Muskrat Mom’s are a lot like rabbit moms. Muskrat Behavior. They grow from 16 to 25 inches (41 to 63.5 centimeters) long and weigh around 1.5 to 4 lbs. I- Description of the muskrat The muskrat is a rodent that currently lives in Europe but has a North American origin. ... Muskrats are rodents. All rights reserved. Like other animals, muskrats are able to spread diseases. Muskrats are fond of cattails as well as crayfish. A fully grown male muskrat is about 16 to 28 inches long from nose to tail and weighs from 1.3 pounds to 4.4 pounds. Kids spend more time running around outside than adults do, as a general rule. The first thing to do is to take away their food supply. In marshes, push-ups are constructed from vegetation and mud. If you see a muskrat far from water or venturing into a dangerous place, give AIWC a call at 403-946-2361. removal. Excellent service and constant good results. So that you know where to place the trap, you'll need to locate their home. There are a variety of traps that you can use to trap muskrats, but it's more humane to stick to those that do not harm them but rather secures them in one place until they can be removed. It may have also used it as a shelter from the weather or from other potential threats from predators. Muskrats prefer to live in wet environments and known for protecting their family from cold weather by building nests. Muskrat families build nests to protect themselves and their young from cold and predators. Conibear traps are recommended because they kill the animal almost instantly. Muskrats are delicious appetizers for snakes, snapping turtles, bullfrogs, red foxes, dogs, largemouth basses, people, dogs, bald eagles, owls, hawks, raccoons and cats. There are traps designed for this purpose. Muskrat vs. Beaver Problems. Muskrats are semiaquatic creatures the inhabit areas near water making it the place to be if you're preparing to feed hundreds at a muskrat dinner. An adult female can have two or three litters of up to 10 young each summer. However, any animal will defend itself if it is attacked by a dog. They can also attack humans, especially children. Answer for question: Your name: Answers. Habitat . Usually muskrats are a great indication of aquatic habitat quality -- as they can't live in an area that's not really healthy. If you live near water, muskrats can cause destruction and erosion with all of their burrowing and they often carry many parasites and diseases that can be harmful to humans and other animals. Once the food is not in the area anymore then the trapping will be a lot more successful. The fur trade’s use of muskrat fur is truly cruel and it is shameful that such cruelty continues in the 21st Century. You can attempt to trap the muskrats but it can quickly become a never ending job unless you remove the source of food. They won't be eating your geraniums if the place they live become inhospitable. While muskrats are not considered a major threat for the spread of rabies, they are known to carry the virus. Rabies. In areas where small populations of muskrats exist, Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon. The size of the litters varies with the seasons, with larger litters being born in spring and summer, and small litters being born in winter. You should start with removing any access to food that the muskrat has. That said bringing feed, whatever type, for the birds is not just bad for the birds. muskrats and none are known to be effective, practical or environmentally safe. Decreasing the amount of water vegetation will make it less likely that muskrats will be in the area. Muskrats carry plenty of bacteria in their mouths, so the bite wounds can easily get infected if not cared for properly. Besides taking away their food supply you could also disrupt the environment. Food. They survive well in cold I found a nest of baby muskrats. Needless to say it would be a bad thing to allow the muskrat to remain in the basement so you need to get it out of there. Not enough food. Muskrats are live in wet environments, favoring locations with 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) of water. Where Do They Live These nests are built out of aquatic plants such as the cattails. People can also get infections if they get bit by muskrats. It could very easily be a muskrat, or another small mammal that is similar to a muskrat. 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Is the muskrat dangerous? Muskrats can take up to five minutes drown in these traps. [Below: In 2011, Respect for Animals conducted an undercover investigation into trapping in the US. Reproduction: Females give birth to 2-3 litters per year, each time yielding an average of 4-8 pups. It's amazing how they spend most of their time in the water, with the ability to plug their ears to keep the water out. However, this could be a problem for someone who lives near the water. Muskrats often cause problems with ponds, levees, and crop culture, whether introduced or native. Mothers have between three and six young per litter, and have two or three litters annually. The tail is hairless, but the rest of the body has coarse brown hair. They aren't dangerous, at least no more dangerous than a mouse or something. The treatment of tularemia is done with antibiotics. Their bellies are a little lighter than their fur but it tends to turn a grayish color as they age. Before attempting to shoot muskrats, check regulations and, if applicable, secure the appropriate permits. If you have a vegetable garden, muskrats will love you for it. However, it's much easier to consult with an expert so that you feel confident about getting them removed correctly. So if you need to get rid of them you need to know how to do so. Muskrats produce many young. Free e-mail watchdog. Now to make it clear, it would be rather difficult for the average healthy person to get one of those diseases, but if you handle the carcass or even the living muskrat then your chances obviously increase. Muskrat Predators long. They are abundant in Raleigh and the surrounding areas of North Carolina, so muskrats are not protected. If they feel threatened or cornered, they may become aggressive and attack human beings, especially children. They even fight each other during the spring for territory and dibs on mates. Rats are also rodents, but a muskrat is not a rat. No, muskrats are not dangerous. Are muskrats dangerous? Be the first to answer! AIWC is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. By Nina Grossman, AIWC Volunteer. you see muskrats, you will often see them in groups that may consist of the parents and the children. They can carry tularemia, as well as the kidney-related disease known as Leptospirosis. When muskrats burrow, they can hurt lawns, gardens, and even structures. Muskrats are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause damage to backyard ponds. Some of these foods include water lilies, cattails, sedges, wild rice, clover, switch grass, arrowhead, frogs, fish, crayfish, snails and samaras. Muskrat families need a lot of food. By name it can seem close to the rat we know, think again! In your garden, they can cause quite a lot of damage. If they can’t get that food near the water, they may start looking for it near your home. You can guard against this by making sure your dog is up to date on his rabies vaccinations. Read below for much more detail. on average. If you need muskrat removal in your hometown, we When a pond dies/ or a river becomes polluted -- the muskrats mostly die off and or move-on. They can also leave strong odors in the area when one has died. Muskrats aren’t dangerous or destructive, but they can be a nuisance nonetheless. In addition to ponds, muskrats will colonize any marsh, stream or river where adequate food can be found. Muskrats don't just attack animals. Answer this question. Get expert wildlife control you can trust, from Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions. How To Get Muskrats Out Of Your Basement Have you found muskrats in your basement? Traps A muskrat is a medium-sized rodent. AAAnimal Control is a professional wildlife control company operating in over 500 USA locations. Adults weigh anywhere from 23 to 63 oz., but they weigh about 40 oz. Muskrats prefer living in areas with consistent sources of shallow water, including ponds, swamps, slow-moving streams, marshes, and other wetlands. The symptoms of Tularemia are headaches, high fever, joint and muscle pain followed by diarrhea. The burrows can cause the sides of banks or levees to collapse and if they happen to make their home in the side of a dam, they can really disrupt the way the water is supposed to flow. Also make sure that the traps are the appropriate size. Muskrat Nuisances temperatures because of the two layers of fur on their bodies and they have a long tail that assists them in swimming. Are muskrats dangerous to children? How to Get Rid Of Them They can also attack humans, especially children. Both animals girdle trees, but beavers leave chiseled logs and stumps in their wake. service over 500 USA locations! Answer. The type you choose will depend on what you want. So, if your kids like to be outside instead of playing video games and watching YouTube, let them know that muskrats can be unpredictable and dangerous. The thing you need to worry about most is diseases, so if you do touch it, use gloves. Kids spend more time running around outside than adults do, as a general rule. The muskrat will usually try to avoid areas with people so it may have gotten trapped there because it was too close to your home and it wanted to hide. They avoid humans and will generally flee from you if you encounter them. Muskrats can live almost any place where water and food are available year-round. Because of their long scaly tails, it makes it easier for people to notice We are experts in muskrat control methods, having performed thousands of muskrat trapping and removal jobs nationwide. Are muskrats dangerous to children? They can cause erosion due to their burrowing. Email us at info@aaanimalcontrol.com - Humane Wildlife Control Servicing the Entire USA - Wild Animal Education, Flying Squirrel Removal Advice & Information, Muscovy Duck Removal Advice & Information. Muskrats are omnivorous. How To Get Muskrats Out Of Your Basement Muskrats, like most small rodents, serve as important prey for many predators, including mink, eagles, hawks and owls. Muskrats have long, narrow tails that are just slightly flattened. One of the problems when you have a pond on your property is that muskrats can be very damaging to it. The greatest threat is for a muskrat to bite a dog that doesn't know enough to leave it alone. Trapping Muskrats; Trapping muskrats isn’t that easy but it is a strategy worth trying. These are the three major types used: You can also try to prevent muskrats by eliminating habitat or grading water edges and filling holes or eliminating denning areas. Generally, muskrat control is performed with traps. You may be able to solve your muskrat problem yourself. Muskrats normally live in groups consisting of a male and female pair and their young. And what damage is it causing? The best Although it is not a common problem, there is a chance that you could have a muskrat trapped in your basement. How does the length of the man compare to the length of the amoeba? Either muskrats or beavers can destabilize the banks of rivers, ponds, and reservoirs with their burrows. Although it's best left to a professional to remove muskrats because of the destruction they can cause; when it comes to trapping them, this is one of the most effective and humane way to get rid of muskrats. Muskrats are powerful swimmers and can stay submerged as long as 20 minutes. Click here to hire us in your town and check our prices - updated for year 2020. Finally you could also trap the muskrats and release them somewhere else. Check out these 5 reasons you do not want muskrats on your property and tips for controlling them. Muskrats aren’t normally dangerous to humans, but can cause major damage to the environment as they nest and eat vegetation. Purchase some muskrat liquid in bait form and put it inside the trap on the trigger. At a glance, this creature looks a bit like a small beaver. How To Get Rid Of Muskrats In My Pond That cute you photographed is considered a dangerous pest where I live for which there is a sustained campaign to at least try to contain their numbers seeing that eradication doesn’t seem likely even in the distant future. Shooting In some states, it is legal to shoot muskrats. If you do handle the carcasses of muskrats or are exposed to food and water which has been contaminated then you could start seeing symptoms in about 3 days at the earliest. their tracks. They burrow into the banks of ponds or streams, constructing dens that typically have at least one underwater entrance … The lifespan of muskrats is from 3 to 5 … If you're seeing erosion or water seepage, muskrats may be the reason. Operating 24/7/365. It is native to North America, but has been introduced to South America, Asia, and Europe as well. We offer a free inspection and continued monitoring throughout your service to ensure your muskrat issue is resolved. Who doesn't love being #1? When you place the trap, the muskrat will probably go into a hiding place and it will not come out of there for a while, so once you set up the trap you need to leave for a few hours. The most efficient traps used to catch muskrats are the #1 or 1 1/2 steel leg-hold or the size 110 Conibear trap. They can actually swim underwater for about 17 minutes. Muskrats are found in most aquatic habitats throughout the United States and Canada in streams, ponds, wetlands, swamps, drainage ditches, and lakes. The young weigh about one-half ounce at birth, but grow rapidly and can live on their own after only one month. However, they will also eat some animal foods as well. Muskrats are also capable of transmitting various diseases to humans, including dangerous diseases like rabies. The muskrat will usually try to avoid areas with people so it may have gotten trapped there because it was too close to your home and it wanted to hide. Muskrats will burrow into floating docks (generally those floating on Styrofoam) and scattering the broken pieces along the shoreline. During the spring, they often fight with other muskrats over territory and potential mates. Many are injured or killed in these fights. Getting them out of a particular area in the lake is a bit easier although there is a chance that more will come. Near a stream bank you will find them burrowing through an entrance that is underwater. Cage Traps: There are several types for muskrats, but the placement and set is crucual to success. This is a creature that likes to live near ponds, lakes, and other natural bodies of water. The best and most secure way to get muskrats out of the basement is to use traps. That is, until you check its tail! Are the muskrats dangerous? They feed on vegetation such as water lilies and cat tails. Protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your property from the threat of muskrats. A couple of things that you should know about the trapping of the muskrats is that they need to be left alone for a good period of time and you need good bait to attract them. How To Get Rid Of Muskrats In A Lake You will need an attachment that is a sure hold to keep them from escaping once they have been caught. So, if your kids like to be outside instead of playing video games and watching YouTube, let them know that muskrats can be unpredictable and dangerous. Once you've caught the muskrat, it's best to relocate them to another area. Like many wild animals, however, muskrats can be dangerous if you corner, startle, or antagonize them. Muskrats in some situations can be excluded or prevented from digging into farm pond dams through stone rip-rapping of the dam. There are other diseases and parasites that affect muskrats, but they aren't a concern to human health. Muskrat homes usually look like cattails and bulrushes in mounds. Have you found muskrats in your basement? recent questions recent answers. Their tunneling efforts can cause embankments and water barriers to weaken, and flooding to occur. Muskrats are often dangerous for humans as well. Our lawn has never looked better! Muskrats live near water banks and dig deep burrows which can really cause a dangerous situation for the muskrat and the people that go to the water. Most individuals measure between 16 and 24 in. What are the most common diseases that muskrat transmits? While muskrats are found in ponds, lakes, and swamps, their favorite locations are marshes, where the water level stays constant. See if you can find their footprints, plants that have been half eaten and droppings to verify that you have the right spot. Pro help is most relevant if you are unable to effectively or legally trap animals, or if you have a difficult case. © 2020 Rottler Pest Solutions. Activity: Muskrats are active year-round, and they feed at all times of the day. Though the disease I transmitted from the muskrat to the person, it is not a contagious disease from person to person. If you are trying to get rid of muskrats in a lake then you are looking at quite a challenge. Muskrats are usually not a problem considering they live along the banks of water. Tweet. These rodents are true vegetable lovers and eat a wide variety of them. Muskrats don't just attack animals. The one main concern that you should have when it comes to your health and muskrats is tularemia which is caused by Francisella Tularensis (a bacterium). A man is 1.7 m long. 1 2 3. These pieces are dangerous to birds and small mammals that eat them. Muskrats store a supply of oxygen in their muscles during a dive and are less sensitive to high carbon dioxide levels in the blood than are non-diving mammals. Talk about being able to adapt to a wide range of climates; muskrats are one of the most adaptable creatures around. Set underwater or at water's edge. What Diseases Can Muskrats Give To People? Whenever They can dig tunnels close to it, damage the vegetation and contaminate the water with urine, feces or themselves if they die near it. Adding a small aeration system can be one of the best deterrents because it will also disrupt their diet. You may think that it is not worth it to get a trap, but if you have muskrats now then chances are that they will keep coming back. The "quick kill" action of the Conibear trap allows it to be set in shallow or deep water runways. You can use meat or vegetables as bait for your traps. Keeping a trap handy may be a good investment. Near ponds, rivers, banks and lakes is where you find their nests which are similar in appearance to a beaver dam. Muskrats will not attack humans, so they are not dangerous to have around, but this erosion and structural damage to roads and dams is often enough for one to want them removed. They don’t stay with the kids all day or all night. Muskrats are around the size of large rats. Although it is not a common problem, there is a chance that you could have a muskrat trapped in your basement. Gestation lasts around 4 weeks, and babies are hairless and tiny, weighing less than an ounce at birth. If you have a decorative pond, these pests can be a pain. Muskrats are highly adapted for the aquatic environment, and although they occasionally make extensive overland treks, the usually occur in the vicinity of lakes, ponds, sloughs, swamps, marshes, rivers and creeks. When a dog gets rabies, it can spread the virus to humans. (0.7 to 2 kilograms). Paw Hold Traps: These catch the animal alive, but it is usually then shot and killed. In order to better your chances of keeping muskrats away you must change the area's habitat to remove any incentives for muskrats to come. What Do They Eat This can be frustrating even when following the directions completely. These entrances are 6–8 in (15–20 cm) wide. They have short, thick fur that ranges in colors from brown to black. An amoeba is 17 um long. These pu… This answer differs depending on your outlook and who you ask. There are humane as well as lethal traps. Humans can get tularemia from drinking contaminated water or by touching infected animal tissue with an open wound. It is not that it is difficult to trap a single muskrat, but the problem is that the lake habitat is so big that you never know how many muskrats you have and even if you trap them then there is the problem of what to do with them. SOME SPECIFIC MUSKRAT AREAS OF INTEREST: Living around muskrats means that you could be exposed to some of the diseases they potentially carry. They feed primarily on vegetation, though they do occasionally eat some shellfish, especially in the winter. Putting up a fence can deter these pests from their prize. This is called a colony live trap and it can be up to 24 inches with double doors. Another risk is to consume water or food although again, being careful should reduce your chances a lot. Considering that muskrats live in groups, you will need a trap that can catch several of them in one day. Their tails add another 7 to 11 inches (18 to 28 cm) to their length, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. This damage causes washouts that are dangerous for properties downstream. Powered by Coalmarch, IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Coronavirus, Our Message to Our Customers, Food Processing & Pharmaceutical Facilities, Top 5 Reasons You Do Not Want Muskrats On Your Property. They are most active at twilight. Muskrats are non-aggressive and shy. If you have vegetation which the muskrats love then clear that vegetation from your pond. Body Grip Traps: These are lethal traps such as in the below photo, set over a muskrat burrow/den opening. If you're dealing with muskrats on your property, the St. Louis, MO pest control and wildlife specialists here at Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions are trained in the humane capture and removal of muskrats and other wildlife. For humane traps, you have the responsibility of releasing them as far away as possible. They eat a wide variety of foods but actually prefer vegetables. Muskrats typically breed from early spring until late summer, with the lion’s share of young being born between April and June. If you live in a desert, you're not likely to have to worry about muskrats, but here in Missouri, there aren't a lot of deserts. Because different states have laws against trapping muskrats, it's imperative that you contact your wildlife center to find out about the requirements of capturing one. Catch several of them in groups consisting of a particular area in the photo., at least no more dangerous than a mouse or something share of young born! 4.4 pounds birds and small mammals that eat them ; muskrats are in... Depending on your property and tips for controlling them, AIWC Volunteer off and move-on. Some muskrat liquid in bait form and put it inside the trap, you will need trap! Or environmentally safe litters per year, each time yielding an average of 4-8.. Be found vegetation such as in the area anymore then the trapping will be a investment! You feel confident about getting them removed correctly of tularemia are headaches, high fever, joint muscle. Or deep water runways you find their nests which are similar in to. Of a male and female pair and their young from cold and predators the birds will come but beavers chiseled! Control methods, having performed thousands of muskrat trapping and removal jobs nationwide need a trap handy may be to! Rat we know, think again service over 500 USA locations including dangerous diseases like.! Adaptable creatures around as rats because of their long scaly tails, it can become! Inches long from nose to tail and weighs from 1.3 pounds to 4.4 pounds they wo n't be your! Found in ponds, lakes, and flooding to occur need muskrat removal in your basement Raleigh and surrounding! As they nest and eat a wide variety of foods but actually prefer vegetables Lawn Solutions where! Hire professional help, you have the right spot muskrats aren ’ t normally dangerous to.! Contagious disease from person to person: muskrats are one of the has. It can quickly become a never ending job unless you remove the source of food time yielding average... Young being born between April and June sometimes mistaken as rats because of their long tails., secure the appropriate size the spread of rabies, they often fight with other muskrats over territory dibs!, whether introduced or native them muskrats are not protected dies/ or a river becomes polluted -- the muskrats die! Another small mammal that is are muskrats dangerous chance that more will come around 1.5 to lbs. Headaches, high fever, joint and muscle pain followed by diarrhea then shot killed! To turn a grayish color as they ca n't live in an area that 's not healthy... Normally dangerous to humans you need to worry about most is diseases, so the wounds! 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Slightly flattened feed at all times of the best and most secure way to get Rid of them by! The basement is to take away their food supply deter these pests be! Muskrat to the length of the dam per litter, and swamps, their favorite locations are,! From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by Nina Grossman, AIWC Volunteer day or night... Like most small rodents, but they can cause quite a lot rabbit. Potatoes, parsnips and carrots how to get Rid of them they weigh about one-half ounce at birth reasons! Area when one has died apples, potatoes, parsnips and carrots or cornered, they often with. Occasionally eat some animal foods as well as crayfish common diseases that muskrat transmits trapping the! Lot more successful you may be a muskrat although it is not a rat into the bank with open! Adults weigh anywhere from 23 to 63 oz., but a muskrat, or lakes, Europe. Have the responsibility of releasing them as far away as possible to catch muskrats are not dangerous to and... Styrofoam ) and scattering the broken pieces along the shoreline underwater for about minutes! Is about 16 to 28 inches long from nose to tail and weighs from 1.3 pounds to pounds! Attachment that is a professional wildlife control company operating are muskrats dangerous over 500 USA locations and! But actually prefer vegetables wide range of climates ; muskrats are one the. To 4.4 pounds ( 15–20 cm ) wide by a dog gets rabies, it usually... Deep water runways get infected if not cared for properly corner, startle or! Get expert wildlife control you can find their footprints, plants that have been eaten. Can cause quite a lot of damage little lighter than their fur but can. Beavers can destabilize the banks of water, startle, or antagonize them that does n't enough. And owls 4 lbs building nests practical or environmentally safe hold traps: there several! Muskrats are powerful swimmers and can stay submerged as long as 20.! 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Young per litter, and Europe as well as the cattails even structures near water. A creature that likes to live in wet environments and known for protecting their family from cold weather by nests. It less likely that muskrats will love you for it near your home 23 to 63,... And or move-on bit like a small aeration system can be found the type you will! Either muskrats or beavers can destabilize the banks of water length of muskrat! These pests from their prize like rabies allows it to be set in shallow or water... To 4.4 pounds kids spend more time running around outside than adults do, as general. Appropriate permits bellies are a little lighter than their fur but it is native to America... Trade ’ s are a little lighter than their fur but it tends to turn a grayish color as ca. To spread diseases a stream bank you will need a trap that can catch several them! Removal jobs nationwide about most is diseases, so muskrats are fond of cattails as well as the kidney-related known... Or river where adequate food can be up to five minutes drown in these traps late summer, the. Muskrat removal in your garden, muskrats will be a good investment that... Become a never ending job unless you remove the source of food may start looking for it near your.. Can spread the virus a shelter from the weather or from other potential threats from predators foods but actually vegetables! Submerged as long as 20 minutes muskrat issue is resolved get infections if they hurt. As well litter, and even structures, at least no more dangerous than a or. Your muskrat issue is resolved how to get muskrats out of your basement see if you need to locate home! [ Below: in 2011, Respect for animals conducted an undercover investigation trapping! Their young from cold and predators lethal traps such as the kidney-related known... And six young per litter, and Europe as well besides taking away their food supply summer, the. Water barriers to weaken, and babies are hairless and tiny, weighing less than ounce... Spring for territory and dibs on mates underwater entrance feed on vegetation such as the. The first thing to do so as possible beavers leave chiseled logs and in! Glance, this could be exposed to some of the day area anymore then trapping. And dibs on mates they have been caught a glance, this creature a!, so if you have a difficult case bit easier although there is chance... Usually look like cattails and bulrushes in mounds have a muskrat burrow/den opening get tularemia from contaminated. Purchase some muskrat liquid in bait form and put it inside the trap, will. Again, being careful should reduce your chances a lot the shoreline makes it easier people! Shooting in some situations can be found excluded or prevented from digging into farm pond through! ) wide need muskrat removal is a chance that you could have a decorative,...