I have a major musk rat problem...

[dukenyc]

I have a shallow 8acre pond that is being over-run by muskrats. They chew holes in the levy and damage the outflo, as well as chewing a hole in a zodiac boat ($$$$$).

The previous owner put out traps and said he removes 50 musk rats each year, but they are back again next year.

What can I do to safely get rid of them? I hate to resort to the leg traps the previous owner used. Is there some chemical that is safe to use?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Wannafish]

Lead poisoning - via .22 caliber rifle with scope.

 

[bczoom]

I concur with Rick but the caliber is your choice.

I have also used connabear (sp?) traps with decent success. Place them in front of a burrow or hole they're digging.

One thing I did which was a benefit was to dig a long trench for a burial ground. I went down about 18-24" then covered each rat and marked with a stick. If you don't get down a ways, the racoons will dig them up and based on the number of muskrats you have, it creates quite a stench.

If they've cut burrows into the pond that may cause leaks, plug the holes with bentonite.

Brian

 

[JerryG]

If you have that many, you could look into getting a local trapper. That many would be worth their while.

 

[ByronBob]

Target practice will thin the heard. Like deer if you don't thin them out they overrun the joint

 

[Dozernut]

"I have a shallow 8acre pond"
This is most likely your problem. A shallow pond promotes aquatic weeds such as Cattail, which is the the main food source for Musk Rats. Remove the Cattail and you will remove the Musk Rats. There are sprays that will kill off Cattail, Contact your local USDA office for information.

 

[Junkman]

Sounds like a good reason to purchase another tractor like item such as an excavator and dig the pond deeper.. Just keep digging around the edges as deep as you can and the center will continue to fall into the deeper part, so I have been told. If that isn't a good way, then you could try to find one of the old Bucyrus-Erie Dragline.....

 

[Egon]

Used to trap and shoot for the hides when I was young.

Some dogs will catch them when they are out swimming.

Egon

 

[Wannafish]

"Remove the Cattail and you will remove the Musk Rats. There are sprays that will kill off Cattail, Contact your local USDA office for information."

I don't know about NY state but in Michigan any "pond" over 5 acres is considered "wetland", and as such you had better not remove any Cattail - it is considered a natural filter for the water. If caught you are in big trouble from the D.E.Q.

Just something else to be aware (afraid) of /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[leaddog]

Advertise for a local trapper and have them trap it each year. Trappers like private ponds as they don't have there traps stolen as much from private property.
Years back I would have trappers stop and want to pay ME to let them trap but I had a friend that did it as he really enjoyed it. Now that the fur isn't worth much none of the trappers stop but he still does it for the sport. He is close to 80 now and getting out keeps him going. He uses killer traps that drown them so they are very humane. They also will get mink as they eat muskrats. Some years the fur of rats aren't worth hardly anything so it might be hard to find a trapper.
You are right about wanting to keep them in check as they will ruin a pond with there tunnels and such in short time. I had a island in mine and they undermined it so much that it is now totally under water. Good luck
leaddog