Varmint Eradication / Deterrence

[LarryBud]

I have a Pole Barn with a concrete floor. The building has been there since 92. When I bought the place 2.5 years ago, I noticed there was an outside corner where varmints had dug a hole under the concrete and I assume they have set up a nice hang out under my floor.

Over the past few years I would fill in the hole and place rocks over the entrance. Sometimes months would go by with no activity but eventually, the hole would be dug back out. This year ( with many of the big projects completed ) I've stepped up my game. I trapped and relocated a big wood chuck and used Quickcrete to block off the entrance.

Well, some critter just dug a new entry point outside of the line of defense and has set up shop again. ( not sure how they even know the opportunity exist but they do ) I have the trap out there now but would like to figure out a way to deter them in the first place. I suspect wood chucks, possum and skunks as the likely violation candidates.

I have not tried scents or pepper and the like. Any advice?

 

[lynnmor]

I buried fence wire that went up under the siding and several feet out from the building.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Probably wood chucks. Constant trapping. My neighbor has relocated something like 40 from under her barn.

Keeping the area near the foundation mowed short and string trimmed supposedly helps. Less cover to attract the young ones to start a new home. I do an area near a run in shed, but still occasionally one will show up. Hopefully the concrete and bare gravel i have near my new polebarn will keep them away.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I have a Pole Barn with a concrete floor. The building has been there since 92. When I bought the place 2.5 years ago, I noticed there was an outside corner where varmints had dug a hole under the concrete and I assume they have set up a nice hang out under my floor.

Over the past few years I would fill in the hole and place rocks over the entrance. Sometimes months would go by with no activity but eventually, the hole would be dug back out. This year ( with many of the big projects completed ) I've stepped up my game. I trapped and relocated a big wood chuck and used Quickcrete to block off the entrance.

Well, some critter just dug a new entry point outside of the line of defense and has set up shop again. ( not sure how they even know the opportunity exist but they do ) I have the trap out there now but would like to figure out a way to deter them in the first place. I suspect wood chucks, possum and skunks as the likely violation candidates.

I have not tried scents or pepper and the like. Any advice?

In situations like you described I think working dogs could be helpful…dachshunds or terriers could make short work of that.

 

[Elliott in GA]

Castor Oil - you can buy a jug, and then mix your own treatment with water and dish soap. It will work, but it will require monthly reapplication depending on conditions.

Since you relocated (versus terminated) the past offender, this treatment might be a better match for you.

 

[someguy9000]

Search YouTube. People hookup lawnmowers "ie small engines with no emissions restrictions" to basically hoses, and dump the carbon monoxide in the hole. Get a little smoke in the exaust and you can see all the other exits and cover them. 30 minutes and they are probably all dead.

Gonna try this, and give it a go. I've tried traps and poison and I just lose the battle. Hopefully this works.

 

[LarryBud]

Since you relocated (versus terminated) the past offender, this treatment might be a better match for you.

Thanks for the suggestions. While I did relocate the last offender, no form of management is off the table. Relocation was the easiest at the time and seemed like the thing to do.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

45g barrel of water and try to teach the varmit 'swimming lessons'.
relocation is NOT the option, they'll be back.......

 

[D2Cat]

I've read where folks who relocate the critters claim they will return when placed 5 miles away. Don't know how that could be nothing but an opinion unless they marked them somehow!

I've been experiencing the same invasion. A good bait is sliced apples. Here's a thread with some ideas.

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/ground-hog-problem.62880/

 

[rc51stierhoff]

From the clay/plastic explosive to the rifle with flashlight…Carl has always been one of my hero’s…Maybe take a page from Carl…

 

[The Evil Twin]

https://www.amdro.com/all-products/gopher-gasser

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Never let a crisis go to waste.

This sounds like a perfect opportunity to slide one of these past the Finance Committee.

Then, if that doesn't work try one of these

Then go the poison/castor oil route....

 

[jimh406]

I find the Giant Destroyer Super Gasser to be pretty effective. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J6CU09E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1