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This page contains resources on the kinds of control options available to manage wildlife damage problems.

When searching for ways to control wildlife damage, one can be overwhelmed by the available options. This portion of the site is dedicated to helping you sort through the options to find the best solution for your particular situation. Please understand that we will have to speak in general terms as the applicability of any of these options depends on setting, local laws and regulations as well as personal preferences.

We hope, however, that you will find this information helpful in making more informed and responsible wildlife damage management decisions.

Wildlife Damage Management Principles

The wildlife damage management can be accomplished by addressing one or more of 4 different aspects of wildlife activity.

1. Habitat
• Housing (where the animal lives)
• Access (where the animal moves)
• Cover (where the animal hides from prey and/or predators)
2. Food
3. Water
4. Population--the population of a particular species needs to be large enough to ensure its trans-generational survival.

Like fire, remove one of the 4 aspects needed to support animal activity and animal activity will cease.

Exclusion falls under point #1 "Habitat". Specifically, exclusion addresses both access and housing needs for wildlife.

Exclusion

Advantages:

1. Long-term--when exclusion is performed properly it can effect control for years.

2. Less lethal--many people like the fact that exclusion does not require the direct killing of animals.

3. Highly effective--exclusion is extremely effective in mitigating wildlife damage.

Disadvantages:

1. Initial cost--depending on the setting, exclusion can be have high set up costs in materials and labor. However, over the long-term, exclusion costs are frequently compare quite favorably to other techniques on a cost-effective basis.

2. Aesthetics--some people react negatively to fencing, wires etc. used to exclude wildlife.

3. Limits--exclusion can't be used in all areas due to other considerations.

Locations Suitable for Exclusion

1. Structures: buildings are actually the easiest places to institute an exclusion program. For details on excluding wildlife from a structure or building, click Building Exclusion
2. Gardens: gardens and high value crops are ideal candidates for exclusion. For details click Garden Exclusion
3. Bird Feeders: Contrary to popular mythology, gray and fox squirrels can be excluded from feeders. For details click Bird Feeder Exclusion