Category: Yard

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Yard

How To Catch A Chipmunk In Your Yard

Your yard is one of your responsibilities. This means you have to take care of it by cleaning and fixing those that need to be fixed. You will also have to look out for the plants and the grass itself. Because of that, it is important to have tools on hand. Having a shed will be handy for those.

Another problem would be animals that lurk and dig in your yard. They mean no harm to you, but it does for your property. One of those is the chipmunks, and they go to yards to find some food. The great news is you can control and get rid of them without hurting them. All you need to do is do some labor to set some traps.

1. Find Suitable Trap

There are different kinds of chipmunks but because they do not differ in size, you can choose something small that will suit them. It usually has a mesh so that they will not escape. 

2. Know the Places

You should know the places they frequently go to. You can observe first by making out their markings and where you most see and hear them. You should also keep in mind that they love places that are secure and hidden, so you can also start there. Also, they might know about the traps if it is out in the open.

3. Have Baits

Before you set up the traps, you will need to have something that will lure those chipmunks to a bait. The bait does not have to be expensive, you may have one on hand. The most effective ones are mostly nuts or seeds like peanuts or sunflower seeds. Even peanut butter works. Grains are also effective as are popcorn. You can also use fruits. 

4. Set the Trap

Now it is time to set your traps. You will first need to set the bait at the trigger plate. When it comes to setting up, it will take a little bit of patience about balancing the doors. You will have to be careful for it to be done. To make sure it works, you will have to test it. Then after that, always check it.

5. Release Them

Once you caught one, you have to make sure that they are fed and hydrated. Then after that, you will have to release them. It should be far enough from your home which is five miles according to some laws. If you are not sure, you can ask questions about it. There could be someplace that they can be released. After doing that, make sure to clean yourself up and disinfect, because they tend to carry diseases.

Other ways to get rid of chipmunks:

1. Prevention by putting some obstructions such as mesh around plants.

2. Remove wood and rock piles. It is where chipmunks go.

3. You can also use repellents such as mothballs or Thiram then place them around your garden. Keep in mind that it might hurt them, so it is not really advisable.

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Yard

How To Build Up A Low Area In Your Yard

As much as it is great to have your own lawn, it is a lot to work with. From the maintenance of the grass and garden and also the furniture and accessories around it. In addition to that, you will have to watch out the soil. You will have to always check if the soil is still healthy enough and for pests and weeds or else your lawn may die and will really be expensive in reviving it. 

Another problem is animals that go around your lawn. They are one of the factors that ruin it. If your lawn has many holes in them, it is a big possibility that they are the reason. Because of that, you might always have the need to cover them. For that matter, you will notice that your lawn is becoming uneven. It has other causes too, but as soon as you notice it, you will need to do some leveling.

Here are the ways to do it:

1. Topdress

To topdress means to apply fertilizer or compost in the soil. The great thing about this is that it is not harmful, but it will only work with the mild ones. Even so, this will be good if your lawn is just starting to get uneven, you can have this as a solution right away. All you need to do is have some of the soil and mixed it with compost. With it, you will have it spread all over the uneven areas. You will have to watch out for it because it will grow grass later on, and it will also have its role. If you noticed that it is still uneven, you will have to repeat the process.

2. Putting Dirt

This is another process that is easier and less work but will only be used if it is not that severe. Also, this will only work if you have less. Instead of mixing your soil with compost or fertilizer, you will just need to put it under the turf until it is even. You would still need to add water to remove air pockets. There are also some that use sand though this will be risky. That is because it will just dry out especially during the summer season. You can still mix it with your soil but make sure it is not too much.

3. Leveling the Worst

What if it is really low and extreme? It will surely take a lot of work because if it comes to that, you will have to change or remove the whole turf and reseed new grass. This way, you will also have to decide if you will need to change anything major like your soil or the grass you will seed. One of the reasons that should be kept in mind is because it might be the cause of your uneven lawn. It could be because the soli is not that good or the grass is not compatible with it. Add to that, there might be pests that not only destroy your lawn but also causes animals to dig.