“Rats everywhere!” read a recent NextDoor headline, followed by nearly a hundred frustrated homeowner comments. These days, it seems everyone has a rat story—from costly car repairs caused by chewed wiring to missing bird seed, gnawed garden produce, and unwelcome droppings in garages. One thing is clear: rat activity is on the rise, and it’s […]
In Marin, It Is Always Rat Season Read More »
Got problems with rats, mice, or gophers? Interested in environmentally friendly methods to help reduce these pests? It’s easy – support your local owls and encourage them to hang around! These ethereal birds of the night that you’re more likely to hear than see, can be a boost to an overall approach at controlling unwanted
Birds of the night Read More »
If we have a lot more flooding this winter, it can impact the natural nesting areas of rodents, forcing them to seek higher ground including inside your home (particularly into “high ground” such as attics). Storm debris, cut tree trunks and limbs, and materials may become lodged in drainage ditches or along streams and can
Unwelcome Visitors Read More »
You bet! Rat poisons or rodenticides are pesticides designed to kill rodents, like mice and rats. They are formulated as baits that include tasty ingredients like peanut butter, molasses, and grains to attract animals. These ingredients can be also attractive to children and pets. Rodenticide baits are not only poisonous for rodents, but they can
Can Rat Poison Hurt Kids and Pets? Read More »
Grrrrr – while merrily tending my roses, I’ve come across another victim of the dreaded beast – the gopher. If this is not one of the gardening challenges you face, you can stop reading now. Since I live in gopher heaven, each season I have to deal with the damage from this voracious pest. And
Traps are the Most Reliable Way to Manage Gophers Read More »
The bane of many gardeners, especially rose-growing ones, is the gopher. While this voracious pest loves roses, they’re not fussy – in fact, there aren’t a lot they DON’T like! The pocket gopher is named for the external, fur-lined cheek pouches the critters use to carry food to their storage area. Their exposed chisel-like teeth
I love to put bird seed out and watch the backyard birds enjoy the delicious meal. What isn’t so great, that same food is an attractant for mice and rats. A few tips to consider if you want to enjoy the feathered garden visitors but not the rodents. If you see indications of rodents around
Feeding Birds and not Rodents Read More »
Think you might have a rat problem? The pitter-patter of little feet across the roof at dusk or dawn, birdseed that disappears overnight, holes in food packaging, chewed electrical wires, or trails of large comma-shaped droppings – all are indicators of rats. As they’re generally creatures of the night, staying hidden to avoid predators, if
Gophers are one of the most destructive rodents in the garden damaging a huge array of plants including shrubs and trees. Voles, also known as meadow mice, are also a rodent pest. Moles, on the other hand, are not rodents, and while they can make a visual mess of your lawn, they are actually good
FAQs: Moles, Voles & Gophers Read More »
Do you find good-sized holes in the grass, or damage to your fruit and vegetables, but don’t see anything that might be causing it? If you think you have an animal pest but are not sure what it is, the UC IPM Wildlife Pest Identification Tool can help! This e-tool lets you narrow down potential
Who’s Digging in my Yard? Read More »
