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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.

Experience in the area

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

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 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.

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?

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Dave11/09/0910101010Good response gave me a link to .....
Marcy10/04/0910101010Very helpful reply. So appreciative of your .....
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mary06/29/0910101010Very thorough and professional -- above and .....

Recent Answers from Stephen Vantassel

2009-11-16 raccoons:

Raccoons in Attic. Find out the trapping laws in your state visit http://www.icwdm.org/VendorsService/default1.asp Then if legal trap them out. Find where they are climbing up your building and set

2009-11-08 armadillo or possum:

The problem is your damage is so diverse that you could have both doing things and even skunks may be involved. I would advise you to stop putting out so much food for the ducks (if you can't stop feeding

2009-11-07 squirrels in the car's fan housing:

My first question is how do you know the culprit is squirrels and not mice? Proper identification of the animal is the first step to effective control. Here are some general principles. Protecting

2009-10-29 mouse query:

Protecting vehicles from Wildlife damage Protecting vehicles from wildlife damage requires a three pronged approach. Although employing all three prongs is ideal, it isn’t always practical. However

2009-10-21 mice and mole control:

You have voles. Moles eat insects. Voles eat plants. Controlling Vole Damage http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/index.jsp?what=publicationD&publicatio http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/Voles

 

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