Joe v. What?

Despite my current obsession with squirrels (and the name of this blog) this blog is actually supposed to be about my struggles against all kinds of urban wildlife — and, indeed, all the other obstacles of life. Squirrels are just a metaphor. Get it?

Anyway, in the spirit of this diversity of purpose, I bring you a mystery. Something has been digging up the turf around the side of our house. I put this turf here last spring when I dug up part of the lawn to put in a patio and walkway. Most of the turf took really nicely and covered a patch of mostly weeds, but the grass closest to the house has not taken. Since I put it in, this turf has been turned over on a fairly regular basis. Now this could be more squirrel activity (SQUIRRELS!!) as they may be digging up nuts that they have hidden for later. Or it could be raccoons, skunks, or something else that likes eating the roots of the turf or the worms and other creepy crawlies beneath the surface. 

Here’s a picture. Let me know if you have any theories of what is causing this damage and what I can do to prevent it.

mystery pest

 

The war will be long, but the victory will be sweet.

Welcome to my blog about pest control. Its hard to know where to start. I have been living in a house for about two years now. Before that I lived in apartments and, although i had some encounters with urban wildlife back then, I did not understand the true nature of our relationship with nature. Today I understand. Two long years of struggle against the armies of ants, aphids, slugs, other bugs, not to mention mice, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and drunks has taught me a lot. I decided it was time I shared those lessons with the world. I don’t delude myself into thinking I have won the war – every battle won is but a fleeting moment before a new front is opened – but, if my experiences can help others, then it is my pleasure to serve the greater good.