Page 4 - TR Home Lawn & Garden March 2017

4SS SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
RUN, RODENTS!
HOW TO RID YOUR YARD OF PESKY PESTS
Spring is the season when lawn and gar- den equipment is dusted off, windows are washed and homes are aired out. Spring
also is a great time to get started on lawn and garden projects.
Early spring might not be warm enough
to start planting, but it is a great time to inspect a yard for any property damage or problems, including pests. Small animals such as groundhogs can compromise lawn and garden projects. For example, vegeta- ble gardens are prime targets for such pests, while trees and shrubbery offer cozy abodes and camouflage from predators. Homeowners can grow frustrated by the damage such crit- ters can do to their properties, but identi- fying the offenders early on can minimize that damage.
GROUNDHOGS
Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots and are the largest members of the squirrel family. They frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, such as streams, roads or fields. Groundhogs feed on grass, plants, fruit and tree bark. They will also feast on home gardens during the summer and fall seasons. Groundhogs are most active during the warm months, when they forage and feast to build up large reserves for winter hibernation. Humane methods of keeping groundhogs at bay include making the area inhospitable. Groundhogs can climb trees and fencing, but they’re less likely to get into plants if there is a fence around them. Dogs can be preven- tive as well, as some dogs will chase ground- hogs off the property. The scent of urine can also scare away groundhogs. Using traps to capture and then relocate groundhogs is another option.
If you don't properly rid your yard of pests, it can quickly turn into a minefield of mole hills, making your area an eyesore.
MOLES
Moles are cylindrical mammals that are most comfortable living a subterra- nean lifestyle. The fur of moles feels sim- ilar to velvet, and they have small ears and eyes. Moles also have strong fore- limbs with forepaws that have an extra thumb and multiple joints. These help them to burrow underground effectively and hollow out subterranean chambers. The diet of moles is primarily earthworms and small invertebrates found in the soil.
The runs that moles create beneath the surface of the soil are used to trap prey and store it in “larders” for later. Moles are not harmful to lawns and gardens, but they can compromise the aesthetic appeal of lawns and gardens. That is why home- owners often want to prevent moles from making homes on their property. While there are traps and poisons available, one of the easiest ways to prevent mole infestation is to remove the moles’ sources of food. Homeowners can also cut back on watering their property and get rid of grubs and other insects. Also, consider installing a mole barrier of aluminum sheeting or hardware cloth; bury these materials between 2 and 3 feet deep along the perimeter of a lawn or garden. Cats
are natural enemies of moles, so sprin- kling cat litter around mole runs may dissuade moles from visiting the area.
VOLES
Often mistaken for mice, voles are small rodents that have shorter, hairier tails and stouter bodies than mice. Voles are commonly referred to as meadow or field mice. They feed on small plants and will eat nuts, fruits and even dead animals. Voles will frequently eat succu- lent root systems and burrow under lawns and gardens. The runways of voles will be shallow, so they aren’t prevalent in frequently cultivated soils. Voles are also less likely to burrow beneath frequently mowed lawns. Voles do not like open areas. Remove protection such as weeds, tall grass, dense vegetation and heavy mulch to make your yard a less popular habitat. Keep grass adjacent to flower beds and gardens mowed short.
If groundhogs, moles and voles become particularly troublesome or infest a yard in great numbers, an exterminator may be needed.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative
since 1957
1001 S. Main • Searcy • 501-268-8623 www.pestcontrolbyadams.com