Euthanasia, let’s call it what it is. Killing

You are killing that wild animal because why?  Are you kidding me?

Just because an animal is in your yard does not make it a nuisance or danger to you or your family.

YOU can prevent wildlife becoming a nuisance. 

How you ask? Here are a few ways.

•       Keep your yard uncluttered and well maintained.
•       Don’t over water you lawn. And water in the morning not at night
•       Keep waste receptacles secured
•       Maintain your home and outbuilding.  Inspect them and make repairs.
•       Treat your lawn for grubs and other food sources.
•       Use Edging around your flower beds and gardens
•       Use repellants when necessary.

For more information please visit www.dixietrapper.com

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

"Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

Generally if you find a baby animal it is best to leave it alone. Often the animal is not orphaned, and the parent may be out getting food for the animal, or watching the baby. Never pick up baby animals and remove them from their natural environment!  To report an injured or orphaned wild animal, contact any of the FWC's 5 regional offices for a list of wildlife rehabilitators or consult one of the rehabilitators on this list.

Additional information about reporting injured manatees or sea turtles is on our website."

sorce: http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/assistnuisance-wildlife/

Florida, Central

Florida, Central region (Deltona)..... 407-324-0647

Laura Seckbach Finn, Fly By Night

Wildlife Species: bats (only)

Florida, Central region (Gainesville)..... 352-472-7626

Deborah Cottrell, West End Animal Hospital (Veterinarian)

petvet@westendanimal.com

Wildlife Species: insectivorous bats

Florida, Central region (Longwood, Orlando region)..... 407-461-1056

Carol McCorkle (CVT), The Avian Reconditioning Center, Inc.

wildwoods2@aol.com

Wildlife Species: birds of prey

Comments: we accept raptors from other facilities and focus on reconditioning

birds after rehabilitation and training orphaned birds of prey to fly and hunt prior to release

back into the wild; also focus on wildlife education

Florida, Central region, Marion County (Ocala)..... 352-236-2121

Silver Springs Park, Wildlife Department/Vet Clinic

Florida, Central region (Ocklawaha)..... 352-288-6754 (24 hours)

Tish Hennesy, Foundation for Environmental Awareness (director)

eldon@floridafolks.com

Florida, Central region (Ocoee/Winter Garden/Geneva)..... 407-292-5232 (Nancy), 407-656-3709 or 

407-570-7153 (Laurie), 407-349-2889 (Diane)

Nancy Michalko, Laurie Stogsdilll, Diane Mansen, EarthAngels Wildlife

Caracal@aol.com (Nancy)

MsBobcatt@hotmail.com (Laurie)

Wildlife Species: squirrels, raccoons

Florida, Central region (Okeechobee)..... 863-763-4630

Sue Arnold, Arnold's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center,Inc.

suarnold@strato.net

Wildlife Species: all species accepted

Florida, Central region, Orange County (Maitland)..... 407-644-0190

Dianna Flynt or Drew Bickford, CVT, Audubon of Florida Center for Birds of Prey

dflynt@audubon.org"

Wildlife Species: raptors only

Specialty: native raptor rehabilitation, care, management and cage design, especially Bald Eagle.

Florida, Central region, Orange County (Orlando)..... 407-568-5138

Debbie Helsel (Assistant Curator), Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge

info@btn-wildlife.org

Florida, Central region, Orange County (Orlando)..... 407-737-0015

Thomas Rudge, Tom's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

trudge@cfl.rr.com

Wildlife Species: small wildlife, birds, squirrels, etc. (but can refer others)

Comments: Webcam at dove1.camarades.com/

Florida, Central region, Pasco County (Dade City)..... 352-518-9443

Mary Rich, Nature's Classroom

bethy1965@aol.com

Wildlife Species: native animals

Specialties/Knowledge: Mammals and birds of prey

Comments: I am also a zookeeper at the educational facility above

Florida, Central region (Sebring)..... 863-385-2770

David & Karen Wrede, Wrede's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

Wildlife Species: raising of baby deer

Florida, Central region (Webster)..... 352-793-3094

La Guardar Inc. Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

JungleJudi@aol.com (Judi Carter)

Comments: fax 352-793-8792        

Negative Wildlife Encounter Prevention is Key

I often hear people talk about how cruel trappers are.  And some are just that.  However just like any other demographic, we are not all alike.   Some trappers are very cruel and in-humane, however that is not the norm these days.

Most modern trappers have safer, more humane techniques for monitoring, controlling and living with wildlife.  First and foremost, trapping may not be the best first step in dealing with your negative wildlife encounter.

This first step is to do a throw inspection of your property including fences, out buildings, and your dwelling inside and out.  For information on what to look for visit wwwdixietrapper.com or call us to set up an appointment for an inspection.  Most inspections are done within an hour or so and include a full report with photo's and recommendations on any findings and are more affordable than you might think.

We've made some changes

We've made some changes this year with the addition of colony live traps, and more live capture equipment.

We are now offering a line of predator scents and trap rentals.

For more information check out the new and improved www.DixieTrapper.com

Keep a collar with ID on your pet.

Keep a collar with ID on your pet.

Cats are considered personal property
if ownership can be established
through collars, registration tags, tattoos,
brands, or legal description and
proof of ownership. Cats without identification
are considered feral and are
rarely protected under state law. They
become the property of the landowner
upon whose land they exist. Municipal
and county animal control agencies,
humane animal shelters, and various
other public and private “pet” management
agencies exist because of feral
or unwanted house cats and dogs.
These agencies destroy millions of
stray cats annually.
State, county, and municipal laws
related to cats vary. Before lethal control
is undertaken, consult local laws.
If live capture is desired, consult the
local animal control agency for instructions
on disposal of cats.

Dixie Trapper WILL NOT euthanize cats!

However we can not keep these animals and will turn them over to a rescue or shelter.  Unfortunately they may dispose of teh animals as they see fit.  :(

www.dixietrapper.com

Advertising.

Have you seen our advertisements?

If so let us know.

UPDATE 08/26/2013

It's been awhile since I've updated the blog.  We have been very busy!

We had a major remediation job with 2 weeks of trapping in south lakeland.  Have traps in Dixieland and are working on an area on the East side of Lake Hancock.

On the home front;

We have been making butter and are working on cheese now.

My son helped me build a small tool organizer for some of my leather working tools.

In stock we have leather from the following:   Buffalo, Sheep, cowhide and sheep with fur.

We can make custom items by request.

Current projects:
                            Cowhide holster Right handed  .22
                            Cowhide holster Left Handed   .22
                            Bible case from sheep leather
                           

You can see some of these projects on our facebook page.  We will post them to the web soon.

www.dixietrapper.com
       

Alligators and Bears.

Alligators and Bears, 2 things we will not trap, capture or remove.

Your best option for a Bear problem is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/black-bears/

Alligators  Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 866-FWC-GATOR

Persons with concerns about an alligator may call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Generally, an alligator may be deemed a nuisance if it is at least four feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property.

source: http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/nuisance/

Wildlife Alert Program

This information is something everyone needs to know and is from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

You can visit the FWC's Wildlife Alet page at http://myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert/

Call 888-404-FWCC

"If you suspect a wildlife or boating law violation, report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program: 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Cell phone users can reach us at *FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider."

Careful Selection

When you find yourself in need of a Wildlife Manager or Trapper do your homework.
Check the list of nuisance trappers on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Then check with the county and city that business is in an verify they have an active business license.
Google them... Do they have a website? Is there any feedback on them?  Are they licensed insured, and/or bonded?  Who are they affiliated with?

Dixie Trapper is Licensed - Although a "nuisance trapper" license is not required in the State of Florida we have a Hunting License, Trapping License, and a Mallard Control Permit.

Dixie Trapper holds a Polk County Business Tax certificate (formerly known as a Business license) and the same for the City of Lakeland.  We are insured and if you require us to be bonded we will obtain a bond.  They are fairly inexpensive and simple to obtain.

Dixie Trapper is affiliated with the Florida Trappers Association, The National Trappers Association, The National Rifle Association, National Fire Prevention Association, and the National Safety Council.

Dixie Trapper has the latest in modern technology in equipment and safety equipment.  We focus on non-lethal methods of Wildlife Management.

Our service vehicle is equipped with the technology to process your payment electronically,  printed or emailed receipts, contracts and educational materials.

We offer more services than we used to and are partnered with other Wildlife Managers in the area.

For more information please visit www.DixieTrapper.com

Good snake to have around.

This little fella was trying to get warmed up before the storm yesterday afternoon.

People complain about him, however I leave him alone because this is a snake you should be thankful to have around.  

This is a Southern Black Racer.  The average size is 

20 to 56 inches, however I believe the longest on record is 72 inches.

They eat lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, rodents and small birds.

You should take note that the Black Racer has a white

chin and sometimes a brown chin. The Indigo has a 

black or reddish orange chin

Flooding, your home and Wildlife

This morning 06/05/2013 a flood watch has been put into effect in Polk County Florida until tomorrow night.
With the heavy rain and the water levels rising you can expect to see wildlife you may not normally see.

This does not mean you need to load the shotgun and break out the machete. This wildlife does not want to hang out with you and if you don't roll out the welcome mat they will simply move on.

If you forgot to close up that hole in the soffit or put a new latch on the shed door you might find yourself with a new and unwanted resident.  if that happens give Dixie Trapper a call and we can discuss resolutions to your situation that can be a "win win" for you and the wildlife.

If a venomous snake is the problem we can help with that aswell.

Please visit www.DixieTrapper.com for more information.  

Remediation is a must!

It's very disturbing how I walk into a customers home and find out that I'm not the first Wildlife Manager to remove an animal from their home and to find that no remediation was done, and in some cases not even recommended.

Wildlife that enters your home or other buildings can be removed, however if you or the wildlife manager you call does not follow up with remediation to prevent a recurrence than I can guarantee that you will have problems again.

You do not just need to be concerned with keeping the wildlife out.  You also need to be concerned with parasites and diseases that the wildlife has left behind or that will result in failure to properly clean the area and remove any nest, or other site that the wildlife inhabited.

Yes remediation can be expensive, however most takes less than a hour and cost less than $50.00 depending on your situation.

Example #1

A customer had an Armadillo under his mobile home that got into the A/C duct work. Dixie Trapper went in and trapped the Armadillo and then recommended replacing the damaged ductwork, and repairing the skirting of the mobile home.  The cost of the remediation was $165.00 This included skirting down one whole side of the mobile home, about 60 bricks and 10 feet of ductwork and one hour of labor.

To Date the customer has not had a recurrence.

Example #2

A customer had a Squirrel in her chimney.  Dixie Trapper removed the Squirrel and recommended the chimney be capped and the area the Squirrel was in be disinfected.  The She agreed and Dixie Trapper placed a mesh cap over the chimney opening and disinfected the area.  This job was so small we just included the remediation in the cost of the service call.  Customers cost was $65.00

To date the cap is still in place and there has been no recurrence.

Example #3

A customer had Squirrels in his attic.  Dixie Trapper removed the squirrels and upon inspection found none of the vents or the chimney had any covers on them.  One of the vents had been chewed on and inside the attic space we found a hole chewed into the flex duct from the shower fan to the vent pipe.  A small nest was found in the area.  Dixie Trapper removed all the nest made in the insulation and disinfected the area.  The customer capped the vents himself and replaced the insulation.  The remediation Dixie Trapper conducted was included in the service call because the customer decided to have the waste placed in his trash and covered the vents and chimney himself. The quote for remediation was $75.00 if the customer had decided to have us do it all and remove the waste.

Sometimes the remediation needed requires a licensed contractor. It is highly recommended that you follow through with all of the recommendations for remediation on your inspection report.  To have an inspection or removal without resolving the issues, access point or debris is simply leaving the welcome mat out for another animal to take the place of the one you just got rid of.

www.dixietrapper.com

Squirrel Repellant

The last time I was trying to keep Squirrels out of the garden I used Red Fox Urine.  And it worked to an extent.  This time I used Coyote Urine, and the results are amazing.  Not only did the Squirrels run out of the area right away, I've not seen them get close to the back yard.

I placed Coyote Urine around the garden, on the tree the Squirrels have a nest in and on all of the fence posts.  It has not rained yet, however as soon at it does I'll reapply the urine in the same spots.

It only took about half an ounce.  We sell it in 4 oz. Bottles for only $8.00  Depending on the amount of rain and the size of the area you want to treat, one bottle should last you about 30 to 65 days.

Check us out at www.DixieTrapper.com, on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest.

We now offer a full line of non-lethal safe and non-toxic repellants.

All natural and safe, application service available or purchase the repellant of your choice and apply it yourself.

All repellants come with full instructions and you can call us for advice.

Look for them at Shop Dixie


 www.dixietrapper.com

Bobcats, Fox and Coyotes’

Dixie Trapper has many ways of controlling Bobcats, Fox and Coyotes’.

Most all are non-lethal and some require special permitting through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 

 

It is important to note that these animals need to be considered a nuisance, in accordance with Florida law prior to taking action. 

For more information please visit www.dixietrapper.com

Rattlesnake bites

Rattlesnake bites could cost you your life!  And if you do make it to medical treatment it could cost you three days in ICU and around $150,000.00 

We have the safety equipment to remove venous snakes with minimal risk.

www.dixietrapper.com

Wildlife on Lake Hollingsworth

In the early mornings if you walk Lake Hollingsworth you will encounter some amazing wildlife.  We all see the ducks and other birds, however hove you noticed the rabbits?  Turtles? what about the different types of mammals.

I've seen three types of rabbits and 2 types of squirrels.

The rabbits include the Florida Cotton tail, A domesticated Dutch rabbit that seems to be flourishing.  and a domesticated  flop eared rabbit.

The Squirrels include the Gray squirrels and the red bellied Mexican squirrels that has a lack fur and tail and a red belly.

Let me know if you have seen these and what other wildlife you have seen enjoying Lake Hollingsworth.

Improving for you

Most everything we do as far as billing and contract is by mobile device.  We email the documentation to our customers or deliver a copy the following day.

Now with our new equipment being set up we will be able to provide a hard copy on location for those that prefer to have a hard copy or that do not have an email they wish to share with us.

We also have the ability to scope under structures, in holes, burrows and dens with a cable camera.

These upgrades are intended to help provide the best possible and highest quality service to our customers.

Now when you get your inspection report full color photos can be attached and an electronic copy sent to you.  If needed we can provide one hard copy included with your inspection at no additional cost to you.

Cash receipts and other documentation now on the spot.  We plan to have these updates rolled out by May 10th.  Minor modifications to our service vehicle are being completed this week.

Please take the time to let us know what we can do to improve our service to you.

www.dixietrapper.com   

Photo's updated

Well, it tool me a while, however I finally uploaded some new photo's to the website.

http://www.dixietrapper.com/page34.php

Nine-banded Armadillo

This native of southwestern North America is not a Florida native.

As early as the 1920s they were introduced to Florida

Animals from these various introductions, and those naturally expanding from western populations, merged in the Panhandle in the late 1970s or early 1980s, and they now occur throughout the state. 

Armadillos can be a nuisance to homeowners when they dig up lawns looking for food. They also carry diseases such as St. Louis encephalitis, leptospires, arboviruses, and leprosy.

In most cases these animals will hang out for a couple of weeks and just move on. 

However in some cases they set up camp. 

Trapping is an option, however should not be your first choice.  A little predator urine in the right locations and a few changes you can make to your property will chase off most Armadillo's and/or deter them from coming into your yard.

Armadillo's are very active in Polk county right now.  It's been raining bringing their food source closer to the surface of the ground and the soil is moist and soft making it easier for them to get food.  It is the time of year when Armadillo's are giving birth.  This means you will see them out in the morning and evening while it is still daylight.  

For more information click here

Please visit us at www.DixieTrapper.com 

You can find us on Twitter, FaceBook, Linked-in, and Pinterest.

Invasive plants

Invasive plants have a negative environmental and economic impact on Florida’s landscape, waterways and lakes.

As a part of our efforts to be a responsible wildlife management organization we have embraced the need to eradicate all invasive plants we come into contact with, without causing negative environmental effects.

This means we choose not to use herbicides, or other chemical control measures. 

The air potato for example can be killed by cutting it at the base and removing it from the trees and other things it is climbing on.  Then pulling it up from the ground and digging up all the root system.   Then keep a watchful eye and pull up any new plants.

This method is a bit more time consuming than chemicals, however it will do a better job. 

If you choose to use chemicals, you still need to dig up the roots of these plants.

A few statistics on our calls

A few statistics on our calls from July 2012 to December 31^st, 2012

Raccoons                                                                                             19%

Opossums                                                                                            16%

Armadillos                                                                                            13%

Squirrels                                                                                               12%

Bobcats                                                                                                10%

RedFox                                                                                                  9%

Snakes (Venomous/ invasive and non venomous            )                         7%

                Of the 7% Non-venomous calls        70%

                                     Venomous calls           25%

                                      Invasive calls                 5%

Coyotes                                                                                                 5%

Farrell Hogs                                                                                           5%

Ducks                                                                                                    2%

Other                                                                                                     2%

Other included Rats. Mice, Farrell Cats, Dead animals, and invasive.

Animal Signs

When diagnosing animal damage or problems, you should look for signs left by the animal. Almost all animals leave signs. Some are more obvious, and some are easier to identify, but the sign is usually there somewhere.

Droppings are often readily observed, especially for mammals. Fresh droppings are black, shiny and moist. Old droppings are dry, brown or gray. Black and white droppings could be from a bird, snake or lizard. Size is important for identification. Rats, mice, chipmunks and toads leave droppings the size of a rice grain. Rabbit droppings are pea size and usually brown. Deer droppings are large ovals and could be deposited loosely or in a large clump, depending on diet. Even in a clump, individual pellets can be easily recognized.

Digging is another obvious sign of animal damage. Here again, there are important clues to identify the culprit. The diameter of the hole is a clue to the size of the animal. If a dirt mound is present, this could be a sign of a woodchuck, turtle, armadillo or coyote. If a dirt mound is not present, this could indicate a chipmunk, skunk, mole or vole. Armadillos dig an inverted, cone-shaped hole, 3 to 4 inches deep and 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

Tunnels in the dirt but near the surface are likely from a mole or vole. Remember, moles eat insects, earthworms or grubs. Voles eat plants and plant parts like bulbs, roots, tubers or bark. 

Click here to read more

 

Example No. 2

Example No. 2:

 

Moles are digging up the yard.

Wrong Answer:

 Trap the mole. This kills one mole.

Right Answer:

Treat yard for grubs, trap the mole and reduce watering. This will remove the offending
animal, the food source that attracted the mole and the conditions that favor the grubs. Learn the biology of the animal. Moles eat insects and earthworms. Watering may lure the insects and earthworms near the surface where moles look for food.

 

Opossum in the shed eating pet food

Example No. 1:

 

There is an opossum in the shed eating the dog/cat food.

 Wrong Answer:

Trap the opossum and relocate it. This will provide a short-term solution but not solve the problem. In a few days, another hungry animal will be back in the shed.

  Right Answer:

Seal the pet food in a container with a tight-fitting lid, seal openings to the shed and relocate the opossum. This removes the problem (pet food in an open and accessible container) and the symptom (a hungry opossum). Problem solved.

 

Basic rules

Basic rules

Wildlife need three things: food, water and shelter. Remove any one of these and the animals will go somewhere else. Remember: Treat the problem not the symptom.

Safe humane management of all wildlife.

Dixie Trapper is a Wildlife Manager that focuses on a safe humane management of all wildlife.

Trapping is not always the best means and should be considered a last stitch effort or a matter of last resort.

The first step in wildlife management is a proper inspection.  Yes I can trap the wildlife getting into your attic, however if it is not cleaned up properly and if the entry points are not repaired.  Then they will come back.
Nuisance wildlife is wildlife that causes (or is about to cause) property damage, presents a threat to public safety, or causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building.

Human activities can attract wildlife looking for an easy high-calorie meal or shelter. Unfortunately this can bring them into conflict with the interests of people, and the wildlife can be considered to be a nuisance. Most wildlife/human conflicts can be resolved by removing the attractant. If removing the attractant is not feasible or has been tried and is not working, other measures to remove nuisance wild animals can be taken. Trapping a nuisance animal should be a matter of last resort. 


Wildlife that cannot be taken
The taking of nuisance alligators, deer, bears, bats,  most migratory birds, their nests or eggs, turkeys, bobwhite quail, or state-listed or federally listed species of special concern, threatened or endangered species is prohibited

For information about Protected and regulated species That we cannot and will not trap, hunt or remove please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Click Here to read more.

Trapping and removal of nuisance wildlife.

Trapping and removal of nuisance wildlife.

Dixie Trapper will trap  nuisance and fur bearing wildlife, hunt and remove Hogs (Wild pigs/boars/Farrell hogs), will remove snakes and will hunt hogs for free with written permission to do so on YOUR property.


Dixie Trapper cannot transport live venomous snakes. We will remove them, however keep in mind we are not licensed to transport live venomous snakes. We will remove non-native snakes and venomous snakes.
We cannot and will not remove alligators.
  Farrell Cat Program: All Farrell Cats are taken to the SPCA for spay/neuter and Vaccinations then they are relocated. We NEVER euthanize Farrell cats unless they are suffering from life threatening injuries.   Other commonly trapped/removed wildlife: Squirrel, Opossum, Raccoon, Armadillo, Bob Cat, Coyote, Nutria,  Ducks*,  Hogs, Snakes (all), Fox, Turtle and Chickens.
Snakes: We remove all snakes.
We have been granted a renewal of our FWC Mallard Control permit
for April 2013 to March 31, 201

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE