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 The ground on the side of my house is beginning to give way in the area of
two holes about 3 inches in diameter each. They appear to be the openings
of tunnels which are compromising an area about 10 feet by 10 feet around
them. They are not up against any structure or rocks but just in the middle
of the side yard. About 15 to 20 feet away is another hole, right under the
bird feeder, that is smaller and about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. We have
seen mice, raccoons, possum, skunks, and chipmunks in the yard from time
to time and thought perhaps on of these animals might be tunneling. Today,
I found the remains of a rat in fairly close proximity to the holes. It's head
and upper body including the front legs were missing.
Clearly, whatever is living in the tunnels is feasting on the birdseed so I will
refrain from feeding the birds until we solve the mystery. I would really like
to find out what the animal is and would like to force it to move on without
injury to it or it's "family".
Any ideas?
Answer Sounds like voles to me, since I would expect you to have seen chipmunks or ground squirrels.
As for translocating the voles without harming them, that would require a great deal of money. I don't believe that eviction is without suffering despite claims that it is non-lethal. less lethal? probably. Non-lethal? I doubt it. To learn why visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp
There are no repellents to stop voles. Other than direct control which you stated you did not want to do, then the next best thing is to stop feeding them by modifying your bird feeder or removing it. When you are ready to change your mind, http://icwdm.org has tons of info on how to control voles.
Finally we are always looking for images (if you can safely take them) of wildlife damage to help us in our educational mission. We prefer high resolution, (3 mg or higher). Send to svantassel2@unl.edu or if your e-mail can’t handle large files upload to http://members.icwdm.org
Username use all caps. ICWDM
Password (all lower case) guest
Please include permission to use the images and where and when the photos were taken. Month/year is fine as is county or city and state.
Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.
