Plants and animals are quickly adapting behaviors to meet the challenges of a changing climate, and this can be an issue for home and business owners. In North America in particular, warming temperatures are making winters less deadly and creating opportunities for new choices for animals.
The Canada goose is one animal in particular that may show different behavior in response to climate change. These birds are important species in the wild, but when they move closer to human development they can cause considerable trouble. Their waste is full of harmful bacteria and Canada geese can be shockingly confrontational and territorial. With warmer winters, however, there's less reason to fly south for the season, and this could lead to more conflict.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology found that historically, conditions in the northern U.S. and in a small band of southern Canada have been suitable for Canada Geese year-round. Here, there is enough access to vegetation and unfrozen water that the birds can comfortably survive through the winter. As the climate warms, however this region will likely expand, meaning there will be more opportunities for Canada geese to avoid flying south for the winter.
The Canadian government found that already there have been changes in migratory behavior among the birds. Canada geese living in the sub-arctic regions of the continent still make long seasonal trips. But as more and more of the country becomes hospitable year-round, fewer birds- especially in southern areas - are migrating at all, with population booms in the more seasonal regions. Even the Canada geese that do fly south for the winter aren't traveling as far as they once did. As the climate continues to warm, it is possible that a greater portion of the geese population simply won't bother with migrating at all and will be absent from the northern and southern regions of their existing, seasonal ranges.
Canada geese have already conquered cities and suburbs across the continent, creating all sorts of problems for home and business owners. Human development is usually devoid of predators and full of ponds and lakes for the birds to use. Likewise, these animals are opportunistic vegetarians, and will feast on crops, gardens and even simple grass. For that reason, city parks and other manicured green spaces are the perfect landscape for Canada geese.
Geese neglecting to migrate may instead specifically chose to spend the colder months in a suburb or city rather than in a more natural setting. For the northern U.S. and southern Canada where a year-round range is likely to expand, this could mean an increase in the current Canada geese population.
Although these animals are changing their behavior, they're still protected under the 1994 Migratory Birds Convention Act. This international treaty between the U.S. and Canada guards important bird species from harm, except under certain circumstances. Unless this is amended, Canada geese will continue to enjoy protected status, even as their numbers grow. Regardless, it is unwise to attempt to remove any wild animals from your property on your own
For home and business owners, one option is to call in a pest service to employ geese hazing. Through the use of trained dogs, lasers or even fireworks, professionals encourage geese to relocate with noise, annoyance and fear. This can take several sessions to work, but the birds rarely return once they leave. This is an effective solution for larger properties in particular such as golf courses or airports. If you're having problems with Canada geese, be sure to call a pest professional right away.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
