Dangerous Wildlife Archives - Pestifier

Does Soapy Water Kill Bees?

admin — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:47:57 +0000

Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem by pollinating plants and flowers. However, sometimes bees can become a nuisance if their hive is located too close to your home. You may be tempted to use soapy water to get rid of them, but does soapy water actually kill bees? Let’s take a closer look.

What Happens When Bees Come in Contact With Soapy Water?

When bees land on a surface that has been sprayed with soapy water, the soap interferes with the bees’ breathing and their ability to fly. The soap breaks the surface tension of the water, causing the bees to sink into it. As they struggle, it becomes harder for them to move their wings and breathe.

Within a few minutes, bees that have come in contact with soapy water will die from asphyxiation or exhaustion from trying to escape. The soap also damages their exoskeleton and wings. The soap may even enter their breathing tubes and block their ability to take in oxygen if they are fully submerged.

Why Does Soapy Water Kill Bees?

There are a few reasons why soapy water is so lethal to bees:

Disrupts surface tension: Bees have small hairs on their body that help them float on top of water. When soap is added, it breaks the water’s surface tension, causing the bees to get weighed down by the water molecules and drown. The soap also sticks to their wings and body, making it impossible for them to fly or float.

Suffocation: Like previously mentioned, the soap interferes with the bee’s breathing tubes and ability to take in oxygen, essentially suffocating them to death. Their breathing holes become clogged with soap.

Hypothermia: Soapy water rapidly lowers a bee’s body temperature. Bees need to maintain a temperature between 92-93°F in order to fly and function properly. Exposure to soapy water cools their wings and muscles, preventing them from being able to move.

Damages exoskeleton: A bee’s outer shell or exoskeleton protects its inner organs and provides structural support. When this shell gets coated in soap, it cannot properly retain heat and moisture, causing the bee to dehydrate. The soap may also seep through the shell, disrupting internal processes.

As you can see, soapy water essentially immobilizes bees and creates a number of lethal issues that lead to their demise. The soap damages their protective outer barriers and cripples their ability to breathe, move and regulate temperature. Even brief exposure usually results in death.

What Kind of Soap Kills Bees Fastest?

All types of soap can kill bees relatively quickly. However, liquid dish soaps that have degreasing properties seem to be the deadliest. Dish soaps are formulated to cut through oil, grease and wax using active ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate.

These ingredients are exceptionally effective at penetrating the bees’ oily outer coat and destroying the hydrophobic layer that allows bees to float dry on top of water. Dish soaps also create copious amounts of suds that further hinder bee movement and block breathing.

On the other end of the spectrum, natural liquid castile soaps made from vegetable oils kill bees slower but still with lethal effect. While the mode of action is the same, castile soap generates less foam and the ingredients are generally less harsh. Still, it damages wings and restricts breathing enough to ultimately drown bees.

What About Insecticidal Soaps?

Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids can kill bees just through contact alone without the bees needing to be submerged in soapy water. These special soaps dissolve the lipids and fats in the insect’s exterior, causing rapid dehydration and death within minutes.

Insecticidal soap sprays are designed to eliminate soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites and caterpillars on contact. However, they can also kill beneficial pollinators if sprayed directly. It’s best not to spray these soaps anywhere near flowering plants or bee habitats.

Safe Alternatives to Soapy Water for Bee Control

If you have an unwanted bee colony too close to your home, avoid using soapy water or insecticidal sprays to get rid of them. Not only are they inhumane, but you risk getting stung in the process.

Instead, try these gentle bee deterrents and removal methods:

Bee smoker – using smoke causes bees to gorge on honey and peacefully leave the nest. A professional beekeeper can then safely relocate the colony.
Sugar water spray – spraying a mix of sugar water encourages bees to move nests without harming them. The sugar water sticks to their wings, making it harder to fly back to the original spot.
Vinegar spray – white vinegar repels bees with its scent but does not kill them. It’s safe to spray vinegar in areas where you don’t want bees congregating.
Nest boxes – giving bees a designated nesting box away from your home provides them an attractive alternative nesting site.
Call a beekeeper – reaching out to a local beekeeper to have them remove and rehome bees is the most sustainable option. This ensures the colony’s survival.

Bees are integral to our food system and biodiversity, so we should make an effort to find humane ways to deter them rather than resort to killing them outright. Avoid using soap, insecticidal sprays, or other harsh chemicals. With some clever tactics, you can keep bees safely away from your living space without doing any harm. I sincerely hope you find this “Does Soapy Water Kill Bees?” article helpful.

The post Does Soapy Water Kill Bees? appeared first on Pestifier.

Does Soapy Water Kill Wasps?

admin — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:26:47 +0000

Wasps can be a nuisance when they start building nests around your home. Their stings are painful, and many people are allergic to them. So you may be wondering – does soapy water kill wasps? The short answer is yes, soapy water is an effective way to kill individual wasps and destroy nests.

In this article, we’ll explore why soapy water is lethal to wasps, the best soapy solutions to use, and techniques for applying it directly to nests or spraying at individual insects. We’ll also briefly cover some alternative methods in case soapy water doesn’t give the results you need against these aggressive stingers.

Why Soapy Water Kills Wasps

The reason soapy water is so deadly to wasps is that it interferes with their breathing and causes them to suffocate. Like other insects, wasps breathe through tiny openings in their exoskeletons called spiracles. As they fly through soapy water or it comes into contact with their bodies, the solution blocks these essential openings.

Without the ability to take in oxygen, the wasps quickly suffocate and die. The soap also compromises the protective external layer and can cause the insects to dehydrate.

Additionally, if you spray a wasp nest directly with soapy water, it can penetrate the nest and kill developing larvae. This prevents the nest from continuing to expand in size and reach capacity to release more wasps.

Best Soap Solutions for Wasp Control

For the best results in killing wasps with soap, use a liquid dish or hand soap that has a degreasing agent in it. Dish soap designed to cut kitchen grease works well. Some options include Dawn, Palmolive, Gain, and Sunlight dish detergent.

Mix the soap with water at a ratio of around 2 tablespoons of soap per quart of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle to apply it directly. You can also use a bucket and brush if you need to thoroughly coat a large nest.

For individual wasps, a more diluted soapy solution in a spray bottle is easiest so you can shoot a stream at them while keeping a safe distance.

How to Apply Soapy Water to Kill Wasps

If there are just one or two flying wasps pestering you, a spray bottle of soapy water is the quickest control method. Simply adjust the nozzle to a focused stream instead of mist to have more range and force. Then shoot the soap solution directly at the wasp when it lands on a surface. Aim for the head and thorax.

The soap will quickly penetrate and suffocate the wasp on contact. However, don’t use this method for wasp nests out of reach, especially if they contain hundreds of the insects. It’s best to call a professional exterminator instead.

For accessible paper nests often built under eaves or outdoor fixtures, here are the basic steps:

Mix dish soap and water solution described above
Get necessary protective gear – long sleeves, pants, closed shoes, hat, mesh veil at minimum
Prep a bucket or sprayer with the soapy mixture and a brush if needed
Approach nest slowly during evening when most wasps are present but more sluggish
Thoroughly douse the nest with spray or brush on solution, soaking as much as possible
Run away quickly once nest is soaked – solution will penetrate and kill emerging wasps
Repeat soaking next day if any signs wasps survived initial application

The protective equipment is vital since killing a nest will anger any wasps present and prompt them to swarm out. But the soap solution will suffocate and kill them as they emerge soaked through their exoskeletons.

Monitor the nest site for a couple weeks afterward. Destroying it and preventing survivors from restarting colony expansion are critical for effective control. Call an exterminator if you see any wasps lingering or trying to rebuild.

Other Ways to Kill Wasps If Soap Fails

While soap and water is highly lethal to wasps through suffocation, it doesn’t always wet and penetrate nests enough depending on the location. Here are a couple alternative methods to kill wasps if the liquid solution doesn’t prove effective:

Wasp and Hornet Sprays – Pesticides designed specifically for aerial nesting insects often have more shooting range and spray force than soap mixtures in regular bottles. The active ingredients vary but usually contain potent synthetic pyrethroids or other neurotoxic solutions. Take extreme care if using these chemicals yourself and read all label safety precautions.

Professional Treatment – For large nests or ones built in difficult locations like wall voids, it’s smart to call a licensed exterminator rather than risk a sting accident. They have commercial grade pesticides as well as growth regulators that can eliminate nests and prevent survivors from restarting them. This option avoids any hazard on your part as well.

Prevention is Ideal

While soapy water does kill wasps contacting it directly, the better solution is preventing nests in the first place. Here are some handy tips:

Install fine screens on all vents, chimneys, and openings to attics or crawl spaces
Keep the yard free of litter, overturned flower pots, or other debris wasps can build nests in
Seal cracks and holes on exterior walls, rooflines, and openings to attics/crawlspaces
Cover outdoor eating areas with screening so wasps can’t scavenge for food
Inspect under eaves, outdoor fixtures, and potential hiding spots for the start of paper nests in spring
Contact exterminator at first sign of wasps scouting for nest locations to treat before colonies expand

Following proactive exclusion and nesting prevention steps will keep your property clear of wasps for summer outdoor living. But if some sneak through and you spot a new nest, now you know soapy water is usually effective for DIY removal! Expert treatment may still be smart for hives inside walls or ceilings.

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Is It Safe to Eat Food After Ants Have Gotten to It?

admin — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:03:31 +0000

It’s a common scenario – you leave some food out on the counter or picnic table, only to return and find a trail of ants marching through it. This can be annoying, inconvenient, and make you wonder if the food is still safe to eat after the ant invasion. In this article we talk about Is It Safe to Eat Food After Ants Have Gotten to It.

What Ants Are Attracted To?

Ants are omnivores and opportunistic eaters. They will eat just about anything from sweets to proteins to fats and oils. Foods that are particularly irresistible to ants include:

Sugary foods – cake, candy, syrup, jelly, etc.
Fruit – especially rotting or overripe fruit
Greasy, fatty, or oily foods
Protein-rich foods like meat and cheese
Human food waste and crumbs

Ants have an extremely strong sense of smell and can detect food from a remarkable distance. They are also constantly on the hunt for food to bring back to the colony. When one ant discovers a potential food source, it leaves a pheromone trail that other ants follow right to the prize. That’s why you often see trails of marching ants rather than just a few lone scouts.

Are Ants Just On the Surface or Inside the Food Too?

An ant trail through food is definitely unappetizing. But are the ants just walking on the outer packaging or surface of the food, or does their contamination go deeper? Unfortunately, ants don’t just walk across food – they actively dig, burrow, and tunnel through it too. Some examples:

Loose foods like granola or cereals – ants will often tunnel through the piles of food, leaving behind dirt, debris, eggs, and larvae as they go.
Soft foods like cakes, breads, meats, cheese, etc. – ants will chew and burrow deep inside, leaving trails, eggs, and bacteria behind.
Hard foods like lollipops or hard candies – ants can’t get inside but will still leave dirt, chemical trails, and bacteria on the surface as they walk across.
Packaged foods – ants may just walk across the packaging to get to food waste underneath or a tear in the wrapping. But packaged items could still pose cross-contamination risks.

So in most cases, ants don’t just walk harmlessly across the surface of food – they actively penetrate inside food and can leave behind some pretty unsavory things in the process from feces to larvae.

Dangers of Eating Ant-Contaminated Foods

There are a few issues that can arise from eating food after ants have gotten into them:

Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites

Ants can carry dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli on their bodies as they march through feces, dirt, and other decaying matter. When they then walk through food, they leave these pathogens behind. Ant feces and larvae can also contaminate food. In rare cases, ants can transmit dangerous viruses and parasites to humans as well.

Chemical Contamination

Ants use pheromone trails to communicate with each other. These chemical cues are harmless to humans but can leave a disgusting taste behind on food. Some ants also spray acids or other noxious chemicals when threatened – getting these defensive secretions onto food could make it inedible.

Spoiled or Rotten Food

By the time you notice an ant infestation, the food has usually been sitting out for awhile. This gives mold, bacteria, and other pathogens time to grow – especially if the food has been penetrated and contaminated by ants in the meantime. So ant-infested foods have often already begun to spoil or rot.

Filth and Unsanitary Conditions

Ant tunnels, eggs, larvae feces, and dead bodies are pretty unappetizing, even if they don’t make you sick. No one wants to bite into a piece of bread and discover a hidden colony of ants deep inside. The thought of what ants leave behind is enough to make most people lose their appetite.

When Is it Safe to Eat Ant-Contaminated Food?

According to the USDA, any perishable food that has had ants in it should be thrown away. Unlike some other insects, ants release formic acid onto surfaces which can make food dangerous for consumption. Their waste and eggs can also make people sick if ingested.

However, the USDA does make a few exceptions for non-perishable foods if the contamination is only minor:

Hard fruits or vegetables with inedible rinds/peels: If you can remove and discard the outer layer that ants touched, the inside flesh should be safe to eat after washing.

Hard candies or lollipops: If ants just walked across the surface but you can wash off their trail, hard candies are generally still safe to consume.

Packaged goods: If the packaging is still fully sealed and ants were just on the outside, you can wipe down the wrapping and contents should still be fine. But discard anything with holes, tears, etc.

Bread, cheese, meat, etc: Unfortunately any soft, perishable food that ants accessed needs to go in the trash no matter what. Even if ants were only on part of it, cross-contamination is too likely.

When deciding if food touched by ants is safe, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If the ant infestation is minor and the food item is non-perishable and intact, you might be able to salvage some of it by thoroughly washing, re-heating or boiling before consumption. But if ants have dug deep inside perishable foods, contaminated packaging has been opened, mold or rot is present, or you feel any hesitation about safety – it’s best to just discard it. Getting sick from tainted food is never worth the risk.

Tips to Keep Ants Away From Food

To prevent ant invasions (and having to decide if food is safe after contamination), be proactive about keeping them away in the first place:

Store food in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after use
Clean up spills, crumbs, residue, wrappers, and other food waste ants go after
Rinse dishes and wipe down counters to remove sugary/greasy residues
Take out trash frequently
Fix any plumbing leaks ants might use as water sources
Set out ant traps/bait stations to reduce the overall population
If dining outdoors, check picnic area for ants first and set table legs in containers of water to deter them from climbing up

While ants are persistent and sneaky when they have their sights set on food, these tips will help deny them access. And preventing ant infestations in food is much easier than trying to decide if something they contaminated is still safe to eat or not. So be vigilant about keeping them out of your kitchen.

The Bottom Line: When in Doubt, Throw it Out

Coming back to find ants marching through food can be upsetting and frustrating. And trying to decide if food is still safe to eat after ant contact is full of uncertainties. What if you don’t notice part of an ant carcass in your salad until you’ve eaten some? Or can’t tell if they tunneled deep inside a loaf of bread?

With the risks ants pose for contamination and foodborne illnesses, combined with their crafty ability to sneak into places we don’t expect, it’s better to just discard anything they’ve gotten into. Protecting yourself and your family from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and food poisoning simply isn’t worth taking a gamble on questionable food. Though it may feel wasteful tossing something out, replacing one meal is a small price to pay to avoid getting sick.

So while the USDA does declare some intact items might be safe if washed, your best bet is to stay on the safe side when ants have tapped into perishables, packaging, or anything besides hard, intact surfaces. Don’t take risks with your health – when in doubt over ant contamination, throw it out. I sincerely hope you find this “Is It Safe to Eat Food After Ants Have Gotten to It?” article helpful.

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Tiny Little Black Bugs That Bite and Itch

admin — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:44:04 +0000

As the warm weather approaches, homeowners across the country begin to notice the emergence of tiny black bugs leaving itchy bites on their skin. While just minor nuisances to some, these minuscule biting pests can quickly become a major source of frustration and discomfort if left unchecked. In this article we talk about Tiny Little Black Bugs That Bite and Itch.

Understanding what types of bugs you’re dealing with is the first step in identifying an infestation and implementing the proper treatment to eliminate them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common tiny black biting bugs and how to get rid of them.

Black Dust Mites

While not technically insects, dust mites are one of the biggest culprits behind itchy bite-like rashes and allergic reactions in homes. These microscopic, translucent bugs feed on the dead skin cells found in dust around living areas.

Their bites leave small, red bumps that can appear in lines or in clusters. Severe dust mite infestations can trigger respiratory issues like asthma in addition to persistently itchy skin welts.

Treating Dust Mites:

Use dust-proof covers on pillows/mattresses to deprive mites of food sources
Vacuum and clean frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum
Lower indoor humidity with dehumidifier or AC

Flea Bites

Despite their tiny size, fleas are notorious biting pests that can infest homes and torment both humans and pets alike. Often appearing as pepper-like black dots, fleas survive on blood meals from hosts. Their bites result in small, extremely itchy red bumps or wheals on the skin.

Flea bite symptoms can range from mild itchiness and rashes to more severe allergic reactions like inflamed welts. Heavy infestations can lead to anemia from blood loss in pets.

Eliminating Fleas:

Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of sealed bags immediately
Treat pets and living areas with flea spray, powders or foggers
Use flea combs/baths on pets and launder bedding frequently

Bed Bugs

While usually more reddish-brown in color, bed bugs that have not yet fed can appear as tiny black specks against sheets or mattresses. These tenacious pests latch on and take prolonged blood meals from sleeping hosts, leaving telltale lines of swollen, itchy bite marks in the morning.

Bed bug bites cause rashes, welts, hives or even allergic reactions in some individuals. Even worse, infestations can quickly spiral out of control, forcing households to undertake extensive extermination efforts.

Fighting Bed Bugs:

Thoroughly vacuum and launder all bedding/clothing/upholstery
Use mattress covers and interceptor traps to detect and isolate bed bugs
Call professional exterminators for advanced heat/chemical treatments

Chiggers

Commonly found in grassy, outdoor areas, chiggers are tiny black bugs known for leaving behind excruciating itchy welts from their bites. Easily transferable from tall grass or even pets, these mites latch onto hosts and inject enzymes that break down skin cells to feed on.

Chigger bites often appear as clusters of red, swollen bumps surrounded by redness and inflammation. Heavy infestations can cause severe itching, rashes, burning sensations and intensely irritated skin that can lead to infections from excessive scratching.

Removing Chiggers:

Take a hot, soapy shower immediately after exposure
Apply over-the-counter anti-itch creams or lotions to affected areas
Launder all clothing/fabrics and vacuum thoroughly to remove any chiggers

Black Ants

While not usually regarded as biting insects, some varieties of smaller black ants like fire ants can and will bite humans if threatened or disturbed. Their bites release venom that causes painful, itchy red bumps or pustules that can become fluid-filled blisters in severe cases.

Ants inside the home are not only an annoyance – they can potentially contaminate food sources, damage structures by burrowing, and lead to painful bites if colonies are disrupted.

Getting Rid of Biting Ants:

Locate and eliminate visible ant trails or nests with bait/insecticide
Seal cracks and entry points to keep ants from getting inside
Use preventative treatments and baits around the home’s perimeter

Easing and Preventing Itchy Bug Bites

No matter what type of tiny black biting bugs triggered the itchy skin welts and rashes, it’s important to treat the symptoms as quickly as possible to prevent excessive scratching and potential infections.

Over-the-counter anti-itch creams with pramoxine, menthol or camphor can provide effective relief and promote faster healing. Oral antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec can reduce swelling and discomfort as well.

For severe or worsening bite reactions, medical intervention may be required in the form of prescription steroid creams or even injectable treatments.

Taking preventative measures is crucial to avoid bug bites and infestations in the first place:

Use insect repellents with DEET, Picaridin or other EPA-approved ingredients
Frequently launder and change bedding and clothing
Vacuum and clean living areas thoroughly on a regular basis
Seal cracks in walls/floors and repair any entry points in the home
Maintain humidity levels below 50% to deprive insects of moisture

By understanding the different types of tiny black bugs that can leave irritating bites, homeowners are better able to accurately identify the pest and take quick, decisive action to eliminate the infestation and ease symptoms.

Catching and addressing bug problems early is essential before they spiral out of control. With proper treatment of existing bites and preventative measures, any household can become an itch-free zone this summer season!

Common Symptoms of Tiny Black Bug Bites

While the particular bug species may vary, most tiny black biting bugs tend to leave behind itchy, swollen red bumps or rashes on human skin. Potential symptoms can include:

Red, Swollen Bite Marks
The most obvious clue that tiny biting bugs have made your skin their next meal. Small, raised red bite marks are the first telltale signs before other reactions set in.

Itchiness and Irritation
Nearly all bug bite reactions involve inflammation that triggers intense itchiness localized around the bite areas. The severity of itching can vary greatly between individuals.

Welts and Hives
Some individuals experience bug bites as raised swollen welts or linear rashes from an insect dragging across the skin. Some may even develop widespread hives from an allergic reaction.

Pimple-Like Bumps/Blisters
Many biting bug bites start as small, pimple-like bumps that can progress into fluid-filled blisters or scabs as the body reacts to the irritant.

Redness/Swelling Around Bites
The inflammatory response to bites frequently includes widespread redness, swelling, irritation and a burning sensation around the central bite marks.

Excessive Scratching Leads to Infections
Unfortunately, the itchiness associated with bug bites leads many to scratch excessively which can rupture the skin and allow secondary infections to set in.

Anaphylaxis and Respiratory Issues
While extremely rare, some individuals may experience potentially life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis to bug bites or saliva. Asthma attacks and breathing issues are also possible for sensitive individuals.

Treating bug bites promptly with cold packs, OTC creams and oral antihistamines can help limit the severity of reactions and complications. Signs of severe reactions like fever, excessive swelling or infections may require medical treatment. I sincerely hope you find this “Tiny Little Black Bugs That Bite and Itch” article helpful.

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Do Racoon eat Rabbits at Night/Day Time? FIND OUT!

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:50:56 +0000

Raccoons eat meat and rabbits are meat. A raccoon can eat a rabbit but it will have to perform the impossible feat of catching it first. Now, if the rabbits are caged and caught unaware, then yes, a raccoon will grab them and feed on them.

Will A Raccoon kill a Rabbit?

Yes, raccoons are destructive pests that will kill small animals for the fun of it even when not hungry.

Do Raccoons Eat Baby Bunnies?

Only if it stumbles on a nest of baby rabbits, and even then it might not get the chance to snack on them if the mother rabbit is nearby.

See also Can Raccoons Break Through Ceiling? WHAT TO DO!

Mother rabbits usually stay away from their kits almost all day, but they usually stay within sight of the nest.

So, if a predator such as a raccoon comes near the babies, the mother will have to decide if she should fight or run. If it’s human, they will run but they will stand their ground against a predator such as a raccoon, possibly.

The raccoon will be kicked and bitten many times. If one of the blows from the rabbit’s powerful hind legs connects just right, it might daze the raccoon long enough for the rabbit to kill it.

Rabbits can and do kill.

ALSO SEE: Do Racoon Eat Chickens?

Do Racoon eat Rabbits?

Of course, yes.

Are Raccoons Dangerous to Rabbits?

Raccoons are opportunistic in nature and will eat almost anything they find or catch, including rabbits, chickens, and ducks.

If they’re able to pull domestic rabbits, they will kill and eat it. Their nails are really sharp and their teeth are able to do serious damage to a rabbit during a fight.

A raccoon has a good chance of overcoming a rabbit that they are fighting with, especially if the rabbit is caught off guard, which is almost always the case.

How do Raccoons Kill Rabbits?

Raccoons pull surprise attacks on rabbits and will attack when the time is rabbit. Raccoons can be very dangerous and even sometimes be life-threatening.

If the raccoon attacks your rabbit it will use its teeth and claws to kill it.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Rabbits from Raccoons?

If you’re worried about raccoons attacking and eating your pet rabbits, then you should use protective housing for the rabbits in an enclosed space.

It should be made of metal wire or fencing so your rabbits can enjoy outdoors while still being space. The habitat should be welded together where the wire or fencing connects to ensure that a raccoon cannot break through and get in.

The wire or fence also needs to be buried in the ground so raccoons are unable to dig underneath. Make sure that thick foliage and bushes do not grow near the habitat so raccoons cannot use them as cover and attack your rabbits off guard.

You can also install motion sensor lights around the habitat to scare night-stalking raccoons away while your rabbits sleep.

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Can Raccoons get out of Traps? SEE How!

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:45:11 +0000

Yes, a raccoon will escape a non-steel trap/cage with flexible wires or a door. They are super flexible and (like mice) have relatively flat skulls meaning that they can squeeze through some surprisingly small spaces.

The key to catching and keeping raccoons trapped is tying the bait securely in the back of the trap and set up the door in a way that their fingers can’t slide to open it.

An escaped raccoon might become trap “educated. To catch the educated coon, you’ll have to shift to a didn’t level of trapping.

If that happens, Switch to Dukes dog-proof, bait with fish scent (tuna juice), mini marshmellows, be sure you attach it to something solid. You will want the “setting” tool. These are not “release” traps, you shoot what is caught.

Duke’s are very efficient at catching coons.

How Long Can A Raccoon Survive In A Trap?

A caught raccoon can survive 21 hours in a trap before starting to need food and water.

See also Can Raccoons Bite You, Dogs, through Chicken Wire? FIND OUT!

Is It Legal to Trap and Kill Raccoons?

Although protected, the law permits homeowners to trap troublesome raccoons. It is legal to kill raccoons during certain times of the year so check in first with your local wildlife agency.

What Does Animal Control Do with Raccoons?

They take and relocate them. The ones that are tested and are confirmed to carry rabies will be put down.

Raccoon Keeps Stealing Bait from Trap?

Ensure the holes are so small that a raccoon’s hands can’t fit through and take the bait from outside
Tie the bait inside the cage so it is hard to pull out easy
Get a better cage

See also Can Racoons kill Cats? How to Prevent a Confrontation!

What to Do with A Trapped Raccoon?

Once a raccoon has been trapped, you must consider either relocating it or killing it. If the latter, ensure it is a quick and painless process.

How Far Will A Raccoon Travel to Return Home?

A raccoon will travel less than 5 miles to return to its original territory so take them away at least 10 miles from the capture site.

How to Dispose of A Trapped Raccoon

A CO2 chamber is the best way to euthanize an animal in a cage trap. But, if you don’t own one, the =n shooting the animal is the second-best option. Please do not drown the animal – that’s a cruel redneck move.

The post Can Raccoons get out of Traps? SEE How! appeared first on Pestifier.

Do Skunk Eat Tomatoes in the Garden?

admin — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 14:55:39 +0000

If you live in a town where there are raccoons, skunks, and opossums all year round, it can become quite a challenge to have a pest-free garden.

Opossums, skunks, raccoons, and squirrels do eat tomato fruits (a bite out of each one and that’s it). They won’t attack the plant itself.

Do Skunk Eat Tomatoes in the Garden?

Skunks do feed on tomato fruits because they enjoy eating sweet-tasting fruits. A tomato plant with fruits hanging close to the ground, within a skunk’s reach will make for an easy meal.

Skunks are lazy hunters and are opportunistic eaters. So, while a skunk won’t necessarily hunt for tomatoes, it would still take a few bites if it comes across one.

ALSO SEE: Do Skunk Dens Smell?

Do Skunks Eat Tomatoes Off the Vine?

Being an opportunistic eaters, Skunks will eat Tomatoes because they prefer sweet-tasting fruits. And tomatoes make for an easy meal.

How To Protect Your Tomato Garden against Skunk Attacks

Set up proper fencing.
Block off any entries/holes
Get a motion detector sprinkler installed
Pick your tomatoes just before they ripe.
Set up a live trap, like Hav-A-Hart trap

How to Tell If A Skunk Is Eating Your Tomatoes

Observe the affected tomato. If the tomato bitten is close to the plant’s base, while the rest of the fruit remain untouched, then there’s a very good chance that a skunk is a culprit.

That is because skunks do not like to work for their food and are opportunistic eaters. If the tomatoes closest to the ground are untouched, while the ones near the top or middle have been eaten, then you may be dealing with another animal entirely, such as a raccoon.

Now, if the bottom tomatoes remain untouched, the culprit could be insects, birds, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits (if they eat the leaves).

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Do Racoons Eat Rats & Mice?

admin — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 22:01:06 +0000

Circumstances might cause raccoons to attack, kill, and eat rats and mice. However, it is very unlikely you will see raccoons chasing after a mouse or rat. They’re too unbothered for that and are opportunistic critters.

Now, if a dead mice or rat presents itself, the dish is fair game to them. They’ll eat as much of it as they can. It is not strange that rodents might draw raccoons to your home, but there are easier and tastier meals on offer.

Do Racoon Eat Rats?

Yes! a hungry raccoon will hunt and eat rats if it considers it food. However, because rats aren’t the easiest prey for raccoons and coons are lazy hunters, they’d naturally prefer not to go after mice and rats.

Now, if they cross paths, there’s a high chance that the rats would be food.

Rats are super smart animals with a unique and effective sense of smell. They are able to easily detect the presence of a raccoon, and they are rarely caught unawares. Meaning, only the smartest raccoons are able to kill rats.

Can I use Raccoons to Eliminate Rat Infestation?

No, rats are too cautious to be wiped off by raccoons.

If you ever succeed in using coons to eliminate the rat infestation, then you have a much bigger one at hand – raccoon infestation.

Do Rats Eat Mice?

Yes, rats will eat mice if they are hungry enough. This is known as muricide.

If you use rats to deal with a mice infestation, then you’d be left with a rat problem.

ALSO SEE: Do Racoon eat Rabbits at Night?

Do Raccoons Eat Mice?

Yes! A hungry raccoon will hunt and eat mice if it considers them food. However, because mice aren’t the easiest prey for raccoons and coons are lazy hunters, they’d naturally prefer not to go after mice and rats.

Now, if they cross paths, there’s a high chance that the mice would be food.

Mice are super smart animals with a unique and effective sense of smell. They are able to easily detect the presence of a raccoon, and they are rarely caught unawares. Meaning, only the smartest raccoons are able to kill mice.

Do Raccoons Keep Rats/Mice Away?

The truth? No, they do not! They might cross paths once or twice but that’s about it. Rats are intelligent animals and would always want to avoid places where raccoons are widespread.

ALSO SEE: Raccoon vs Dog

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Rats or Mice Infestation Problem

Want the rats to go? Figure out what they’re eating and remove anything that might attract these rodents, so they have to forage farther and farther away to survive. Eventually, they’ll realize that it makes no sense to stay on your property when their food source is elsewhere.s

Exclusion in pest control means inspection of your home and property to determine how the mice and rats are getting in, whether it’s through a tiny crack in your siding, a hole in your eaves, or a loose part of your fence.

As soon as these openings are sealed, you’ll make it impossible for rodents to find their way in. Because houses weaken over time and develop cracks or holes, most pest control companies recommend annual inspections to ensure your home continues to be less attractive to pests.

Have a dog or cat mark its territory near where the rats are staying. This signals to rodents that there’s a potential predator around and should encourage them to leave.

Rats also dislike ammonia.

If you notice rats or mice chewing on something – like, for example, wires – douse the problem with something spicy or with another type of strong taste, and you can send them packing.

You should try humane live traps. There are lots of them designed for rats. Once they spring the trap, they become stuck inside and can be gotten rid of in one’s leisure time.

Inspect the inside and outside of your home and be on the lookout for crevices and cracks in and around your home’s exterior, as well as dense vegetation.

You should block up holes. Rip up areas they like to hide under. Keep the areas generally clean, and this is more effective at keeping rats away.

Do Raccoons Eat Dead Rats?

Raccoons can eat dead rats and mice, as well as slugs, birds, bird eggs, etc.

Are Rats Afraid Of Raccoons?

Yes, they are. However, mice or rat population control using raccoons will create an even bigger problem – raccoon infestation!

Do Raccoons Hunt Rats?

Yes, raccoons will hunt rats if they’re on the menu.

The post Do Racoons Eat Rats & Mice? appeared first on Pestifier.

Can Racoon Climb Trees, Fences, Walls, PVC?

admin — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:42:00 +0000

Raccoons are able to climb a myriad of surfaces that consist of cement, bricks, trees, siding, downspouts, and more. But they cannot climb unweathered sheet metal and glass.

They’re able to climb many surfaces because of their sharp claws, an instinct to survive, and ability to scale anything from your home’s exterior wall to a high-rise building.

Raccoons’ long digits, dexterous paws, and sharp claws make it easy to climb and scale tall structures and easily climb down like squirrels.

I have watched some even rotate their feet to make climbing up and down much more feasible. Plus, raccoons are super intelligent and are able to figure out how to get food even in the most undesirable circumstances.

ALSO SEE: Can Raccoons Break Through Ceiling?

Can Racoon Climb?

A raccoon is able to climb the following surfaces:

Raccoons can climb trees thanks to their sharp claws and toes.

Trees are important to raccoons. They use it to escape predators, and use the hollow part for nesting.

They are also able to descend a tree headfirst.

No, a raccoon cannot leap from the tree, even to save itself.

Yes, raccoons can climb fences, especially wood fences.

They are also able to grab and claw through softer fence materials, especially those made from softwood. They create holes in such fences and pass through.

Baby raccoons may be unable to climb over 5-6 inches wire fences, but adult raccoons have been found to climb over fences higher than eight inches in height.

Raccoons have superior wall-climbing skills, and their physical attributes and sharp claws make climbing the wall of your home and offices so easy.

A raccoon is able to scale anything from your home’s exterior wall to a high-rise building.

Most raccoons can climb up to 4” diameter of PVC pipe if there is food on the other side. I have seen them do this to my neighbor’s fence.

Raccoons are excellent at climbing brick walls. Their leg and toes let them grasp and climb just about anything from the garbage can to a tree, to brick on a building or on the street.

Raccoon feet can rotate 180 degrees, allowing it to climb down headfirst.

Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily climb up and down a metal pole.

This allows them to easily reach your bird feeders. So, using pole baffles is a great way of controlling them.

The paws of the raccoon are able to go 180 degrees, and that allows the raccoon to climb a vinyl siding effortlessly.

Although raccoons cannot climb glass, they will climb it if there is a surface or thing they can use for support.

Vinyl is smoother than wood and doesn’t have as much traction for animals’ feet or claws.

A raccoon will be able to climb a vinyl fence, but with great difficulty.

Metal fences are to an extent hard to climb since they are slippery but a raccoon is still able to climb them.

Baby raccoons will find it difficult to climb over 5-6inches of wire fences, adult raccoons have been found to climb over fences higher than 8 inches in height.

Raccoons are excellent climbers and can get to the corner of your home, or even up your downspout, but the odds are they will take the easiest route and that could be as simple as a tree.

Raccoons are able to climb houses, or even up your downspout, but the odds are they will take the easiest route and that could be as simple as a tree.

Raccoons and Squirrels are excellent climbers and easily scale a pole or shepherd’s hook to reach a feeder.

ALSO SEE: Can A Racoon Fit in Your Bum?

What Makes Raccoons Such Good Climbers?

They have long, thick sharp nails on their hands and feet that let them hold on to surfaces and objects.

Their claws can dig into and climb anything from tree trunks to crevices and cracks in concrete or brick.

The paws of the raccoon can do 180 degrees, and that gives them the ability to climb a surface headfirst.

Raccoons can climb to hunt for food, find shelter, and keep out of harm’s way. They usually climb trees and bushes to find berries, vegetables, insects, birds, eggs, and anything else that nature can offer up.

Raccoons learn by watching their mothers climb. Mothers will often reposition their babies on trees to teach them how to climb from various spots.

Raccoons have extrasensory cells made in their paws. This makes raccoons more sensitive to touch than other animals and helps them to know how to manage the material they are climbing.

How To Keep Raccoons From Climbing Fence, Walls, Trees, etc

You should keep your trees trimmed or cut them down low to deter raccoons from climbing and getting close to your roof.

That also includes climbing vines and ferns on the walls of your home.

Cover all openings and tents (including roof openings) with mesh, making sure that all the coverings are secured down with nails.

Ensure all garbage, refuse, and trash bags plus foodstuffs are out of sight.

Alternatively, you can use trash containers that have airtight lids. Bring in any food left outside for your pets during the day.

Raccoons are motivated by food and will follow the scent of food right to your front door or up the walls to your chimney.

Place metal sheeting around the corners of your house roof and around trees. This prevents raccoons from climbing those places.

You can also use steel spikes or put electric wiring on my fence.

Lastly, take pro-active measures when it comes to the breeding season of raccoons. Clear away ladders, chairs, or pipes that raccoons can climb to find a nest (in your home) for a mother and her babies.

The post Can Racoon Climb Trees, Fences, Walls, PVC? appeared first on Pestifier.

Can a Raccoon Fit in Your Bum?

admin — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:52:36 +0000

Raccoons are intriguing wild creatures, but attempting to force one into a human’s bottom would be extremely dangerous and is not anatomically possible.

Raccoons average 2-3 feet in length and weigh 10-30 pounds.

In comparison, the human gluteal muscles measure just 6-12 inches across. Clearly the sizes are incompatible.

Beyond size differences, raccoons have sharp claws and teeth that could cause significant injuries if trapped. Their thick fur also makes insertion difficult and painful.

While creative exploration of anatomy can be enlightening, we must be wise. Forcing wildlife into unnatural captivity is never ethical or safe for either party.

Raccoons are best appreciated from a distance, with healthy caution and respect. Attempting to dominate nature often backfires. Instead we can peacefully coexist, nurturing environments where all species can thrive.

Curiosity and humor have value, but practical ethics matter too. Let’s channel our creativity into areas that uplift rather than harm.

The post Can a Raccoon Fit in Your Bum? appeared first on Pestifier.