Stephen Vantassel - Pest Control - Landscaping - Style

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Expert Profile: Stephen Vantassel

Expertise: I was a professional animal damage controller. If you are having problems with squirrels, raccoons, beavers, moles, voles, etc. damaging your property, I can help give you information to resolve that damage. I was an assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology magazine and have published numerous articles as well as two books in this field.
Former assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology; Master's degree in Hebrew Bible (yes I am licensed minister), Past New England Director for the National Wildlife Control Operator's Association. I have published two books, The Wildlife Removal Handbook (rev. ed) and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, and numerous articles. Perhaps a highlight was making the cover of Wildlife Control Technology. I have debated a noted animal rights activist in my own state of Massachusetts on radio and TV. http://icwdm.org

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Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: American's are always looking for a magic technique to resolve their wildlife damage problems. People always ask if there is something they can spray. The answer is, 95% of the time no. And for the other five percent, the results of spraying will only reduce the damage not eliminate it. I wish people would stop thinking that trapping isn't a solution. Trapping is an effective solution.

What do you like about this subject? I enjoy the subject of animal damage control because I enjoy wildlife. Learning how to stop and limit wildlife damage helps maintain the natural balance and continues to help people see animals as majestic creatures rather than a pest. When we fail to properly manage wildlife, imbalance sets in which can result in death, and environmental loss.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? I am always learning about new techniques for species I am already familiar with. For example, I have learned how to use one way doors and beaver flood control pipes. I also enjoy learning about species that are not native to New England. I hope one day to catch a coyote and a pocket gopher.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject What I would like the world to know is that animal rights groups really don't provide the public with all the facts regarding wildlife control and management. They frequently show inflammatory pictures and statistics that are simply out of context. One thing for people to think about is, is how come animal rights groups don't get into the business of solving problems if they know so much?

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 12470
Knowledge	9.91 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.82 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.94 Best of the best
Politeness	9.89 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		1
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		15
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		955

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	09/06/08
8	10	10	10	08/25/08
10	10	10	10	08/21/08
10	10	10	10	08/19/08
10	10	10	10	08/06/08

User Comments

Thank you for your advice!
(Roselee on 09/06/08)

Thanks. You were right on 2 counts. I live in Mass, prob is water in septic leaching field not beaver per se.
(Kate on 08/21/08)

Thank you!
(Patrick on 08/19/08)

Thank you!
(Sharon on 08/06/08)

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Recent Answers from Stephen Vantassel

2008-09-06 some animal is boring holes in my lawn: I don't believe mothballs are effective. But they continue to be recommended to people as a placebo. If you are serious about keeping skunks and raccoons off your lawn, then install an electric fence...

2008-09-02 Small Holes by Concrete: The divots could be skunk or squirrel. If they appeared at the end of the day, then squirrel. If in the morning, skunk. The other droppings, I need much more info. You may be able to answer it yourself...

2008-08-24 identifying droppings: Unfortunately, we don't have enough information from your description. However, the white sac tells us that the animal is NOT a rodent. It is either an amphibian or reptile. More tips on id as...

2008-08-21 beavers: This answer will have more info than you want. But it should be helpful. Beaver Control Trapping Trapping, if legal in your state, is an excellent way to control and stop beaver damage. Learn...

2008-08-13 shrews in the home: My first reaction is wow. If the creatures have been properly identified as shrews and not voles, or mice, then you have a very unusual situation. We would love photos of the damage and shrews....