Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most effective physical method to exclude chipmunks from a garden?
What is the most effective physical method to exclude chipmunks from a garden?
Which feature best describes the gnawing marks left by rabbits compared to voles?
Which feature best describes the gnawing marks left by rabbits compared to voles?
What is the primary diet of moles?
What is the primary diet of moles?
What is the principal trapping method recommended for rabbits?
What is the principal trapping method recommended for rabbits?
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Why are live trapping methods considered less effective for rabbits in gardens?
Why are live trapping methods considered less effective for rabbits in gardens?
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When is the best time to control moles using baits or traps?
When is the best time to control moles using baits or traps?
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What is the recommended depth for burying a mesh fence to deter rabbits?
What is the recommended depth for burying a mesh fence to deter rabbits?
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Which of the following is a key characteristic of mole burrows?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of mole burrows?
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If homeowners find gnawed bulbs or tubers, what is the likely cause?
If homeowners find gnawed bulbs or tubers, what is the likely cause?
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Which method can be used to physically deter rabbits besides fencing?
Which method can be used to physically deter rabbits besides fencing?
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What action is critical when using an electric fence to deter rabbits?
What action is critical when using an electric fence to deter rabbits?
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What should be avoided when dealing with a grub problem in relation to moles?
What should be avoided when dealing with a grub problem in relation to moles?
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What is the common misconception about the damage moles cause?
What is the common misconception about the damage moles cause?
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For successful trapping, how should traps be positioned relative to the rabbit entrance hole?
For successful trapping, how should traps be positioned relative to the rabbit entrance hole?
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How long does it take for voles to produce a new generation in Kentucky?
How long does it take for voles to produce a new generation in Kentucky?
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What commonly indicates the entrance to a mole's burrow?
What commonly indicates the entrance to a mole's burrow?
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What is the initial recommendation for homeowners dealing with wildlife issues?
What is the initial recommendation for homeowners dealing with wildlife issues?
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Why is simply relocating wildlife not often considered a humane solution?
Why is simply relocating wildlife not often considered a humane solution?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the recommended preventive measures for homeowners?
Which of the following is NOT one of the recommended preventive measures for homeowners?
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What potential consequence arises from relocating animals over small distances?
What potential consequence arises from relocating animals over small distances?
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What is characterized as the best long-term solution for wildlife conflicts?
What is characterized as the best long-term solution for wildlife conflicts?
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What should a homeowner do with their compost heap to minimize attracting wildlife?
What should a homeowner do with their compost heap to minimize attracting wildlife?
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Why is it important to inspect the perimeter fences?
Why is it important to inspect the perimeter fences?
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Which action is likely to increase conflicts with wildlife around homes?
Which action is likely to increase conflicts with wildlife around homes?
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Which type of repellent tends to be more effective when applied to human edible crops?
Which type of repellent tends to be more effective when applied to human edible crops?
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What should be placed over traps to prevent animals from inadvertently stepping in them?
What should be placed over traps to prevent animals from inadvertently stepping in them?
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What is a suitable bait mixture for trapping chipmunks?
What is a suitable bait mixture for trapping chipmunks?
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What material is suggested to create a trap for animals like chipmunks?
What material is suggested to create a trap for animals like chipmunks?
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Why must repellents be reapplied after certain weather conditions?
Why must repellents be reapplied after certain weather conditions?
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Which type of fence enhances effectiveness against bears when a specific addition is made?
Which type of fence enhances effectiveness against bears when a specific addition is made?
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What are the disadvantages of using chemical repellents mentioned in the content?
What are the disadvantages of using chemical repellents mentioned in the content?
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What is the main purpose of reading and following the label when using chemical repellents?
What is the main purpose of reading and following the label when using chemical repellents?
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What is the primary purpose of using hot pepper-type repellents in gardening?
What is the primary purpose of using hot pepper-type repellents in gardening?
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Which bait is most likely to be effective for trapping squirrels?
Which bait is most likely to be effective for trapping squirrels?
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What is a potential hazard when dealing with trapped squirrels?
What is a potential hazard when dealing with trapped squirrels?
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Why is covering a live trap with heavy canvas important?
Why is covering a live trap with heavy canvas important?
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What should not be done when using hot pepper-type repellents?
What should not be done when using hot pepper-type repellents?
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What method can prevent squirrels from digging up underground plant material?
What method can prevent squirrels from digging up underground plant material?
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What might be an indicator of a larger squirrel population than initially suspected?
What might be an indicator of a larger squirrel population than initially suspected?
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What is critical to follow when considering relocating trapped squirrels?
What is critical to follow when considering relocating trapped squirrels?
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Electric fencing is an effective method to deter squirrels from a vegetable garden.
Electric fencing is an effective method to deter squirrels from a vegetable garden.
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Squirrels cause significant harm to trees when they clip twigs and branches randomly.
Squirrels cause significant harm to trees when they clip twigs and branches randomly.
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Hot pepper-type repellent can be used on birdseed to deter squirrels.
Hot pepper-type repellent can be used on birdseed to deter squirrels.
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It is legal to harm woodpeckers when they are damaging gardens.
It is legal to harm woodpeckers when they are damaging gardens.
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Placing barriers at the base of fruit trees can prevent squirrels from entering the trees.
Placing barriers at the base of fruit trees can prevent squirrels from entering the trees.
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Cleaning up extra food from bird feeders is not necessary to deter other animals.
Cleaning up extra food from bird feeders is not necessary to deter other animals.
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Commercial repellents are available for managing squirrel populations.
Commercial repellents are available for managing squirrel populations.
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Squirrels prefer nuts over other types of birdseed.
Squirrels prefer nuts over other types of birdseed.
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Vole populations typically experience booms and busts on a three-year cycle.
Vole populations typically experience booms and busts on a three-year cycle.
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Mulch needs to be pulled away at least 36 inches from the base of plant material to minimize vole activity.
Mulch needs to be pulled away at least 36 inches from the base of plant material to minimize vole activity.
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Using gas cartridges is generally considered to be an effective method to control moles.
Using gas cartridges is generally considered to be an effective method to control moles.
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Castor oil-based repellents for voles are effective and do not need to be reapplied.
Castor oil-based repellents for voles are effective and do not need to be reapplied.
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A thick, lush lawn with fescue grass creates ideal habitat for prairie or meadow voles.
A thick, lush lawn with fescue grass creates ideal habitat for prairie or meadow voles.
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Hardware cloth cylinders should be buried at least eight inches deep around landscape plants to protect them from voles.
Hardware cloth cylinders should be buried at least eight inches deep around landscape plants to protect them from voles.
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Vegetation management is considered key to managing vole populations.
Vegetation management is considered key to managing vole populations.
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Removing mulch around landscape plants is generally recommended to encourage vole activity.
Removing mulch around landscape plants is generally recommended to encourage vole activity.
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Scare devices such as loud noises and fake snakes are effective in deterring birds for long periods.
Scare devices such as loud noises and fake snakes are effective in deterring birds for long periods.
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The publication 'Managing Urban Pest Bird Problems in Kentucky' is part of the UK Cooperative Extension resources.
The publication 'Managing Urban Pest Bird Problems in Kentucky' is part of the UK Cooperative Extension resources.
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Woodpeckers tap on siding primarily due to nesting habits.
Woodpeckers tap on siding primarily due to nesting habits.
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Ultrasonic devices are recommended for long-term success in bird management.
Ultrasonic devices are recommended for long-term success in bird management.
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Managing beaver problems in Kentucky is addressed in the publication numbered FOR-51.
Managing beaver problems in Kentucky is addressed in the publication numbered FOR-51.
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Cedar siding is the preferred choice for attracting woodpeckers.
Cedar siding is the preferred choice for attracting woodpeckers.
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The publication 'Managing Rabbit and Vole Problems in Kentucky' is identified with the number FOR-43.
The publication 'Managing Rabbit and Vole Problems in Kentucky' is identified with the number FOR-43.
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Managing urban pest birds is only important during specific seasons.
Managing urban pest birds is only important during specific seasons.
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Skunks are adept at climbing fences that are two to three feet high.
Skunks are adept at climbing fences that are two to three feet high.
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Skunks primarily feed on meat.
Skunks primarily feed on meat.
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One of the major problems caused by skunks is their digging for larvae.
One of the major problems caused by skunks is their digging for larvae.
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Homeowners in urban areas can effectively control deer and elk populations through hunting.
Homeowners in urban areas can effectively control deer and elk populations through hunting.
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Fencing is the only viable management option to deal with skunks.
Fencing is the only viable management option to deal with skunks.
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Repellents provide long-term effective management against skunks.
Repellents provide long-term effective management against skunks.
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Deer-resistant landscape materials are ineffective if deer populations are stressed and hungry.
Deer-resistant landscape materials are ineffective if deer populations are stressed and hungry.
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Skunks will keep digging for larvae even if there are none present in the soil.
Skunks will keep digging for larvae even if there are none present in the soil.
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Moles primarily consume plant material.
Moles primarily consume plant material.
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Moles are most active in their burrows during spring and fall.
Moles are most active in their burrows during spring and fall.
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It is advisable to use insecticides to eliminate grubs if moles are present.
It is advisable to use insecticides to eliminate grubs if moles are present.
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The primary diet of moles consists of 90% earthworms.
The primary diet of moles consists of 90% earthworms.
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Moles create one-inch diameter holes in the turf to indicate the entrance to their burrows.
Moles create one-inch diameter holes in the turf to indicate the entrance to their burrows.
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Voles primarily feed on tree bark during the fall and winter.
Voles primarily feed on tree bark during the fall and winter.
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Most damage caused by moles occurs below ground.
Most damage caused by moles occurs below ground.
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Moles can produce new generations in about 60 days.
Moles can produce new generations in about 60 days.
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Rabbits primarily clip tender young shoots and terminal buds as well as gnaw on the trunk for a ______.
Rabbits primarily clip tender young shoots and terminal buds as well as gnaw on the trunk for a ______.
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Chipmunk entrance holes are often located at the base of structures like a rock fence, a concrete wall, or ______.
Chipmunk entrance holes are often located at the base of structures like a rock fence, a concrete wall, or ______.
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The best method of solving rabbit problems is to place a mesh two-foot fence buried ______ deep around gardens.
The best method of solving rabbit problems is to place a mesh two-foot fence buried ______ deep around gardens.
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Rabbits can also be deterred using a single high-tensile electric fence with the wire placed ______ above the ground.
Rabbits can also be deterred using a single high-tensile electric fence with the wire placed ______ above the ground.
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The most common trapping method for rabbits involves using rat snap traps or small ______ traps.
The most common trapping method for rabbits involves using rat snap traps or small ______ traps.
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To be successful in trapping, two traps should be used per ______ hole.
To be successful in trapping, two traps should be used per ______ hole.
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There is no need to bait the traps at the ______ hole.
There is no need to bait the traps at the ______ hole.
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The best material to exclude chipmunks is quarter-inch ______ cloth.
The best material to exclude chipmunks is quarter-inch ______ cloth.
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Few poisons or repellents are available for use against ______.
Few poisons or repellents are available for use against ______.
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Mothballs are ______ to humans and should not be used as a bat repellent.
Mothballs are ______ to humans and should not be used as a bat repellent.
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Each situation must be examined in terms of the ______ of animal causing the damage.
Each situation must be examined in terms of the ______ of animal causing the damage.
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Home remedies can contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment, people, and ______.
Home remedies can contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment, people, and ______.
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Some states view the use of a home remedy as an illegal use of a ______.
Some states view the use of a home remedy as an illegal use of a ______.
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Biological and ecological considerations must be taken into account when assessing wildlife ______.
Biological and ecological considerations must be taken into account when assessing wildlife ______.
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Mammals share similar ______ with humans, which raises concerns regarding the safety of certain chemicals.
Mammals share similar ______ with humans, which raises concerns regarding the safety of certain chemicals.
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Consequently, there is no standard approach to dealing with ______ problems.
Consequently, there is no standard approach to dealing with ______ problems.
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Skunks are known to feed on produce such as corn and various types of ______.
Skunks are known to feed on produce such as corn and various types of ______.
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To keep skunks out of gardens, a chicken fence that is two to three feet high should ______.
To keep skunks out of gardens, a chicken fence that is two to three feet high should ______.
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Skunks dig up ______ from the soil, creating holes in lawns and flower beds.
Skunks dig up ______ from the soil, creating holes in lawns and flower beds.
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Bears are the largest ______ within Kentucky.
Bears are the largest ______ within Kentucky.
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Homeowners typically find it difficult to deal with deer and elk populations because hunting is usually not a ______ option.
Homeowners typically find it difficult to deal with deer and elk populations because hunting is usually not a ______ option.
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The best control for raccoons and opossums is to use ______ fencing.
The best control for raccoons and opossums is to use ______ fencing.
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If there are no larvae present, the skunks will not dig to ______ them.
If there are no larvae present, the skunks will not dig to ______ them.
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One effective way to manage skunk damage is to treat lawns to control the pest ______ itself.
One effective way to manage skunk damage is to treat lawns to control the pest ______ itself.
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Bears are especially attracted to bee hives, sweet corn, and all types of ______.
Bears are especially attracted to bee hives, sweet corn, and all types of ______.
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To ensure an electric fence is effective against deer, it should provide an adequate ______ to the animal.
To ensure an electric fence is effective against deer, it should provide an adequate ______ to the animal.
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Selecting deer-resistant landscape material can be a potential solution, but stress and hunger may lead deer to devour these ______.
Selecting deer-resistant landscape material can be a potential solution, but stress and hunger may lead deer to devour these ______.
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Both the fox and eastern gray squirrel can cause problems for gardeners by ______ up plants.
Both the fox and eastern gray squirrel can cause problems for gardeners by ______ up plants.
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Various scare devices, including fake ______, may work for a day or two.
Various scare devices, including fake ______, may work for a day or two.
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Fencing is often the only viable management ______ that effectively keeps skunks out.
Fencing is often the only viable management ______ that effectively keeps skunks out.
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If you have woodpeckers tapping on ______ or trees in the spring, it is usually a result of courtship.
If you have woodpeckers tapping on ______ or trees in the spring, it is usually a result of courtship.
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Electric fencing wires should start at six inches from the ground and be spaced about every ______ inches up to four feet off the ground.
Electric fencing wires should start at six inches from the ground and be spaced about every ______ inches up to four feet off the ground.
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Managing Urban Pest Bird Problems in Kentucky is referred to as ______.
Managing Urban Pest Bird Problems in Kentucky is referred to as ______.
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To ensure an electric fence is effective, all vegetation must be kept clear to prevent ______ of the wires.
To ensure an electric fence is effective, all vegetation must be kept clear to prevent ______ of the wires.
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Adding a single strand of electric wire on top of a chain-link fence makes it more ______.
Adding a single strand of electric wire on top of a chain-link fence makes it more ______.
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Cedar ______ is commonly mentioned when discussing woodpecker issues.
Cedar ______ is commonly mentioned when discussing woodpecker issues.
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Scare tactics may include using loud ______ to deter birds.
Scare tactics may include using loud ______ to deter birds.
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A publication on Managing ______ Problems in Kentucky is available for reference.
A publication on Managing ______ Problems in Kentucky is available for reference.
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Birds quickly become accustomed to scare devices and return to their habitual ______.
Birds quickly become accustomed to scare devices and return to their habitual ______.
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The publication about Bats is numbered ______.
The publication about Bats is numbered ______.
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Study Notes
Wildlife Release Guidelines
- Written permission from landowners is required to release wildlife on private land.
- Releasing animals may not be more humane; they could face aggression from their species or become victims of predation.
Prevention of Human-Wildlife Conflicts
- The most effective strategy is to prevent conflicts by taking precautionary measures.
- Homeowners should secure trash, avoid leaving pet food out, and inspect properties for gaps and entry points.
- Compost should not include meat or fat scraps which attract wildlife.
- Clean bird feeders to reduce attraction of various pests.
- Monitor perimeter fences for animal movement and make travel routes uninhabitable.
Moles and Voles
- Moles are major lawn pests primarily feeding on earthworms, grubs, and insects, causing minimal economic damage except in high-quality turf.
- They create visible ridges in lawns through burrowing, mainly in spring and fall.
- Control moles by trapping or using poisoned baits directly in active tunnels.
- Voles are plant eaters, causing damage by gnawing on plants, bulbs, and roots. Look for small holes to identify their burrowing.
- Prairie and meadow voles primarily damage during fall and winter by feeding on tree bark.
Rabbit and Chipmunk Management
- To deter rabbits, install a two-foot mesh fence buried six inches deep around gardens and flower beds.
- Use hardware cloth to protect individual trees; electric fences may also be effective.
- Commonly used traps include rat snap traps and live traps; baiting traps is generally not necessary.
- Chipmunks' burrows are often found near structures; exclusion methods are the best management strategy due to a lack of chemical options.
- Repellents can be used but may need frequent reapplication and can be costly.
Squirrels Control
- Squirrels can be trapped using bait such as sunflower seeds or peanut butter, but handling them can be hazardous.
- Consider preventive measures like burying hardware cloth under soil to protect bulbs and plants.
- High populations of squirrels can be difficult to manage; one residence reported capturing multiple squirrels in a week without depletion of the population.
Bears and Additional Wildlife Notes
- Fencing can help deter bears, especially when additional electric wires are added.
- Repellents like Hinder and hot pepper sprays are not proven effective against bears consuming crops.
- Humanely transporting trapped squirrels involves covering the traps to ensure safety during transport and comply with wildlife release regulations.
Squirrel Management
- Cloth should be staked firmly and large enough to deter squirrels from tearing at the edges.
- Electric fencing effectively prevents squirrel access to vegetable gardens.
- Commercial repellents available for squirrels; hot pepper-type repellents can be used on birdseed.
- Clean up fallen birdseed to avoid attracting squirrels and other pests.
- Use six-foot sheet metal or plastic barriers around fruit trees to keep squirrels out.
- Squirrels prune twigs and branches primarily to sharpen teeth, which typically does not harm trees.
Mole Management
- Moles are viewed as significant lawn pests; they primarily consume earthworms and grubs.
- Homeowners often complain about mole damage in lawns, created by their shallow burrowing.
- Moles do little economic damage outside of golf courses; their main diet does not include plant material.
- Treatment for grubs should not solely rely on insecticides, as it could exacerbate mole problems.
- Monitoring active tunnels and setting traps during spring and fall yields better control results.
- Voles, unlike moles, feed on plant materials and can be identified by gnaw marks on plants and surface holes.
Vole Management
- Vole populations can fluctuate rapidly; effective management involves reducing heavy mulch and grass habitats.
- To protect individual plants, use hardware cloth cylinders around trunks, burying the edges six inches deep.
- Castor oil-based repellents can delay vole activity but require frequent reapplication.
Skunk Management
- Skunks feed on various garden produce and dig for larvae, causing significant disturbances to lawns.
- Effective prevention includes fencing, as skunks are not proficient climbers, making two to three-foot high fences sufficient.
- Treating lawns for pest larvae can help deter skunks from digging.
Deer and Elk Management
- Kentucky has significant populations of deer and elk that can cause extensive damage to gardens and landscaping.
- Fencing is the most effective solution for managing deer and elk, although they can still consume resistant plants when hungry.
- Temporary scare devices rarely provide long-term deterrence as animals quickly acclimate to them.
Woodpecker Management
- Woodpeckers may tap on siding or trees during courtship in spring, potentially causing damage.
- Engagement with woodpeckers is often temporary and requires specific management techniques if damage is significant.
Additional Resources
- A list of recommended UK Cooperative Extension publications available for information on managing various vertebrate pests including moles, voles, skunks, and woodpeckers in Kentucky.
Poison and Repellents
- Limited use of poisons or repellents for wildlife management; many are hazardous to humans and pets.
- Mothballs are carcinogenic and not approved as bat repellents due to human safety concerns.
- Home remedies gain scrutiny for their toxic chemicals, raising environmental and legal issues.
Wildlife Damage Management
- Situations require assessment based on:
- Species causing damage
- Severity and duration of damage
- Legal status of wildlife
- Biological and ecological impact
- Wildlife value and prevention/control methods available
Rabbit Control
- Homeowners in Kentucky manage rabbits by:
- Installing a two-foot mesh fence buried six inches deep.
- Using hardware cloth to protect trees and shrubs.
- Snap traps or live traps are recommended; live trapping may be ineffective in gardens.
- Electric fencing can deter rabbits effectively if properly constructed.
Chipmunk Control
- No specific chemicals approved for chipmunk control in Kentucky; exclusion or trapping methods are preferred.
- Effective exclusion includes a quarter-inch hardware cloth barrier properly buried to prevent burrowing.
Skunk Management
- Skunks, prevalent in Kentucky, can damage gardens while foraging for larvae and produce.
- Fencing is an effective strategy as skunks struggle with climbing; a two to three-foot chicken fence suffices.
Deer and Elk Management
- Significant populations impact urban and suburban landscapes, causing plant and environmental damage.
- Effective management primarily relies on fencing, as repellents provide temporary relief.
- Selecting deer-resistant plants is a potential long-term solution.
Raccoon and Opossum Control
- Both species are adept at raiding gardens for fresh produce, particularly sweet corn.
- Two-strand electric fences are deemed effective in preventing access to gardens.
Black Bear Presence
- Bears are expanding in Kentucky, known for rapid damage to gardens and orchards.
- Electric fencing is recommended to protect vulnerable crops from bear foraging.
Tree Squirrel Management
- Fox and eastern gray squirrels dig for plants and consume garden produce.
- Effective management strategies include physical barriers and other deterrent devices.
Scaring Devices for Birds
- Various scare devices (e.g., fake snakes, loud noises) prove temporarily effective against bird pests but wear off as birds acclimatize.
Additional Resources
- UK Cooperative Extension provides extensive publications on managing various vertebrate issues including muskrats, beavers, skunks, bats, squirrels, and more.
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Description
This quiz explores the complexities of wildlife management and the ethical considerations involved in releasing animals into private lands. It addresses the importance of obtaining landowner permission and the potential challenges faced by relocated animals. Test your knowledge of human-wildlife conflicts and effective prevention strategies.
