking for food or new tunneling sites.  They can push up surface tunnels at the rate of a foot per minute if the soil is loose.  They prefer loose, moist soil shaded by vegetation.

Except for breeding season in early spring, moles tend to live alone, so the multitunneled pattern in your yard is likely home to only one mole.

Moles build new feeding tunnels constantly and may not use the same one twice. You may find entry and exit mounds, which are usually round and symmetrical, pushed up volcano-fashion by the mole. The hole usually has dirt in it but remains visible. The mounds are connected to main runways. The runways are 12-18 inches underground and not usually visible.

Moles feed on insects and insect larvae, but their preferred dinner includes earthworms and white grubs. Given a choice, moles pick moist, sandy loam soils over dry, heavy clay soils. They are most active during warm, wet months, although they live underground year-round.

Mold hand

Moles have polydactyl forepaws; each has an extra thumb (also known as a prepollex) next to the regular thumb. While the mole’s other digits have multiple joints, the prepollex has a single, sickle-shaped bone which develops later and differently from the other fingers during embryogenesis from a transformed sesamoid bone in the wrist, independently evolved but similar to the giant panda thumb. This supernumerary digit is species-specific, as it is not present in shrews, the mole’s closest relatives.

Getting Rid of Mole Problems

The only sure way to eliminate a mole is to use a mole-specific trap. Environmentally friendly mole traps can be used for humane mole trapping. Repellants, poisons, fumigants, and home remedies are less effective.

Spring and fall, when the ground is moist but not frozen, are the best times of year for control because moles are most active then. It is important, however, to properly identify the source of this yard damage before setting out to trap the moles you think you have in your yard.

Moles may be a real dilemma for any homeowner. If moles are causing property damage and giving you a headache, calling a Minnesota Wild Animal Removal Expert ensures humane and effective removal of the moles and to be sure they will not return.

Squirrels are common animals throughout Minnesota. They have adapted to living in the city as well as the country. The gray squirrel is one of Minnesota’s most common wildlife species. It is often seen in backyards, parks and wooded rural areas. Because of its thick furry tail, it is sometimes called bushy tail.  Minnesota has several other squirrels including the flying squirrel, the fox squirrel, the red squirrel, and the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (also known as the Minnesota gopher). In fact, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel is the namesake of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers teams, and responsible for Minnesota’s nickname as the Gopher State.

These pests will also chew on wiring, pipes, ducts, basically ANYTHING, causing many problems.

Most times, squirrels don’t cause any problems.  They live in trees, eat nuts, and don’t bother anyone.  Some people even consider them cute. But that all changes when they decide that your house is a better home than a day in a tree.  When squirrels get into attics, they can contaminate the home with their droppings and parasites, cause a fire risk when they chew on wires, and damage siding, sheathing, and roofing by their clawing and chewing.

While the majority of time, humans and squirrels can coexist peacefully, there may be times when their interests conflict with your own and can become quite a nuisance. Squirrels are highly intelligent, inquisitive and skillful creatures – all characteristics that often lead people to rank squirrels number one on the list of trouble makers.

Nuisance Animal Trapping and Removal

Nuisance animals are basically animals that are not wanted in a given location, but who are treated a little differently than the vermin we call “pests.”

Whenever possible, nuisance animals are captured and humanely released unharmed in a suitable area.  Sometimes this isn’t possible, such as when a trapped animal is sick or injured.  But the goal is to trap and release the animal unharmed, far enough away that it will no longer create a nuisance animal problem.

Reaching out for food on a garden bird feeder, squirrels can rotate their hind feet, allowing them to descend a tree head-first.

Squirrels can gnaw their way into just about any type of opening or if they get their heads through the rest of the body will follow. They are every similar to rats and mice.  But the squirrel is usually the one who will make the hole and the rats will utilize the entrance.  Some of the most favorite living spaces that the squirrel will take up residence are soffit gaps, roof vents, fireplaces, chimney flues, and they love when there’s loose siding to crawl around.

They gnaw into a roof’s overhangs, gable, shingles, and where 2 roofs meet. If a squirrel senses a void beyond an area, it will gnaw and gnaw until that area becomes accessible.  This relentless gnawing can cause damage to your property and home. Once a gap is created and a squirrel gains entrance into your home, or attic, it can quickly alert other squirrels of its find through smells.  The smell of a squirrel’s urine and feces rapidly attracts other squirrels to the area.  Just like that you have a squirrel infestation.  Scratching and gnawing noises in your once silent house take place after that, as well urine and fecal contamination of the accessible areas.

Because of the squirrel’s talent in climbing, it makes it all the more easier for them to invade your home!

Squirrels are a hording creature that among other places, will store their cache of nuts in your attics, chimneys, and wall cavities.  Once your home has been breached by these rodents it becomes their official home base.  In today’s society, squirrels have become less fearful of man, and have no problem living along side them.  Once one of these rodents gets cozy in your attic or walls, they can do A LOT of damage resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs.

Squirrels can be mean and they WILL bite!

The hole that the squirrel creates to gain access in your home then becomes a gateway to other creatures such as mice, rats, bats, insects, and bees or wasps. Once this “base” is formed, these creatures will continue to return, year after year, until something is done to halt their entrance.  On top of them creating a gateway for other creatures to enter by, it also creates possible leak issues in the future that you may be completely unaware of for months!

A Wild Animal Control Expert can save you the trouble and money that these rodents create, and handle the problem for you.  They are trained professionals who know how to seal up these openings, and rid any unwanted visitors from your home wherever they happen to be hiding. Remember, it’s also safer, and a much better idea to let a Minnesota Wild Animal Removal Expert handle something like this.  The misconception of these creatures being nice and cute gets a lot of people injured.  They WILL bite, and once this happens, other health issues need to be tended to.

Many wildlife species coexist with humans very successfully, but some can become quite a nuisance. Squirrels are one of them. Squirrels are more than just nuisance pests. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home and landscape. They also can cause enormous damage by burrowing through wires and pipelines, as well as undermining foundations and general erosion.

Squirrels can climb a vertical brick wall

Squirrels are clever, persistent animals and will get in anywhere they can, ‘um like in your attic (walls, house, etc.). Squirrels can climb a vertical brick face. They can also scale a vertical aluminum-sided house just as easily. They can scuttle over or underhanded, on wires, as easily as you can walk, and they can float, over ninety feet to the ground, absolutely unharmed.

If they do this inside your house, they will chew on pipes, wires, nails, anything they find. This will cause you huge problems later on. They can fit through anything they can get their head through. Once inside, their curiosity drives them to explore. If you don’t have a chimney trap/guard it’s an open invitation. As your house ages, this weathering provides the opportunity for squirrels to discover a damaged piece of trim, allowing them partial entrance. If they find a small opening in a piece of trim they can gnaw it into an entry hole in minutes if they want to.

And they don’t really need your attic. An exposed soffit will do just as well. If it’s a soffit, you might not hear them, and they could be in there for months.

Wild Animal Prevention

Seal up entrances

The best solution is always prevention! Carefully inspect your house to make sure there are no existing holes or structural disrepair before you even have an animal problem.  If you do end up with a squirrel attempting to gain entry, you must be absolutely certain he has not already set up camp inside before attempting to do any repairs.

If it is spring or summer, make sure that you haven’t recently sealed up any holes in your house that may have led to babies.  A female squirrel will do extensive damage to a house in her efforts to be reunited with her young if they have been sealed in.

Squirrel Control

Can you get rid of squirrels?  Absolutely!

Squirrels in your attic?

Squirrel control is geared to the seasonal life-cycle.  In the spring and fall, baiting can be very effective, as squirrels are heavily feeding on seedlings during this time.  Timely fumigation, during ground nesting periods is very effective.  Resting and feeding patterns will determine the best combination of baiting, trapping and fumigation to achieve optimal control.

Squirrels are rodents, the same as mice and rats.  They can carry the SAME diseases (plus a few) and they are not afraid of people. Just remember, however, that the cute fuzzy tail is the only difference.

If you have a squirrel problem you are going to have to trap and remove them.  Hiring a professional Minnesota Wild Animal Management Expert can help ensure the trapping is done in a timely and humane manner.  They are experienced and trained with the removal of these rodents. On top of removing the squirrels, they can also repair the damage they have done so they will not return!

RACCOON: (Procyon lotor) This common nuisance species is very intelligent, curious, and physically capable – strong, and a good climber.  Raccoons frequently break into houses and attics, both in search of food and shelter.  They’ll also steal pet food, poop in your pool, and get into all sorts of mischief.   The raccoon’s antics and its appealing face make it look adorable.  But make no mistake… Raccoons are a nuisance and a danger.

A raccoon (Procyon lotor) damaged this roof

These animals can knock over garbage cans, tear up your lawn, nest in your chimney, attics, or under your deck, and also ruin gardens.  They will even rip up the duct work, tear the insulation off of pipes, rip up wires, trample or pull up the insulation, rip off any paper lining, and sometimes even damage wood joists. Believe me, they are a force to reckon with.

The bigger problem may be the bio-hazardous contamination they cause. They urinate and defecate in the attic, and the droppings can contain raccoon roundworm – transferable to humans, or diseases such as canine distemper, transferable to your pets. They also may bring in the fleas and other parasites associated with wild animals. It’s just the way they are.

Raccoons in chimney

Adults range from 10 lbs on up, with some reaching over 40lbs.  They can live up to 12 years in the wild, though average life spans average closer to 5-6 years.  Raccoons mate in the winter, around December, and the females give birth to an average of 3-5 young.  Raccoons are omnivores, which means that they eat both meat and plant matter, and they have a varied diet.  They live in a variety of habitats, but the highest populations are actually in developed suburban or urban areas.

Raccoons are among the most common animals wildlife control specialists are called on for removal.  The damage done by these mammals is often done in spring when females are searching for the best place to nest.  They are a common carrier of rabies, a potentially fatal disease.  They also carry canine distemper, which can kill your dog.  Their feces may contain raccoon roundworm, the spores of which humans can breathe in and become seriously infected by, so it is important to capture raccoons.

Raccoon roundworm

Raccoon Damage

Don’t try to mess with them. The best prevention advice is to stay away from wild animals, live or dead.  Even the Minnesota Wild Animal Management Agency warns of how much of a nuisance (and a danger) Raccoons can be.

Be aware that there’s seldom just one raccoon.  There’s usually a nest of baby raccoons in the attic – like at least 85% of the time.  The baby raccoons must be found and removed!  If not, they will cry and cry and starve to death without the mom, then die and rot and stink and attract a lot of flies and maggot fly hatches.

If you are hearing mouse-like squeals from above your fireplace damper, chances are they’re coming from baby raccoons. March through June is usually baby time.

Make sure your wildlife professional goes in the attic and finds and removes the baby raccoons.

Raccoons may be infected with Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm that is dangerous to people. Reported cases of Baylisascaris infection in people are rare, but can be severe or life-threatening. People become infected when they accidentally ingest soil, water, or objects that have been contaminated with raccoon feces. Most infections are in children and others who are more likely to put dirt or animal waste in their mouth by mistake.

Baylisascaris infection: Raccoons more active in spring…

Raccoons emerge from their winter dormancy (sleep) and become more active in the spring. They begin scavenging for food and searching for a mate. This means raccoons may be around your home more often in the spring.

A parasite common to raccoons killed two Minnesota children within the past five years and poses a threat to others who play where raccoons feed and defecate, warns a Twin Cities medical researcher who played a key role in ascertaining the cause of death of the two children.

“It seems to be toddlers that are at greatest risk,” says Christopher Moertel, medical director of hematology and oncology at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics in St. Paul and a clinical associate professor at the University of Minnesota.

The parasitic nematode lives harmlessly in the brains of about 50 percent of the raccoons in Minnesota and perhaps as many as 75 percent in some other parts of the country, says Moertel. The worm can pass into people who touch raccoon feces and then touch their mouth or food. The nematode “has to be introduced into the intestinal tract so it can hatch,” Moertel said. Children are susceptible because they play on the ground and often put their hands in their mouth.

Inside the body, the parasite migrates to the brain, inciting an immune response. The neurotoxin the human body produces to kill the worm also destroys the white matter of the brain. “Certainly when they travel to the brain, that’s when devastation and death occur,” Moertel says. Nationwide, the nematode has killed or seriously injured children in about 20 documented cases, he says.

The first known Minnesota victim was an Onamia boy whose family kept a pet raccoon. He contracted the disease about five years ago and died about two years ago when he was 5. The second state victim may have become infected from playing in the back yard or in a nearby park when the family lived in Richfield, a Minneapolis suburb. He contracted the disease when about 18 months old and died three years ago when he was 3. In both cases, over a period of months, the victim began to stumble and fall and eventually slipped into a coma before dying, says Moertel.

Both cases initially stumped doctors. Doctors treating the Onamia boy contacted Moertel because the victim was believed to have a rare blood disorder. Reviewing medical literature, Moertel discovered a disease with similar symptoms, described by Joseph Butterfield at Mayo Clinic. Testing the boy’s cerebrospinal fluid, Butterfield was able to measure the concentration of neurotoxin. As the concentration increased, the boy’s condition worsened. Doctors treated him with steroids and chemotherapy, but the boy’s brain had already been destroyed.

At this point, Moertel and Butterfield still did not understand the origin of the disease. Several months later, the second case was reported. Again perusing the literature, Moertel discovered an article by Purdue University parasitologist Kevin Kazacos about the effects of raccoon roundworms on humans. Moertel sent samples of blood serum and CSF from the second victim to Kazacos. Kazacos tested the serum and fluid for antibodies to the raccoon nematode and both samples tested positive for large amounts.

The effects on the Minnesota boys “were among the most intense responses to the worms he had ever seen,” Moertel says.  Autopsies were never performed on the boys, but Kazacos’ work left little doubt that the raccoon-borne nematodes were responsible, he says.

Raccoons may use sandboxes as a latrine. Keep sandboxes covered when not in use.

To protect youngsters from the disease, Moertel and Kazacos recommend the following:

• Avoid attracting raccoons. Make sure bird feeders are raccoon-proof, and store feed where raccoons can’t get into it.
• Avoid domesticated raccoons.
• Keep youngsters away from areas with signs of raccoons, such as feces or tracks.
• Don’t let children put soil or objects from the ground into their mouth.
• Wash toddlers’ hands.

If a child does ingest raccoon feces, bring the child and any remaining feces to a doctor right away. The disease can be prevented if treatment is begun in one to three days.

Raccoon removal and control is a job for a professional. Also because the feces may carry these parasites that can be transferred to humans and pets, sanitation is a must!

The best prevention advice is to stay away from wild animals, live or dead, and call a Wild Animal Control Expert immediately. Also, if your pet is acting ill or strange, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Source: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

More on: Discouraging Raccoons From Living in and Around Your Home or Parks

More on: If You Find A Raccoon Latrine Near Your Home  [PDF, 111 KB, 1 page]

More on: Raccoon Latrine Clean-up  [PDF, 111 KB, 1 page]

More on: Baylisascaris

Raccoons are among the most common nuisance animals wildlife control specialists are called on for removal.  The damage done by these mammals is often done in spring when females are searching for the best place to nest.  They can take up residence in your chimney, in your shed or garage or in your attic.

Help! Raccoons In My Attic!

A Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Damaged This Roof

Raccoons frequently break into attics in search of safe shelter.  As with the squirrels, it’s often a female raccoon that is looking for a safe place in which to raise a litter of young.  Raccoons are very strong, and can rip open the roof or soffit in order to get in.  If you hear heavy walking noises in your attic, it’s probably raccoons.  If you hear chattering or the squealing of young, it’s probably a litter of baby raccoons. March through June is usually baby time.

They are a force to be reckoned with compared to many of the other nuisance animals living in Minnesota.  In addition to the damage raccoons can cause to your property, such as your roof or chimney, they can also be a danger to you and your loved ones because of the germs and diseases they carry.

Raccoons can carry a number of diseases, in addition to carrying fleas and ticks.  The most common diseases they may carry are rabies, mange, distemper and the canine and feline parvovirus.  All of these diseases are harmful to you and/or your pets and children. Parvovirus in Raccoons-PDF

Raccoon parasite an emerging health concern

A raccoon pays a visit to a latrine

Raccoons leave behind their mess which can contain raccoon roundworm. The raccoon parasite, raccoon roundworm, is an emerging health concern. Children especially may be infected with roundworm if they come into contact with raccoon feces.  The roundworm larvae may spread to the eyes or brain, causing blindness or in some instances, death.  It is extremely important for the health of your family and pets that raccoons be removed quickly, and that the contaminated areas of your home or yard are thoroughly cleaned.

What Is A Raccoon Latrine?

Raccoon latrine

The sites where raccoons leave their droppings are called latrines. Raccoons often use the same latrine over and over.

Latrines are usually found at the base of trees, in forks of trees, or on raised areas such as fallen logs, stumps, or large rocks. Raccoon latrines also can be found on or around woodpiles, decks, porches, rooftops, fireplaces, garages, haylofts and yes, up in your attic!

Raccoon Latrines

How Prevalent Is Raccoon Roundworm?

Prevalence of raccoon roundworm in natural popu­lations of raccoons is relatively high in the temperate regions of the Midwestern United States. Infection rates from populations in the Midwest and northeast can be as high as 68–82%, and infection rates of young raccoons by B. procyonis can be over 90%.

Disease Prevention

Careful decontamination procedures need to be performed after contact with animal feces. Baylisascaris eggs can enter the digestive tract of a person who, for instance, removes dung from his property and then eats without thoroughly washing his hands.

Baylisascaris are highly resistant to decontamination procedures because of their dense cell walls and sticky surface. They can survive hot or freezing weather and certain chemicals, remaining viable for several years.

Raccoon Removal

Are Raccoons Dangerous

Raccoons are not as cute and certainly not as cuddly as they may look!

Raccoons may look cute and cuddly, but like any animal, they can be dangerous. The raccoon’s antics and its appealing face make it look adorable. But make no mistake… Raccoons are not cute and certainly not cuddly. Seriously, don’t mess with them.

Raccoons Are a nuisance and a danger!

Raccoons are wild animals and no attempt should be made to pick them up or pet them, even if they appear tame. Wild raccoons harbor little fear for humans. A raccoon rummaging in your garbage can or stealing your dog’s food may be a nuisance, but it can also be dangerous.

Raccoons often get bolder and more cantankerous with age. They are also far more dangerous while pregnant or raising young, or during mating seasons. Mothers of all different species will fight to the death for her young against any adversary, and a mother raccoon is no different. She may not always be seen by her baby’s side, but she is almost certainly watching for anything that might threaten it.

The best advice is to stay away from wild animals, live or dead, and call a Minnesota wildlife removal expert immediately. They will do more than simply evict your unwelcome guests.  Once the animals are removed, damage to insulation, soffit, siding, eaves and on the roof must be repaired and all entry points sealed. Otherwise, all that has been accomplished is creating a empty vacancy that the next batch of critters can fill.

The Raccoon is a most unusual critter. The word “raccoon” is derived from the Algonquian word aroughcoune, “he who scratches  with his hands.” 

Raccoons will eat anything! Raccoons are the scavengers of the animal kingdom. Raccoons love to find good food in the garbage. That head you lopped off a fish, the cold pizza you decide to throw out, and even the half-finished bottle of wine or Coke you toss into the rubbish bin is a raccoon’s late night treat. 

Bottom side of the front paw

If you hear mouse-like squeals from above your fireplace damper, chances are they’re coming from baby raccoons. March through June is usually baby time.

Raccoons are one of the few animals that have benefited from human characteristics. They have thumbs that make quick work of garbage cans, doors, and other formerly closed, containers. The single most important thing anyone can do to keep raccoons off the property is to make sure that trash cans are securely shut at night.

They are also one of the few animals that can descend a tree head first. Amazingly, they rotate their hind feet 180 degrees to accomplish this feat.

Rabies in Raccoons

RACCOON ROUNDWORMS

Raccoons are known to carry a number of diseases and internal parasites. The raccoon roundworm, an infection spread to people by the accidental ingestion or inhalation of roundworm eggs from raccoon feces, has caused increased concern in recent years. Roundworm infection can cause serious disabilities, and young children are thought to be most susceptible.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RACCOON ROUNDWORMS

For more information:

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: Raccoon Roundworm Infection (Baylisascariasis, Baylisascaris Infection)

Raccoons are also carriers of rabies.  Raccoons act as a reservoir for rabies in the United States. Raccoon rabies was much less prevalent in the U.S. prior to 1950. But during the next 20 years, raccoon rabies began to spread and reports increased.

In fact, the majority of rabies cases in the U.S. are in wildlife, with raccoon cases predominating.  In the U.S., 90% of all rabies cases occur in wildlife.  During 2000, raccoon rabies made up 41% of wildlife cases diagnosed with skunks, bats and foxes making up the balance.

According to a 2003 Purdue University newsletter: “There has been an increased number of rabies cases in domestic animals in the northeast due to raccoon rabies. Therefore, rabid raccoons could potentially lead to human exposure through rabid domestic animals.

“In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention confirmed the first human death associated with Raccoon Rabies.

Prevent Wild Animal Problems

Preventing wild animal problems is more effective, less expensive and friendlier than waiting for a bump in the night. No matter how cute or in need of help an animal appears, maintain your distance.

The best prevention advice is to stay away from wild animals, live or dead, and call a Wild Animal Control Expert immediately. If your pet is acting ill or strange, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Snakes in Minnesota are non-life-threatening. Of the 17 snake species in the state, only two are venomous — the timber rattlesnake and the massasauga. Both are found only in the southeastern counties and are rarely encountered. The Timber Rattle snake is found in the bluff areas of S. E. Minnesota. There have been only two unconfirmed sightings of the Massasauga in Minnesota.

Massasauga Rattlesnake

If you live within the range of the timber rattler or massasauga, you should be careful when approaching. It is, however, very uncommon for rattlesnakes to be found around human dwellings. Snakes hibernate in groups, usually in holes in the ground or in the foundations of buildings.

Timber Rattlesnake

The common garter snake is one of the most well known snakes in Minnesota, is harmless. They live in many different rural and suburban areas and are found on hilltops, along rivers, and in backyards.

To keep from freezing during the winter, they hibernate below the frost line. They usually find a rock crevice, an ant mound or a tunnel made by a burrowing animal. These winter dens are used by garter snakes year after year.

Common Garter Snake

Garter snakes are important because they eat destructive mice and rodents and should not be killed. Their predators include crows, ravens, weasels, mink, raccoons, foxes, ground squirrels, skunks, hawks, owls.

Although they are not venomous, garter snakes may bite when handled, and they may defecate on the person holding them, releasing a foul smelling odor.

Where Do They Come From?

Often, they’ve been hiding (or overwintering) in spaces behind or under concrete steps or patios. They gain entry through cracks or holes in the house foundation. These spaces provide warm (above freezing) places near or in the foundation wall for a snake to spend the winter. When spring returns, the snakes reappear outside. Unwanted snakes, especially common garter snakes, may appear in the spring basking on your patio or front steps.

May is the peak time for spring movements and September for fall movements, making them the peak months for most snake-human encounters. However, the peak encounter time for Timber Rattlesnakes in Minnesota is July through August.

Snake Removal MN

One thing to remember is that snakes are not usually aggressive! They will generally not attack you unless they feel threatened. Throughout time, snakes have caused fear in many people, while evoking awe in others. Either way, snakes are often misunderstood and under-appreciated. In fact, many people kill snakes simply because they fear and dislike them, and don’t understand what snakes contribute to our world.  This human persecution has led to the decline of many snake species, including those found in Minnesota.  However, as we learn more about snakes and their benefits, our willingness to coexist with them increases.

None the less, if snakes have found a way into your home, and want a professional to come take care of the problem, contact a Minnesota Snake Removal Expert. They can help find the snake problem and remove them from your home and seal areas of your home that would allow them access to nesting or resting areas.

Controlling Snake Problems Around Homes

There is no snake repellent – commercial or homemade that actually works. Predator urine (coyote urine), mothball flakes (naphthalene) and sulfur are commonly sold snake repellants.  These so-called repellants fail to deter snakes. Unfortunately, they also poison the environment. This can cause more harm than good.

Another repellant method used is ultrasonic sound devices. Some remedies from old wives tales have actually used human hair or garlic. Of course, these have also proven worthless.

Remove Snakes From Minnesota Home

Snake Problem?

Snakes feed extensively on rodent pests, such as voles, mice, and rats that cause billions of dollars in agricultural damage annually.

If you’re having an ongoing problem with snakes around your home, even getting into your home, your real problem might be mice and rodents! The primary food of many snakes, especially the larger ones, is rodents (mice, voles, rats). When a property develops a healthy population of rodents, snakes can move in as well.

Mice and vole populations typically increase when residents feed birds. The rodents feast on spilled bird seed, often nesting in burrows near bird feeders. Pet food left outdoors, compost bins, or rotting fruit or vegetables also support large populations of rodents. If your property also has plenty of nesting/hiding places (debris piles, wood piles, heavy mulch, tall weeds), the conditions are right for an explosion of rodents.

Snake Problems?

Even if the mice never find their way inside, the snakes might. Snakes may enter a building looking for prey or to find a secluded place to hibernate. Snakes can enter through openings under doors, holes around pipes or electrical lines, through vents, pet doors, or holes in masonry foundations. Sometimes the family dog or cat will bring a snake inside only to have it slither away. If you have a mouse problem inside your home, a snake can enter looking for those mice. And, if there are plenty of mice inside, the snake may just decide to stay inside.

Bottom line is, instead of trying to get rid of the snakes, you should be trying to get rid of the rodents (poisonous snakes are the exception). Snakes are beneficial and are doing you a favor by feeding on the mice and voles. But if you really can’t stand the idea of snakes around your home, then you need to take steps to get rid of the rodents. The snakes will likely follow.

To remove snakes, you need to do 2 things.

* The first step is to eliminate the rodents’ food sources. Clean up spilled bird seed regularly and use bird feeders with catch trays. Don’t leave pet food outside. Make sure garbage cans are tightly closed with no spillage. Pick up fruits or vegetables on the ground.

* The second step is to eliminate hiding and nesting sites for rodents. Remove piles of bricks, wood, stones, debris, topsoil, mulch, or loose trash. Mow areas of tall grass, weeds, or brush. Heavy vegetation should be thinned. Close old rodent burrows so they don’t become snake dens.

This helps prevent a future infestation of snakes. This can also help prevent other pest or rodent infestations.

Maybe you don’t know where the snakes are coming from. Maybe you fear snakes. This is where experienced professionals can help. Professionals have the necessary experience to pinpoint exactly where snakes are entering, remove the snakes and seal these entrances. Whether you dislike snakes or sharing your home with them, Minnesota Wild Animal Management is ready to help.

Minnesota Wild Animal Management removes pests and helps prevent their return. We can help by finding the source of your snake problems and removing them from your home.  We also seal areas of your home that attract them to nesting or resting areas.

We can inspect your property, set up a program, and advise you on steps you can take to get rid of the snakes (and rodents) on your property.

The majority of Minnesota snakes are harmless. Yet, snakes may quickly invade your home through small cracks, just as a rodent may. Mice and rodents also attract snakes as their main predator. The common garter snake is one of the most well known snakes in Minnesota. They live in many different rural and suburban areas and are found on hilltops, along rivers, and in backyards.

Common snakes found in Minnesota include: the Common Garter Snake, Fox Snake, Redbelly Snake and the Bullsnake (aka gopher snake). Most people have seen the Garter Snake. It appears black with three yellow lengthwise stripes. It grows up to 3 feet. While harmless, it may bite.

Removing snakes for good can be difficult. Snakes may nest in the same place for generations. Like birds, some migrate year after year to the same spot-and multiply. Sometimes these snake nests are older than our homes. This can be a problem for homeowners who try to remove snakes themselves.

If you have snakes in your home, call a professional. Minnesota Wild Animal Management are experts at snake removal in a humane way from your home. We remove snakes and then seal areas of your home that attract snakes to nest.