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Tips on Trail Cameras

Tips on Trail Cameras

With trail cameras dropping in price and size, wildlife control operators (WCOs) and pest management professionals should consider adding them to their equipment arsenal. Here are a few tips on trail cameras that should guide your purchases and use of these important tools.

Trail cameras can be quite helpful in identifying wildlife damage or those who interefere with wildlife control activities.
Trail cameras can be quite helpful in identifying wildlife damage or those who interefere with wildlife control activities.

Camera Selection

Choose the right trail camera for your purposes. Select cameras that trigger quickly (in ½ a second or less) when the motion sensor is activated. Ideally, the camera should take color images (daylight) and black & white (night-time) between 1.3 and 12 megapixels. Frankly. I don’t think most uses need 12 megapixels but if you are interested in obtaining some glamor shots of wildlife for use on the web or in publications, then selecting for higher resolutions is warranted.

It is best to select cameras that have blackout infrared as some animals can see the infrared flash. Also camera thieves can see the flash too. The camera should be able to take multiple shots (burst mode) and/or have programmable delays between shots.

Most cameras will have video capability. Again resolution depends on your ultimate goals. If you want internal use for those within your company, then you don’t need high resolution. But if you want to use video in training and advertising, then high definition is where you want to be.

Keep in mind that the higher your specs the higher your price. Some cameras can send photos via cell towers. These can be quite handy when you are dealing with problems such as trap molestation or when trapping in a highly sensitive account.

Camera Use

1. Place the camera so it is facing North to avoid being blinded by the rising or setting sun.

2. Locate a clear line of sight for the camera. Remove branches and grass that could sway in the wind and trigger the camera. The only thing more frustrating than missing the shot, is to have hundreds of photos of moving grass.

3. Think security. Cameras like to walk. Be sure it is hard for yours to be found or removed.

For a recommended trail cam stand click Trail Cam Stand.

References

O’Connell, Alan F. 2015. A Hidden view of Wildlife Conservation: How Camera Traps Aid Science, Research and Management. The Wildlife Professional 9:3(Fall): 56-59.

 

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Tips for Vertebrate Pest Inspection

Tips for Vertebrate Pest Inspection

Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd Ed. Cover by Stephen M. Vantassel
Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd Ed. Cover by Stephen M. Vantassel

A few weeks ago, I completed a short training video entitled, Tips for Vertebrate Pest Inspection. It is based on my book, The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd. ed. Lorman is a company dedicated to training business professionals in a wide variety of topics. I was offered another opportunity to present with them (Several years ago I did an hour-long presentation on bird control).

This video covers some fundamental issues in wildlife damage inspection and should be available soon. I’ll let you know if and when it is. Otherwise, contact Lorman.com for additional information.

Stephen M. Vantassel is a Certified Wildlife Control Professional and is available for presentations and consultations.

 

 

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Inspecting Using the Phone

Inspecting Using the Phone

Stephen M. Vantassel speaking on the phone.
Stephen M. Vantassel speaking on the phone. Don’t do this while driving!

Let’s face it. Traveling to your client’s property takes time and reduces productivity. How often have you visited a site only to learn that you didn’t have the equipment needed to handle the job; thereby requiring you to make yet another trip?

Well, learning how to interview your client over the phone can go a long way in reducing wasted time and effort as well as improving customer satisfaction and your bottom line.

Pest Control Technology magazine recently published a chapter on phone inspections from my recent book, The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd edition.  Click the link and read it for yourself. I would love to hear what you think about it.

Vantassel, S. M. (2013, September). Find Answers Over the Phone. Pest Control Technology, pp. 26, 28, 30-31. Click the link to read the phone inspection chapter http://www.pctonline.com/digital/201309/files/26.html

About the Author

Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control operator who helps individuals, businesses, and agencies resolve wildlife damage issues through training, writing, expert witness, and research. His latest books are the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd edition and The Practical Guide to the Control of Feral Cats. He can be contacted at wildlifecontrolconsultant at gmail dot com.

If you would like your publication, video, or product reviewed, please contact the author at the e-mail above.

Copyright

All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Portable Tweezers

Portable Tweezers

Wildlife damage inspection doesn’t require many tools. But when trying to identify scat, it can be helpful to have access to a pair of tweezers to enable the removal and closer investigation of small particles contained in the scat. Particles, such as hair, seeds, and insect exoskeleton can be used to narrow down the list of potential species that deposited the scat as well as help determine what the animal was eating. Other uses would be include tick and sliver removal, but I would not encourage use of the same tweezers for both tasks.

PockeTweez is an easy way to carry tweezers.
PockeTweez is an easy way to carry tweezers.

The PockeTWeez™ is a portable tweezer that can be carried on your key ring. It has a full-metal design. Just push the tweezers through the outer metal to use. When finished, just swing the jaws back inside the metal shell and you will be protected from the sharp tips. I have added it to my key ring after receiving it as a gift this past Christmas. Though I haven’t had the opportunity yet to use the tweezer yet, it appears to be well made. I think it can make a good addition to the Leatherman™ or multi-tool you should be carrying also.

Follow up: I have had the opportunity to use the tweezers. They take a little getting used to. The jaw opening is a bit narrow so you need to have the ability to focus on small items to get the insect leg or wing in proper position to pinch. I also would suggest taking the tweezers off your key chain (I was too lazy to do so and it affected the ease of use).

To learn more about the product visit www.pocketweez.com

Diclaimer: I have no financial relationship with the manufacturer and have not been compensated in any form for this article.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Knob and Tube

Have you heard of knob and tube wiring (also known as K&T)? Whether you are performing home inspections, pest control or wildlife control activities, you face many dangers when inspecting a home. One of the risks that you face is the old-style of electrical wiring, called knob and tube wiring (see image). It essentially involves an electrical copper wire connected to porcelain insulating tubes. According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knob-and-tube_wiringWikipedia, knob and tube wiring was used in North American structures from the 1880s up to the 1930s.

Examples of knob and tube wiring
Knob and tube wiring from a Pittsburgh, PA house built in 1930. Photo: Laura Scudder.

What are the risks of knob and tube wiring?

  1. Well, one risk is that you may damage the wiring or break a porcelain tube as you are moving around an attic or crawl space. Unlike, modern wiring, this older form of electrical work exposes its wires so you could catch a cable with your foot or a tool.
  2. Another risk is electrocution. K&T wiring used rubber insulation which would degrade over time. Also frequently, people would modify the wiring in ways that could overload the system. Finally, K&T wiring lacks a grounding wire required in modern wiring.

So if you are inspecting a home built before the 1950s, you will need to ask yourself, “Could this house have knob and tube wiring?” Mindful inspections could save your life. For additional information on inspecting for wildlife damage click, The Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd ed. 

 

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

 

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