Landowners have been contacting our office about concerns of increased prairie dog populations and issues associated with the infestations. Agate and Double El Conservation Districts jointly purchased a PERC (Pressurized Exhaust Rodent Controller) machine. The treatment applies pressurized carbon monoxide to the burrows and is a humane method of control.
Follow-up treatment is crucial and highly recommended in 4-6 weeks. The treatment will not leave toxic carcasses or residue, does not require poisons and is not a threat to other animals. Vegetation, turf, plants and trees are not disturbed.
Prairie dog populations can increase by 50% yearly and can reduce forage by 40%. A small infestation of 2 acres can become 10 acres in the span of one year. Prairie dog populations deplete vegetation needed by livestock and spread to new areas for more forage. Burrows lead to rapid soil erosion.
They also present a danger to livestock; burrows can trip and injure livestock and damage farm equipment. They are known to carry many types of bacteria, including bubonic plague in several forms. Abandoned burrows become homes for rattlesnakes and black widow spiders, affecting public health and safety. Populations tend to grow during drought conditions.
Left uncontrolled, prairie dog populations can have devastating effects on your land in turn, affect your neighbors. Contact our office to learn more about leasing options and costs for using PERC machine to control the prairie dog population on your land.
