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.
