- Animal Live Trapping Rules Rodent Control
Animal Control and All Residents Must follow all trapping rules that has been set forth by the City and the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
Animal Control can only trap animals that are causing a nuisance by doing property damage. Residents with their own private trap should first contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before trapping any animal. The Michigan DNR may require a permit. Only safe humane live traps may be used within the City. No leg traps, snares or conabears are allowed. Failure to follow ANY trapping rules and laws may result in animal cruelty charges and a report will be made to the Michigan DNR. Animals are not to remain in a trap for over 24 hours. Failure to remove a animal within 24 hours from a trap, will result in animal cruelty charges and a report made to the Michigan DNR.
Animal Control sets traps on Mondays. All traps must be returned by Friday. No trapping allowed on weekends and holidays. - A $50 cash or check (Made to the City of Woodhaven) deposit will be required for all Animal Control traps. The $50 deposit will be returned once the trap is returned back to Animal Control undamaged.
- Residents are responsible for the daily setting and monitoring of the trap. Residents must contact Animal Control before 9:00am if an animal is in the trap.
- Traps may not leave the Cities of Woodhaven or Trenton and may only be set on the property you own or rent.
- Residents will be required to replace any trap that is lost or damaged while in their care.
Helpful tips to keep animals from becoming a nuisance
Please keep in mind that by removing the habitat and attraction, nuisance animals will leave and new ones will not move in. Most Animal Control calls are because the animal is attracted to the home for one of the following reason.
1) Feeding Birds and Squirrels. Bird seed is a HUGE attraction for Wildlife. Skunks, Raccoons, opossums, fox and even Coyotes love bird feeders and will move in to the neighborhood where people are feeding. Try to limit the amount of bird seed that you feed. Keeping the bird seed off the ground will help.
2) Keep your fruit from your fruit trees picked up and clean.
3) Remove piles of brush, wood, rocks, tall grass and weeds.
4) Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your home and buildings.
5) Keep your lawn cut.
6) Contain and lock up all garbage and pet food.
7) Keep you barbeque grills clean and free of food and grease.
8) Repair poor buildings, fences, vents, screens, woodwork and check to make sure that your chimney caps are secured.
9) Nail wire or fencing around decks to prevent animals from digging under it.
There are also wildlife repellant sprays on the market that you can use around your yard.
Rodent Control
Animal Control does receive concerns about rodents form time to time. Please be aware that Animal Control is not permitted to place poison or traps out for any rodents. Citizens having issues with rodents may need to contact a licensed pest control business. Citizens may personally place out store brought poison or traps as long as it is done in a safe matter.
Many rodent issues are caused by ordinance violations. Ordinance violations should be reported to your city's ordinance department. Some ordinance issues that attract rodents and may be a violation are:
-Leaving garage out in plastic or paper bags and not placing litter and trash in tightly sealed containers.
-Leaving lawn and garden waster sitting around and not properly disposing of it.
-Dumping, throwing or depositing litter anywhere within the city.
-Improper storage of lumber, firewood, pipes, boards, old equipment or yard items.
- Poorly maintained buildings
-Poorly maintained yards and landscaping.
-Open storage of pet foods and allowing pet feces to remain on property.
- Feeding birds, wildlife, feral and domestic animals outside.
Here are some signs that you may have a rodent problem:
- The presence of live or dead rodents.
-Rodent nest. These can be made of many kinds of materials such as bits of paper, straw, rags and etc.
-Rodent odor. A distinct odor from rodent urine may indicate the presence of rodents.
-Rice like Droppings. The presence of droppings can indicate activity and possible severity of the problem.
-Evidence of gnawing. Rodents gnaw in an attempt to obtained shelter and food.
-Rub marks. Deposits of body oil and dirt from rodents found along frequently traveled routes may be used ad an indicator of habitual pathways.
-Tracks and footprints indicates the presence of rodents and furnish information regarding places where they travel or which they frequent.
-Rodent burrows consist of tunnels dug below ground and are used by rodents for nesting and as a path of travel.
Below are strategies for eliminating a rodent problem:
- Remove pet food bowls immediately after feeding. Rodents are attracted to bird see and pet foods.
- Rodents love left our trash and food. Keep trash in a container the is tightly sealed.
- Rodent proof buildings by sealing doors, windows, foundations, walls and any other places where wire and pipes enter into a building.
- Elevate stored material like firewood to at least 12 inches off the ground. Have all old furniture and appliances removed.
- Be aware of opening near the top of buildings, roof vents, eaves, attic vents, overhangs, down spouts and air conditioning units.
- Eliminate weeds and overgrown landscaping. Maintain your lawn and keep grass cut.
- Limit any bird & squirrel feeding. This attracts rodents and other wildlife.
- Consider any source of water nearby. Water is essential for rodents and other wildlife.
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