Oregon State University Extension Service

Living with wildlife

Collection of articles and publications on preventative measures and handling wildlife damage.

Living with Nuisance Wildlife

Discusses ways to reduce problems with unwanted wildlife around homes. Covers species from rodents to big game, bears, and cougars. Recommendations include eliminating food and shelter, trapping, hunting, fencing, and hazing.

Scott Ziegenhagen, Brian Tuck | Dec 2005 | Extension Catalog publication

How to dispose of roadkill?

P: There is a dead deer near our home. What should we do with the body? Can someone check out if it’s diseased and if it’s a health hazard? We are not sure if we should touch it or what the procedure is.

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Deer resources

How to stop the deer from grazing on my garden?

P: We live in a rural setting, with deer coming through twice a day. Can you recommend a good physical structure/repellant plant combination to be able to grow a garden?

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Deer-resistant plants for Central Oregon

Below is a list of plants that tend to be more deer-resistant.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Paul MacMillan | May 2012 | Article

Rodent resources

Moles, voles and gophers dig the garden

Moles, voles and gophers all create tunnels and are active underground, but what they eat and the damage they cause varies. They all improve the soil by aerating it and mixing nutrients, but sometimes their habits get them in trouble with gardeners.

Kym Pokorny | May 16, 2022 | News story

Dueling with Diggers: Gophers, Moles, Voles, and Ground Squirrels (in English)

This presentation will increase your understanding of the biology of common digging pests including gophers, moles, voles, and ground squirrels.

Dana Sanchez, Brooke Edmunds | Apr 2020 | Video

Strategies for rodent control?

P: My backyard got invaded by gophers (or someone who enjoys making holes). I'm worrying that I might injure myself in the holes. I have tried setting traps, but have been unsuccessful. I heard some snakes can kill gophers, but I'm also aware not to release invasive creatures. What do you recommend?

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Insect resources

How to protect yourself from ticks

Ticks are a common nuisance for hikers, gardeners and those who enjoy the outdoors. They feed on the blood of humans and animals, and can spread disease. Learn how to identify ticks and how to protect yourself.

Brooke Edmunds | Jun 2021 | Article

Control slugs now as they lay eggs to hatch in spring

Slugs aren’t crazy about winter and summer. They bail from cold or hot weather. But fall and spring are agreeable seasons for slugs.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 28, 2022 | News story

How to Control Slugs in Your Garden / Cómo Controlar a las Babosas en su Jardín

Consejos prácticos sobre como tratar las babosas en su jardín, dados en inglés y español.

Neil Bell, Amy J. Dreves | Apr 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Get Slugs out of your Garden! (in English)

Learn about different methods to keep slugs out of your garden. Make your own traps from items around your house.

Brooke Edmunds | Jun 2020 | Video

Wasps are pollinators too

Humans tend to recoil from the sight of wasps but they are an important part of nature's pollinating community. Even though they don't collect pollen, they are effective at transferring it from plant to plant.

Leana Dickerson | Sep 2020 | Article

Are these termites? Should I exterminate?

P: These insects have been turning up in our house. What are they? They don't resemble termites that I have dealt with before, but I want to know if I need to call in an exterminator.

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Jul 2018
yellow bird on a branch
Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/collection/living-wildlife