At Manning's Pest Control, we've been helping homeowners in Brunswick County and surrounding areas manage wildlife conflicts for over 47 years. Our experience has taught us that understanding these animals and implementing the right prevention strategies can save homeowners significant headaches and expenses.
Let's explore effective methods to protect your property from two of the most problematic wildlife pests in our region: moles and raccoons.
Understanding the Threat: Moles
What Are Moles?
Moles are small, subterranean mammals that spend most of their lives underground. In North Carolina, the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is the most common species. These animals feature:
- Brown or gray fur
- Powerful front claws for digging
- Cylindrical bodies (5-8 inches long)
- Small eyes and ears
- Pointed snouts
How Moles Damage Your Property
While moles primarily feed on insects and aren't interested in your plants, they create extensive tunnel systems that can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. Mole damage includes:
- Raised ridges across your lawn from surface tunnels
- Mounds of soil (molehills) that damage grass and create tripping hazards
- Damaged root systems of plants, flowers, and vegetables
- Unsightly brown patches where tunnels have killed grass
- Compromised ground stability in severe infestations
Moles can be particularly destructive to meticulously maintained lawns, quickly turning a pristine yard into an unsightly, uneven mess.
Understanding the Threat: Raccoons
What Are Raccoons?
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are medium-sized mammals easily identified by their distinctive black "mask" and ringed tail. These intelligent, adaptable animals have:
- Gray-brown fur
- Dexterous front paws
- Stocky bodies (24-38 inches long including tail)
- Excellent climbing abilities
- Omnivorous diets
How Raccoons Damage Your Property
Raccoons are known for their problem-solving abilities and dexterity, which allows them to access areas you might think are secure. Raccoon damage can include:
- Torn shingles or damaged vents when accessing attics
- Overturned trash cans and scattered garbage
- Damaged gardens and crops
- Stolen pet food left outdoors
- Contaminated areas with droppings (which may contain parasites)
- Clogged gutters when searching for insects
- Damaged pool liners and equipment
Beyond property damage, raccoons can carry rabies and other diseases, making them a potential health risk for humans and pets.
Mole Prevention and Control Strategies
1. Eliminate Their Food Sources
Moles primarily eat grubs, earthworms, and other soil insects. Reducing these food sources can make your yard less attractive:
- Apply beneficial nematodes to control grubs naturally
- Use milky spore to reduce Japanese beetle grubs
- Implement an insect control program that targets subsurface pests
- Be aware that eliminating earthworms is typically not desirable for lawn health
2. Create Underground Barriers
Physical barriers can protect specific areas like gardens or flower beds:
- Install underground fencing made of hardware cloth or mesh at least 2 feet deep around valuable planting areas
- Create trench barriers filled with gravel or rough stones around gardens
- Use raised garden beds with hardware cloth bottoms
3. Modify Your Landscape
Certain landscape changes can discourage mole activity:
- Reduce irrigation, as moles prefer moist soil
- Plant mole-resistant bulbs like daffodils and alliums
- Compact soil in areas after removing moles
- Create gravel perimeters around garden beds
4. Use Mole Repellents
Various repellents may help deter moles, though effectiveness varies:
- Castor oil-based commercial repellents
- Ultrasonic stakes that emit vibrations
- Plants with strong scents like marigolds, garlic, and shallots
- Predator urine (available commercially)
5. Professional Mole Control
For established mole problems, professional wildlife management is often the most effective approach:
- Proper trap placement based on active tunnel identification
- Strategic baiting methods
- Exclusion techniques to protect vulnerable areas
- Follow-up monitoring to prevent return
At Manning's Pest Control, our wildlife specialists are trained in effective mole management techniques that provide long-term relief.
Raccoon Prevention and Control Strategies
1. Secure Food Sources
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders attracted to easily accessible food:
- Use animal-proof trash containers with secure lids
- Store pet food indoors, especially at night
- Clean up fallen fruit from trees promptly
- Remove bird feeders at night or use raccoon-proof feeders
- Harvest garden produce as soon as it ripens
2. Eliminate Access Points
Prevent raccoons from entering structures by securing potential entry points:
- Install chimney caps and roof vent covers
- Repair holes in soffits, eaves, and fascia boards
- Secure attic vents with heavy-duty hardware cloth
- Trim tree branches that provide roof access
- Install motion-activated lights near potential entry areas
3. Reduce Shelter Opportunities
Limit potential denning sites on your property:
- Keep woodpiles neatly stacked away from structures
- Seal off spaces under decks, sheds, and porches
- Remove brush piles and debris
- Trim dense shrubbery near your home
- Keep garages and outbuildings securely closed
4. Use Deterrents
Several deterrents may discourage raccoons from frequenting your property:
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Ultrasonic repellent devices
- Predator urine granules
- Strong scents like ammonia-soaked rags near den sites (use caution and keep away from children and pets)
- Bright lights in attics or other potential nesting areas
5. Professional Raccoon Management
When raccoons have already established themselves on your property, professional wildlife management is recommended:
- Expert identification of entry points
- Proper exclusion techniques
- Damage assessment and repair recommendations
- Preventative measures to avoid future problems
In North Carolina, it's important to note that raccoons cannot be relocated due to state regulations. As our technician Margie explains, "Raccoons have to be humanely euthanized in North Carolina. They cannot be relocated. That is the law. We can only release raccoons if they are released on the same property that they were trapped."
When to Call Wildlife Management Professionals
While some prevention methods can be implemented as DIY projects, established wildlife problems often require professional intervention. Consider contacting Manning's Pest Control when:
- You've tried prevention methods with limited success
- You notice extensive property damage
- Wildlife has entered your home's living spaces
- You observe animals behaving unusually (which could indicate disease)
- You're unsure how to safely and legally handle the situation
- You want long-term, guaranteed protection
Our wildlife management professionals have the training, equipment, and knowledge to address wildlife conflicts effectively while complying with all relevant laws and regulations.
The Manning's Approach to Wildlife Management
At Manning's Pest Control, we take a comprehensive approach to wildlife management that includes:
- Thorough inspection to identify the specific species, entry points, and extent of the problem
- Customized treatment plan based on the specific wildlife issue and your property's unique characteristics
- Removal of nuisance wildlife using appropriate methods
- Exclusion work to prevent future access
- Habitat modification recommendations to make your property less attractive to wildlife
- Follow-up monitoring to ensure the problem has been resolved
Our goal is not just to address your current wildlife issue but to implement long-term solutions that prevent future conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Control
How can I tell if I have moles or voles?
Moles create raised tunnels and cone-shaped mounds of soil, while voles create surface runways through grass and leave no mounds. Moles are insectivores with large front claws for digging, while voles are rodents that eat plants and have teeth marks visible on damaged vegetation. A professional inspection can definitively identify which pest is affecting your property and determine the appropriate control methods.
Are there any natural predators that can help control moles and raccoons?
Natural predators like owls, hawks, foxes, and coyotes can help control wildlife populations. However, relying solely on natural predators is typically not sufficient in residential areas where predator populations may be limited. Installing owl boxes or creating habitat for natural predators can be part of an integrated approach but should be combined with other prevention methods for effective control.
Will grub control products eliminate my mole problem?
Reducing grubs can help make your yard less attractive to moles, but it's not always a complete solution. Moles also feed on earthworms and other soil insects that are beneficial to your lawn. Additionally, moles are territorial and may remain in established tunnels even after food sources are reduced. A comprehensive approach combining habitat modification, barriers, and professional removal typically provides the best results.
How do I know if raccoons have entered my attic or chimney?
Signs of raccoon activity in attics or chimneys include thumping or scratching noises (especially at night), dark stains around potential entry points, accumulated feces or urine odors, damaged insulation, and chewed wiring or wood. If you suspect raccoons have entered your home, prompt professional assessment is important, as they can cause significant damage and create health hazards through their waste.
Is it safe to trap and relocate wildlife myself?
DIY wildlife trapping is generally not recommended for several reasons. First, North Carolina wildlife regulations prohibit relocating certain species, including raccoons. Second, handling wild animals increases disease risk, including exposure to rabies. Third, improper trapping methods can result in animal suffering or accidental catches of non-target animals. Professional wildlife managers have the training and permits necessary to address wildlife issues legally and humanely.
How long does it take to resolve a wildlife problem?
The timeline for wildlife resolution varies depending on the species, extent of the infestation, and property characteristics. Mole control typically takes 1-3 weeks for initial resolution, with follow-up monitoring to prevent reinfestation. Raccoon issues may take longer if structural damage needs repair or if multiple animals are involved. Our wildlife technicians provide realistic timeline expectations during the initial assessment.
Protect Your Property with Professional Wildlife Management
Wildlife conflicts don't need to be an ongoing struggle for Brunswick County homeowners. With the right prevention strategies and professional assistance when needed, you can protect your property from damage while maintaining harmony with the natural world around us.
At Manning's Pest Control, our wildlife management team is ready to help you address current wildlife problems and implement effective prevention strategies to keep your property protected in the future. We proudly serve Southport, Wilmington, and all surrounding areas with professional, humane wildlife solutions.
Ready to reclaim your yard from moles or protect your home from raccoons? Contact Manning's Pest Control today for a comprehensive wildlife management consultation.