The lushness of the seasons is finally upon us. The trees gently shading us with their green canopies. The rhododendrons are in full bloom, whites, subtle purples, and the reds of the related azaleas welcome us home. Even the dandelions tease us with a cheery carpet of yellow. Two colors though, should serve as a warning: black and white. A dangerous combination, more often “scented” than seen, the mephitis mephitis, the striped skunk is a common visitor to our yard.
Frequently skunks dig up the lawn or garden looking for grubs. The signs for skunk damage around the home are small cone shaped holes about three to four inches in diameter. While other animals such as dogs or squirrels dig too, they do not make circular holes. Treat your lawn with a grub control product if these are evident and excessive.
Fencing areas is the first step in keeping skunks out of areas prone to a den such as under decks or sheds. As these creatures are prone to digging, burying the first foot of wire mesh fence with about six inches bent away from the structure is a hindrance. Cover basement windows with mesh or plastic domes.
Food sources will attract skunks too. Keep trash cans sealed and secure. If you suspect a skunk is visiting your house, discontinue feeding your pets outside. Plus skunks are attracted to rodents. Garages, barns, and sheds are common places for them to live; as a result a rodent control program might be necessary.
Finding a skunk living around your home is not a welcome sight. They are nocturnal animals so they may have been there for years without anyone noticing. And while they cause problems for the nose and nosey pets, they can be beneficial. If a skunk is problematic, consider a professional wildlife removal expert. For more help with skunks, contact the Penn State Master Gardener Helpline at 570-963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu and request a free copy of our Skunks Wildlife Control publication.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Showing posts with label vole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vole. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
What’s Munching On My Garden And What Can I Do About It?
If you want to know what animal assaulted your apple tree or committed a felony on your tulips, you should learn crime-scene-investigation techniques. Gary San Julian, Penn State professor of wildlife resources, will kick-off a free online seminar series about those techniques at noon and at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7. The series of one-hour webinars about wildlife damage will continue on the first Monday of each month through May. You will learn how to recognize just who the culprit is and techniques for dissuading the attentions of some of the more persistent wildlife critters.
To view live and previously recorded webinars, all you need is a "Friend of Penn State” user ID, a high-speed Internet connection, and a computer with sound. To register and take part in the live webinars or to watch programs in the archives, visit the Pennsylvania Forests Web Seminar Center website (http://rnrext.cas.psu.edu/PAForestWeb/). If you do not already have a Friend of Penn State user ID, click “Register Now” on the Seminar Center website and it will walk you through the process.
Archived sessions will be available at the Seminar Center website, along with a copy of the presentation and any handout materials, so you can watch it at your convenience.
Other webinars scheduled in the Wildlife Damage series include:
For a list of free publications on a variety of Forest-related topics, call 800-234-9473, send an email to RNRext@psu.edu, or write to Forest Stewardship Program, Forest Resources Extension, The Pennsylvania State University, 416 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802.
For the full article about the Wildlife Damage webinars and other Forest Stewardship programs, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/51033#nw69, or contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County call our garden help line at 963-6842 ext. 1377 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini
Extension Educator Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
To view live and previously recorded webinars, all you need is a "Friend of Penn State” user ID, a high-speed Internet connection, and a computer with sound. To register and take part in the live webinars or to watch programs in the archives, visit the Pennsylvania Forests Web Seminar Center website (http://rnrext.cas.psu.edu/PAForestWeb/). If you do not already have a Friend of Penn State user ID, click “Register Now” on the Seminar Center website and it will walk you through the process.
Archived sessions will be available at the Seminar Center website, along with a copy of the presentation and any handout materials, so you can watch it at your convenience.
Other webinars scheduled in the Wildlife Damage series include:
- March 7: "Groundhogs -- the Good, the Bad, and the Funny."
- April 4: "The 'oles -- Give me a V, give me an M." This presentation is about voles and moles.
- May 2: "Squirrels and Chippies Acting Out."
For a list of free publications on a variety of Forest-related topics, call 800-234-9473, send an email to RNRext@psu.edu, or write to Forest Stewardship Program, Forest Resources Extension, The Pennsylvania State University, 416 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802.
For the full article about the Wildlife Damage webinars and other Forest Stewardship programs, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/51033#nw69, or contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County call our garden help line at 963-6842 ext. 1377 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini
Extension Educator Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
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