reginaldmurray
Winged Problems
As we open into spring and I sat on my porch this evening drinking coffee and talking … I was abruptly reminded of several things that come with this time of year … bats, birds and bees.
Pigeons removed from a roof
We are receiving calls on spring beaver and skunk problems. But now the bats are moving, the honey bees are foraging and looking to set up new hives and colonies and the birds (Canada geese, European Starlings, Feral Pigeons and House Sparrows) are nesting and creating a lot of problems and issues.
If you are having early issues with these or any other wildlife species … do wait to get on our schedule. It’s filling up fast with calls for animal issues and problems.
#oklahomawildlifecontrol #honeybees #birds #bats #geese #goose #getridof #howto
Foundation Barriers – A “MUST” for any structure
Wildlife Prevention Barriers … yes, we install them!
Another service provided by the Oklahoma Wildlife Control Limited Liability Company, which is usually not mentioned or discussed until we’re called out to remove a dead animal from under a mobile / modular / trailer home … is re-skirting and wildlife barrier installation performed to this type of residential structure, to prevent future wildlife access. There’s hardly a worse smell, than finding out an opossum, skunk or other wildlife species has gained active access under your structure … or worse yet, died under your home. When you find out this has occurred, it is usually with your nose, just prior to hosting a party or a family / friends “get together”. These animals usually gain access under the structure through faulty skirting, then they climb up into the flooring insulation, get lost, and die around the plumbing fixtures of the home while seeking water. Proper installation of a wildlife barrier, and if a “mobile” type structure, the “re-skirting” of the foundation … is an absolute “must” for these types of structures, and in our own opinion, should be a “code” regulation for the structures placement on a property.
But you say “my structure is on a slab” … and our reply is “AND!?” Yes, it happens to cement slabs as well. Especially is the footing was poured improperly, the ground is continuously “wet or soft”, and through regular “settling” of the footing and slab. These episodes cause erosion, and will end up in a “washout” or “wash hole” providing access under the slab itself. Even tough a barrier installation is not as common with “slabs” … it does happen, and when it does, the slab makes the level of installation difficulties escalate drastically.
If you need a wildlife prevention barrier installed on your structure, and you want it properly and professionally installed … look no further and contact us today.
918-367-9060 Oklahoma’s residential Canada Geese-Goose Problems & Issues
Spring is here … and so are the residential Canada geese. And in a lot of locations … just a few geese are welcomed for scenery. However … the Geese are nesting, and laying eggs … which could pose a potential problem for people just passing by.
Residential Canada geese are a large problem in Oklahoma and throughout the nation. To assist in this problem, we are authorized to removed and relocate geese, as well as addle eggs, as seen in the pictures provided below. If you have issues with Canada geese, or any other wildlife species, contact us today.
Legal Status
In the United States, migratory birds, including most waterfowl, as well as their nests and eggs, are federally protected (50 CFR 10.12) by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 USC. 703-711). A complete list of all migratory birds protected by the MBTA can be found in 50 CFR 10.13. Also, all states protect most waterfowl. Exotic and feral waterfowl species including mute swans, greylag geese, muscovy ducks, and Pekin ducks are not protected by the MBTA, but may be protected by state law or local ordinance.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has enlisted us as designated agents, under ODWC’s Special Canada goose Permit (SCGP), issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Services. As agents we are authorized to conduct resident Canada goose management and control activities through egg and nest manipulation, trapping, and relocation, of Canada geese in order to contribute to human health and safety, protection of personal property, and prevention of injury to people or property. We are pre-authorized to trap and relocate and carry out egg and nest control only from within the incorporated city limits of a municipality. At this time lethal control of resident Canada geese by SCGP Agents operating under the ODWC federal permit is not permitted. Control activities under the ODWC’s federal Special Canada Goose Permit may only be conducted between March 11 and August 31. Activities involving the harassment of resident Canada geese, that do not result in the taking or possession of resident Canada geese, their parts, nest or eggs, may be conducted year around.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma … is certified under the SCGP of the US Fish & Wildlife Department, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to assist and resolve your residential Canada geese problems and concerns with services ranging from egg addling to physical removal and relocation. Contact us today for your Residential Canada Geese needs. Our professionals are standing by to assist you.
Raccoon Remediations
As we enter into the fall months prior to winter … so do the raccoons. They enter into your walls, attics, foundations and other areas. Raccoons can be a nuisance to state the least, and can be very damaging to attic and interior spaces if left unchecked. However, most raccoon damages can be covered under a home owners insurance claim, whereas other pest problems cannot. Raccoons were determined to be neither pest nor vermin a few years ago in U.S. Courts, and therefore could not be omitted in a home owner policy. Though the actual removal of the raccoons cannot be claimed, the damage repairs which are required in their absence or eviction, can be.
Raccoons don’t simply “den up” and cause no harm … they create toilets or latrines in the attics, damage wiring and insulation, tear through walls and ceilings, and torment home owners and pets alike. So you ask “why your house?” The answer is simple … the raccoon was traveling from point “A” to “B” … and your house was in the way, and it decided to stay. There are some “draws” which entice a raccoon to take up refuge in your structure … water source, food source and accessibility … however, the bottom line tends to be “your structure was there”.
We offer the most dedicated removal and damage repair services available in this, and many other instances. Our work carries a 3 year warranty in writing. This is the time of year, that the raccoons will begin looking for their winter homes, and spring birthing areas. Don’t fall victim to ongoing damages caused by raccoons, this problem will not resolve itself once they take up residency. Contact us today for more information about this, and all other wildlife related services we offer.
Oklahoma Wildlife Control Canada Goose, Feral Pigeon, European Starling, House Sparrow – Bird Control Remedtiation Solutions Services
As many have learned in the past, and many more will in the future … the Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma is unrivaled in excellence and professionalism when their services are required to stop nuisance birds from loitering on structures.
Along with the many control and deterrent options we have to offer, we also offer a monthly maintenance program for each deterrent system. We provide this service in order to ensure that the deterrent system will remain in good condition and quality working order.
Pigeons and Risks
The Problem
Pigeons cause defacement and accelerated building deterioration, fouling and soiling, noise and nuisance, poor public appearance & image, health hazards, transmission of disease, contamination of water / food supplies, public / employee safety and equipment damage. Cost of bird strikes and delays / cancellations to the commercial and military aviation industry is estimated to be $1.0 billion to $1.5 billion dollars a year. Monetary losses and damages caused by pigeon and bird feces to businesses, transportation entities, utilities and the general public goes largely unreported costing
consumers untold multi-millions of dollars each year.
Do pigeons pose a health risk? YES. Aside from the parasites & mites, they will provide you with …
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus, which grows in pigeon droppings. It also grows in soils and is found throughout the world. When cleaning droppings a person may breathe in some of the fungus, which in cases of high exposure can cause infection. Common activities, such as cleaning off windowsills, will not result in high exposures.
Symptoms of histoplasmosis begin to appear about 10 days after initial infection and include fatigue, fever, and chest pains. Most people, however, do not show any symptoms. Those with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients or people living with HIV/AIDS are generally more at risk of developing histoplasmosis. The disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease associated with pigeon droppings and also grows in soils throughout the world. It is very unlikely that healthy people will become infected even at high levels of exposure. A major risk factor for infection is a compromised immune system. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 85 percent of cryptococcosis patients are HIV-positive.
Starlings and Risk
Like the house sparrow, the starling was introduced from Europe in the 19th century. It did not spread as fast and only reached the western coast within the last few decades. Starlings are well adapted to urban life which offer it an abundance of food and nesting sites. It is a muscular bird about eight inches long with long wings and a short squared tail. Starlings are very aggressive and will drive native birds out of its territory, much to the dismay of local bird watchers. Starlings are well noted for their flocking habits. They often gather in the tens of thousands, creating a huge nuisance when roosting in populated areas. Starlings are a major nuisance in urban areas due to their nesting, eating and living habits. When the bird is in its flocking phase, thousands of starlings often overwhelm urban buildings. Large scale buildup of feces from these flocks will lead to structural damage. The uric acid in the feces will corrode stone, metal and masonry. Gutters and drainage pipes clogged with starling nests often backup, causing extensive water damage. The bacteria, fungal agents and parasites in the feces also pose a serious health risk.
House Sparrows and Risk
If you want to attract bluebirds, you will have to deal with House Sparrows if they are common in your area. House Sparrows are probably the number one enemy of bluebirds and purple martins. Unlike starlings, they are capable of entering the 1.5″ round hole of a nest box. House Sparrows have been observed threatening and attacking 70 species of birds that have come into their nesting territory.
You might think they’re cute (some blue-birders refer to them as “rats with wings”), but they attack and kill adult bluebirds (warning: graphic photos), sometimes trapping and decapitating them in the nest box and building their own nest on top of the corpse. They destroy eggs and young. At a minimum, they often harass native birds (especially more timid species like chickadees) into abandoning nest boxes. A HOSP flock near a nest box can also cause premature fledgling. They will also overwhelm bird feeders, driving other species away. (Ben Lincoln reported that 16 House Sparrows went through 3 lbs. of birdseed over a two day period.)
Damage and Risk
House Sparrows cause other damage: to crops (esp. grains) and gardens (eating seed, seedlings, buds, flowers, young vegetables [such as peas and lettuce], maturing fruit [such as cherries, pears and peaches but not grapes], and stored grain, and consuming and spoiling livestock food and water. They may spread other agricultural pests (such as nematodes and weed seeds). In exceptional cases (e.g., consumption of alfalfa weevil and cutworms) House Sparrows have been useful as a destroyer of insect pests, however under normal circumstances its choice of insects is often unfavorable (Birds of
America, 1917).
House Sparrows droppings and feathers create janitorial problems as well as hazardous, unsanitary, and odoriferous situations inside and outside of buildings and sidewalks under roosting areas. They can contaminate and deface buildings with their nests and acidic droppings, which can damage the finish on automobiles, block gutters (with nests), and create fire hazards (e.g., when nesting around power lines, lighted signs or electrical substations, in dryer vents.)
Last, but not least, they are also a factor in dissemination of about 29 human and livestock diseases and internal parasites (Weber 1979) such as equine encephalitis, West Nile (they are carriers, but it usually does not kill them as it has killed crows in the past), vibriosis, and yersinosis, chlamydiosis, coccidiosis, erysipeloid, Newcastle’s, parathypoid, pullorum, salmonellosis, transmissible gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, acariasis, schistosomiasis,
taeniasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis; and household pests like bed bugs, carpet beetles, clothes moths, fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. Note that other wild birds may also have these diseases and parasites, but because of numbers and typical nesting locations, HOSP may be more likely to transmit them to humans and livestock.
Residential Canada Geese
The term waterfowl is properly applied only to Ducks, Geese and Swans. Goose problems in urban and suburban areas are primarily caused by giant Canada geese, which are probably the most adaptable of all waterfowl. If left undisturbed, these geese will readily establish nesting territories on ponds in residential yards, golf courses, condominium complexes, city parks, or on farms. Most people will readily welcome a pair of geese on a pond. They can soon turn from pet to pest, however. A pair of geese can, in 5 to 7 years, easily become 50 to 100 birds that are fouling ponds and surrounding yards and damaging landscaping, gardens, and golf courses. Defense of nests or young by geese and swans can result in injuries to people who come too close.
Migrant waterfowl damage agricultural crops in northern and central North American. In the spring, waterfowl graze and trample crops such as soybeans, sunflowers, and cereal grains. In autumn, swathed grains are vulnerable to damage by ducks, coots, geese, and cranes through feeding, trampling, and fouling. Young alfalfa is susceptible to damage by grazing waterfowl. Geese sometimes damage standing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. In southern agricultural areas, overwintering waterfowl can cause problems in rice, lettuce, and winter wheat.
Legal Status
In the United States, migratory birds, including most waterfowl, as well as their nests and eggs, are federally protected (50 CFR 10.12) by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 USC. 703-711). A complete list of all migratory birds protected by the MBTA can be found in 50 CFR 10.13. Also, all states protect most waterfowl. Exotic and feral waterfowl species including mute swans, greylag geese, muscovy ducks, and Pekin ducks are not protected by the MBTA, but may be protected by state law or local ordinance.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has enlisted us as designated agents, under ODWC’s Special Canada goose Permit (SCGP), issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Services. As agents we are authorized to conduct resident Canada goose management and control activities through egg and nest manipulation, trapping, and relocation, of Canada geese in order to contribute to human health and safety, protection of personal property, and prevention of injury to people or property. We are pre-authorized to trap and relocate and carry out egg and nest control only from within the incorporated city limits of a municipality. At this time lethal control of resident Canada geese by SCGP Agents operating under the ODWC federal permit is not permitted. Control activities under the ODWC’s federal Special Canada Goose Permit may only be conducted between March 11 and August 31. Activities involving the harassment of resident Canada geese, that do not result in the taking or possession of resident Canada geese, their parts, nest or eggs, may be conducted year around.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma … is certified under the SCGP of the US Fish & Wildlife Department, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to assist and resolve your residential Canada geese problems and concerns with services ranging from egg addling to physical removal and relocation. Contact us today for your Residential Canada Geese needs. Our professionals are standing by to assist you.
Feral or Wild Hogs, Swine, Pigs, Russians, Bacon
The feral swine issue is one of the fastest growing nuisance related wildlife issues facing North America today. Very prolific in habits, these animals breed like rodents, and are much more destructive.
Feral swine population density continues to rise throughout all 77 counties of Oklahoma, and this invasive species continues to spread across the nation as result of natural range expansion, illegal trapping and movement, and accidental releases from domestic swine operations. As these populations have expanded, debate over the pros and cons of their presence has become more intense. Farmers, livestock producers, hunters, and trappers all have differing opinions on these animals. For some, these animals are destructive and represent a threat to ecosystems and livestock health; while to others, they are a resource for recreation and commerce. Regardless of opinions, feral swine have proven their ability to adapt and multiply, and it is unlikely they will ever be eradicated. As a state, we must develop strategies and approaches to address control while considering the interests of all parties. ~ Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry Website
Click here for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food & Forestry Regulations
Click here for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Regulations
Depredation Control
One of the biggest problems in Oklahoma and abroad, is that crop losses are increasing every year due to the depredations caused by Feral Swine. Oklahoma Wildlife Control®, L.L.C. offers depredation control for ranchers, farmers and other crop holders … for those species which would normally cause damages and losses, such as: Deer and Feral Hogs. We will work hand in hand with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture in order regulate and control species numbers, to ensure crop depredations are minimized.
Food Habits
Types of food vary greatly depending on the location and time of year. Wild pigs will eat anything from grain to carrion. They may feed on underground vegetation during periods of wet weather or in areas near streams and underground springs. Acorns or other mast, when available, make up a good portion of their diet. Wild pigs gather in oak forests when acorns fall, and their movements will generally not be as great during this period. In the winters of poor mast years, wild pigs greatly increase their range and consume greater quantities of underground plant material, herbaceous plants, and invertebrates (Singer 1981). Stomach analyses indicate that wild hogs ingest flesh from vertebrates, but the extent to which animals are taken as prey or carrion is not known. Wild pigs are capable of preying on lambs (Pavlov et al. 1981), as well as goat kids, calves, and exotic game.
General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior
Wild pigs are intelligent animals and readily adapt to changing conditions. They may modify their response to humans fairly rapidly if it benefits their survival. Wild boar have a greater capacity to invade colder and more mountainous terrain than do other wild pigs. Feral hogs feed during daylight hours or at night, but if hunting pressure becomes too great during the day, they will remain in heavy cover at that time and feed at night. In periods of hot weather, wild pigs remain in the shade in wallows during the day and feed at night. The wild pig is the most prolific large wild mammal in North America. Given adequate nutrition, a wild pig population can double in just 4 months. Feral hogs may begin to breed before 6 months of age, if they have a high-quality diet. Sows can produce 2 litters per year and young may be born at any time of the year. Wild boar usually do not breed until 18 months of age and commonly have only 1 litter per year unless forage conditions are excellent. Like domestic animals, the litter size depends upon the sow’s age, nutritional intake, and the time of year. Litter sizes of feral hogs in northern California average 5 to 6 per sow (Barrett 1978). Wild boar usually have litter sizes of 4 to 5 but may have
as many as 13 (Pine and Gerdes 1973).
Damage and Damage Identification
Wild pigs can cause a variety of damage. The most common complaint is rooting (sometimes called grubbing), resulting in the destruction of crops and pastures. Damage to farm ponds and watering holes for livestock is another common problem. Predation on domestic stock and wildlife has been a lesser problem in North America. Damage to crops and range land by wild pigs is easily identified. Rooting in wet or irrigated soil is generally quite visible, but can vary from an area of several hundred square feet (m2) or more to only a few small spots where the ground has been turned over. Rooting destroys pasture, crops, and native plants, and can cause soil erosion. Wallows are easily seen around ponds and streams. Tracks of adult hogs resemble those made by a 200pound (90-kg) calf. Where ground is soft, dewclaws will show on adult hog tracks.
Our Method of Control
The Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company utilizes technology to eradicate nuisance feral hogs, swine, pigs, boars, sows, shoats and Russians … whatever you might call them. Herd control and eradication is key. We will utilize a “Judas Pig” concept, where we will trap and collar a single wild pig, and then release it. Being very “herd social” in nature, this collared hog will take us to the herd, where we employ methods of total elimination of the population. We do not address the issues of wild hog problems from a conservationist standpoint, that is, we do not remove only a few and leave the rest to breed. But instead, we remove the problem from your property in it’s entirety, thus alleviating the continued damage and destruction caused by this widespread problem. Our method of controlling hogs is expensive, but it is proven and the results are guaranteed.
Estimates & Bat Exclusion
Many people call us to give an estimate to them for the removal, exclusion or bat proofing of their homes, residences and structure in Oklahoma. We would like to take this opportunity to touch on some of the factors in rendering an accurate estimate.
Here in Tulsa, Oklahoma … we recently started a Bat Exclusion job with an estimate of $1500. This estimate includes getting the bats out, sealing up the cracks, gaps, separations and crevices in the structure, cleaning out the fecal material and disinfecting / deodorizing the void and area where the bats have been roosting.
Reginald Murray, of Oklahoma Wildlife Control®, L.L.C., removing the chimney cap of the fireplace to view the “void” of the fireplace during a bat exclusion job in Tulsa, OK
In giving an accurate estimate, everything must be inspected and viewed, which cannot always be done. Take the estimate of $1500 for example. This estimate is an approximation based on what could be viewed. However, a more accurate estimate could be delivered if during the inspection, we could have been able to view the “void” between the fireplace frame, and the brick which covered the fireplace. Since this is most often the case, where there are portions of an area, that cannot be viewed during an inspection … we allow for, and note, that an estimate can exceed the established figure by 25%. This accounts for the areas which cannot be seen.
Internal structure and framing of the fireplace found “rotted” from long term exposure and saturation of bat urine. This home is in South Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Once we began the exclusion process, and removed the chimney cap from the fireplace, it was discovered that the problem was larger than first presumed during the initial inspection. The internal framing of the fireplace, has been home to bats for an extended period of time, and the fecal material (guano) and urine from the bats, was found to have rotted the wood of the structure. It was also found, that the urine has soaked through the brick mortar of the fireplace due to long term exposure.
In this situation, we will still be able to complete the estimate at the cost and services given to the client. However; to be correctly done, the expenses will be higher than the estimated costs. To be correctly done, the brick needs to be removed, and the framing replaced. There will also need to be a “bat bug” eradication plan of action performed by a pest control company, such as Mother Nature’s Pest Control of Tulsa.
Big Brown Bat found in the fireplace void when the chimney cap was removed for further inspection of the problem by Reginald Murray of Oklahoma Wildlife Control in Tulsa, OK
In this economy, financing a venture such as this, is a very hard thing to do. We work hand in hand, step by step with our clients to find the resolve that fits their budgets. However, regardless of our recommendations, it is ultimately the decision of the home owners to approve or disapprove the processes needed to correct the problem.
Do not let this happen to you. Get an inspection when you first notice the problem, or better yet when you suspect the problem. By doing so, it can save you a lot of money. Contact us today with any questions you might have.
Our Removal Policy
Okay, let’s say that you have called on the Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company to resolve your wildlife problems, as so many have in the past. In doing so, you have called the most Professional, Knowledgeable, Dedicated and Honest company in Oklahoma that you can possibly find to resolve your wildlife issues. However, in calling the Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company, you MUST place your trust in our knowledge and professionalism in terms of abiding by our instructions and directions to remedy your problems. We have on all occasions, made the very best attempt to abide by our clientele wishes in in terms of how the wildlife should be disposed of. The disposition of wildlife is ultimately the decision and responsibility of OK Wildlife Control®, L.L.C. Which brings us to listening and adhering.
There are those who wish for us to simply “exclude” the wildlife problem from the structure so that it cannot get back in, but leave it in the area. This is seldom the best possible solution to the problem, and a lot of other companies will do this knowing that the wildlife will regain entry into the structure through another opening created at a later date … which in turn, creates more work for the company and costing the client more money. Exclusion only does not work all the time. It is not always the best solution. When exclusion only is performed by a wildlife service company, many times, it’s because they do not know how to properly address the wildlife concern.
(Squirrels regained access into the attic by chewing through the fascia board at the corner as shown. In doing so, they also damaged the underlying soffit. )
Point in fact … the picture to the right is that of a house in Tulsa, to which we followed the landowner instructions the first time, without enforcing our professionalism and knowledge for which we were paid to render during the service. We removed all the dead animals, secured all of the entry points, repaired all of the damages and left the wildlife in the neighborhood as the client wished for us to do. So what happened? Four months later, we are back out to remove squirrels which have regained entry into the attic space. Where did they get back in you ask? On the far end of the roof, which had no damages during the first visit. The squirrels found a place that was weakened by weather and chewed their way back into the attic. This could have been prevented by following the instructions given during the initial visit and raccoon, squirrel and dead animal removal process.
This eve where the squirrels have built a den (nest) has no attic accessibility, and therefore, the repairs will be larger and the costs will be greater due to the fact that the entire soffit and fascia have to be removed from the structure in order to ensure that all materials are cleaned out, the void is disinfected, and that there are no underlying damages to the internal attic structure. The den is actually about six (6) feet up into the soffit void. Even though some of the squirrels building material can be seen at the opening, those materials are not the actual den. This can be seen in the following pictures.
So here’s the realization. If you PAY for EXPERIENCE. If you PAY for PROFESSIONALISM. If you PAY for KNOWLEDGE. And you PAY for QUALITY … then why would you choose to throw good money after bad by not following the directions given to you by the PROFESSIONAL that you PAID to do so? And why would you choose to utilize the services of a company without the proper knowledge and professionalism required for the wildlife control industry?
We advise you to shop around for the company of your choice to assist you in your selection. Or you can simply contact us to save time … after all … the Oklahoma Wildlife Control® Limited Liability Company sets the bar and standards of quality and professionalism for the wildlife control industry in Oklahoma.
