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Chapter 1: Introduction
Hi everyone, Stephen Van Tassel here, Wildlife Control consultant, bringing you another episode of “Living the Wildlife” as part of the Pesky Podcast family. I’m glad to have you on board, and I hope your week is going well. Today, I wanted to talk about armadillo control and a new method for capturing them that I came across in an article. Armadillos can be quite destructive, especially to people’s turf and ground-nesting birds. They also pose some health risks, such as leprosy and Chagas disease. So, if you’re dealing with armadillo issues, this alternative capture method might interest you. Let’s dive into the details!
Chapter 2: Capturing Armadillos – Traditional Methods
In the article I mentioned, the authors discussed various traditional methods of capturing armadillos. These methods include capturing them by hand, using a hand net, baited cage traps, drift nets, fences with cage traps, and even footholds in some areas where it’s legal. Each method has its pros and cons, but none of them provide a foolproof solution, especially when it comes to baiting armadillos. There is no universally effective bait for these creatures. However, the authors introduced a new approach that involves using dogs in combination with traps.
Chapter 3: The Dogs and Trap Combo Method
The researchers in the article experimented with training dogs to key in on armadillos, similar to training them for raccoon capture. They found that dogs could identify active armadillo burrows and signal their presence. The researchers then set traps at these locations to capture the armadillos. This method proved to be effective, especially when carried out during specific conditions.
Chapter 4: Optimal Conditions for Capturing Armadillos
The researchers discovered that the best times to search for armadillos were at dusk and nightfall. They also noted that the temperature range between 70 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit was ideal. The humidity level should be over 50 percent, as humid air carries odor better, aiding in armadillo detection. Additionally, partly to fully overcast conditions were preferable to lower wind issues and keep the dogs cooler. These conditions helped enhance armadillo activity and made the dogs’ job easier.
Chapter 5: Practical Applications for Wildlife Control Operators
While this method may not be applicable to all wildlife control operators, it can be valuable for those working on large landscape areas where armadillo removal is required. Many wildlife control operators already have dogs accompanying them on jobs, and training them to assist in armadillo capture could be a beneficial addition to their skill set. By utilizing this method, wildlife control operators can potentially resolve armadillo problems more efficiently, saving time and increasing their profits.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
In conclusion, armadillos can cause significant damage and pose health risks. Traditional methods of capturing them have limitations, particularly when it comes to baiting. The dogs and trap combo method introduced in the article offers a viable alternative for capturing armadillos, especially in large landscape areas. By training dogs to locate active armadillo burrows and setting traps accordingly, wildlife control operators can enhance their effectiveness in addressing armadillo issues. It’s essential to consider the optimal conditions for this method, such as specific temperatures, humidity, and lighting conditions. While this approach may not be suitable for all situations, it can be a valuable addition to the toolkit of wildlife control operators dealing with armadillo problems.
#Armadillos #WildlifeControl #DogsAndTraps #CapturingArmadillos #WildlifeManagement #ArmadilloDamageManagement #DogTraining #TrappingTechnique #EffectiveCapture #AlternativeMethods
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC
Blog: https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/
Papers: https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel
Podcasts: https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/
Phone: 406-272-5323 Mtn Time
Helping people resolve conflicts with wildlife through teaching, training, writing, and research
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