Muskrats

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Why is the Muskrat a Nuisance?

Muskrats are diggers whom will burrow into ditches, ponds, levees and railway embankments to make there den. Burrowing can weaken these structures. They will eat your lawn, garden,crops and plants.

Muskrat (Ondatra Zibethicus): Muskrats are primarily herbivores.  They will eat most aquatic plants as well as agricultural crops which include corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, milo, and their preferred diet consists of bulrush, water lily, smartweed, pickerelweed, duck potato, sedges, willow, and a favorite “cattail”.  Muskrats will also eat turtles, frogs, crayfish, mussels, and fish.  Muskrats are the largest microtine rodent in the United States.  They can live almost anywhere that has water and a food source that is available year-round.  Muskrats average 1.5-4 lbs. and 18-26 inches long including the tail.

Damage Control and Prevention Methods: Call C.R.N.A.C.

Exclusion: Call C.R.N.A.C.

Zoonoses: Diseases that can be passed to humans from muskrats are Tularemia, Hemorrhagic, Septicemia, and Leptospirosis.  They are also a host to ticks, mites, fleas, and worms.

Signs of Muskrats  Muskrat7

Muskrats scats will often be found on rocks, logs or any object that is above the waterline. The 1/2′ pellets are stuck together. Muskrats den is found on the banks of streams and ponds.  Burrows a hole in about 5 to 6 feet in diameter and usually found 6 inches below water level. The muskrats lodging is similar to the beaver but half the size and is a dome shape. Muskrats trails are seen leaving there dens and can be seen in shallow water. Muskrats have a musky odor and is more distinct during there breeding season.

Sounds of a muskrat

 

Make an appointment for muskrat removal with your wildlife and pest management professionals online or by phone today!

Now serving Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

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