Dealing With Nuisance Wildlife
There are several species of wildlife in our area of Ohio that can cause crop and personal property damage or just create a nuisance. The more common animals we encounter include the raccoon, deer, woodchucks, geese, blackbirds, starlings, and other birds. Other types of critters that sometimes show up where they are not wanted might include rabbits, squirrels, bats, turkeys, rodents, and reptiles.
There are certain issues that need to be considered, along with regulations that must be followed when with problem wildlife. For a few quick tips, check out the fact sheet, "Dealing With Nuisance Wildlife (PDF, 304KB)". You can also visit the Division of Wildlife website for tips on preventing and dealing with nuisance wildlife encounters. For specific nuisance goose issues, individuals can fill out the new goose complaint/permit system form online. Contact the Wildlife Officer in your county or the Wildlife Specialist here at the District to inquire about additional methods and recommendations for dealing with nuisance wildlife.
Life Traps Available
The District also has a few live traps that can be rented out to those that wish to employ this option. Fact sheets, resource contacts, and other recommendations specific to the species you are trying to control can also be provided. Simply contact me at the District office for more information at 419-626-5211.
Emerald Ash Borer In Erie County
As of February 15, 2006 all of Erie County has been put under quarantine, this according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). The Emerald Ash Borer (PDF, 601KB) (EAB), is a destructive exotic insect from Asia that infects and destroys ash trees.
Ash trees infested with EAB typically die within three to five years. The pest belongs to a group of insects known as metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are dark metallic green in color, one-half inch in length and one-eighth inch wide, and fly only from early May until September. Larvae spend the rest of the year beneath the bark of ash trees, and when they emerge as adults, leave D-shaped exit holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide.
The District has an Emerald Ash Borer ID kit at the office if you would like to stop by during regular business hours to view the characteristic signs up close. For more information on EAB or for a map of the latest infestation, go to http://www.agri.ohio.gov/public_docs/eab_maps/eab-map-quarantine.pdf, or call 1-888-OHIO-EAB.
Fact Sheets
- Emerald Ash Borer Diagnostic Check-Off List (PDF, 410KB)
- Should I Treat My Trees for Emerald Ash Borer? (PDF, 521KB)
- OSU Emerald Ash Borer Outreach Team
- Are My Trees Ash? (PDF, 436KB)
- Ohio's EAB Quarantine and Regulations
- Management Options for Minimizing EAB (PDF, 226KB)
- ODNR Emerald Ash Borer and Forest Health
- Facts About Ohio's Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine (PDF, 36KB)
