AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors Certified Wildlife Control Operator
Question QUESTION: I've written to you before about the seasonal pest that have been invading my space for 3 1/2 years. These pesky critters come in every late fall and usually leave late Spring. They run amok in the walls and behind the sunburst over my bedroom window. I've gone through three pest control companies, the most recent Critter Control. Upon their inspection Critter Control found several areas where the critters might have gained entry. In the attic he noticed signs of tunneling and said he didn't believe the animal were field mice. He said the previous pest control company left about 50 bait packages and a couple glue boards in the attic and they were untouched. He said that wasn't consistent with mice. Could it possibly be chipmunks? I've told all three companies that I hear a noise under my bedroom window and around the porch area every morning around the same time. Critter Control found two holes under the installation where the joist meet the foundation wall. He plugged those. There are absolutely no signs of mice anywhere inside the home, the basement or the garage.
What are some of the known entry points for Chipmunks? is there anyway I can distinguish what my pest is?
Thank you,
Sharon Herndon
ANSWER: Yes there is a way to determine what the pest is. I am actually surprised that these companies haven't identified the culprit yet. If you have had as much activity as you state, then there should be droppings and other clues available.
First, holes provide the first clue. You neglected to mention their size. Mice need 3/8 of an inch. Chipmunks more like 1/2 inch as do rats. Flyers like at least a half inch too. Do you have red squirrels in your area?
Second, I think Critter Control was correct to say that if none of the bait packages were touched that suggests mice are not the problem. They don't tend to be bait shy. Has anyone ruled out shrews?
Of course without photos, it is tough to say more.
You should learn about proper inspections at http://icwdm.org the site is a wealth of wildlife damage management information. Yes, its all free.
Chipmunks can enter a building above the foundation and they can climb. But ultimately I need to know details on sign, ie. scat, trail sizes and hole sizes.
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QUESTION: Stephen,
Critter Control didn't tell me if they found any burrows. I don't see any around the house. My grass is thick, so, I probably wouldn't be able to see them anyway. I'll see what I can do to capture some video of the critters. I bought surveillance cameras and it's warm today so, maybe I'll try to install them in the yard. The noise they make is so surreal, they sound as if they're in my room. It's creepy!
Thanks for all of your help!
Sharon
Answer Burrows for chipmunks will be readily apparent. Look for holes the size of a golf ball, there may be dirt in front or not. But if you don't ever see chipmunks then you don't have them.
I still don't know where you live so I have no idea the kinds of species that would be in your area. A state would be helpful.
I think the surveillance camera is overkill. I hope you bought it for reasons other than wildlife damage identification.
