The local electricity distributor in your area may have a program to provide poles for constructing platforms. “One pair of nesting ferruginous hawks can consume up to 500 RGSs in a season. They can be as simple as two large round bales set on end with one on top of the other, or a more permanent structure as seen below. Platforms for raptors in treeless areas encourage them to nest and should be set up for a period of time before nesting to allow the raptors to become familiar with them. There are a variety of non-chemical controls that can be used without the risk of secondary poisonings. “The key is to put the rodenticides out after mating and before crops emerge as RGSs will choose a fresh crop over grain. Check with your local agricultural fieldman to see if these products may be suitable for you.” Non-chemical controls Zinc phosphide is a different type of single feeding product acting differently in the body than strychnine resulting in lower secondary poisonings. Ramik Green® (Diphacinone) is another multi-feeding anticoagulant. Rozol® (Chlorophacinone) is an effective product that is an anti-coagulant and requires multiple feedings. Strychnine is the best known product as it is a single feeding product the registration for use of this product will be ending Maby Health Canada. There are rodenticides labelled to control RGSs however, misuse of these products may result in non target poisonings. “Targeting the breeding males and females can have a significant reduction in the population of RGSs in any given year,” says Wickerson. The females emerge two weeks after the males and breed immediately. Shooting is a very effective method for control, especially when the males first emerge as they are living off their winter body fat and fighting for territories. A squirrel had a tense standoff with a snake as it tried to manoeuvre around the reptile on top of a back garden fence. These options are all part of an Integrated Pest Management approach which includes a combination of methods to control the nuisance rodent. Options for control include shooting, use of rodenticides and non-chemical means. Control should be initiated prior to the emergence of the young when the males first emerge above ground and before the females go underground to have their litters.” April is generally the best month for controlling RGSs as they emerge earlier or later in the spring depending on the amount of snow. “Controlling Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGSs) can be challenging in any year,” says Karen Wickerson, rat and pest program specialist with the Alberta government. See event listings and more articles in this edition of Agri-News: Apissue
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |