Muskrats are a common sight near Toledo’s ponds, rivers, and wetlands. While these semi-aquatic rodents play a role in the ecosystem, their habits can lead to significant property and environmental damage. Knowing how muskrats behave and the best ways to control them is key to protecting landscapes and water systems.
Muskrat Behavior and Habitat
Muskrats are most active at dusk and during the night. They thrive in freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, drainage ditches, and slow-moving streams. These rodents are excellent swimmers, using their webbed hind feet to navigate water while foraging for aquatic plants like cattails and water lilies.
To build shelter, muskrats create burrows along shorelines or construct dome-shaped lodges from vegetation and mud. Their constant need to maintain these homes often leads to burrowing into banks, which can weaken embankments and cause erosion.
Risks to Toledo Properties and Ecosystems
While muskrats are not aggressive toward humans, their digging and feeding habits can cause costly damage:
-
Erosion and Bank Collapse – Burrowing into shorelines weakens the structure, leading to collapse and potential property loss.
-
Damage to Water Control Systems – Their activity can interfere with drainage ditches, ponds, and levees.
-
Vegetation Loss – Muskrats feed on aquatic plants, reducing vegetation that provides habitat for fish and waterfowl.
In agricultural settings, they may also damage crops growing near waterways.
Effective Muskrat Control
The best approach to muskrat control involves prevention and professional intervention:
-
Shoreline Reinforcement – Installing rock riprap or wire mesh can discourage burrowing.
-
Vegetation Management – Reducing dense aquatic plant growth makes the habitat less attractive.
-
Water Level Adjustments – Lowering water levels in the off-season can discourage muskrat activity.
-
Professional Wildlife Removal – Licensed experts can safely and humanely trap and remove muskrats, ensuring compliance with Ohio wildlife regulations.
Keeping Muskrat Problems in Check
Muskrat issues can escalate quickly if left unchecked. By addressing potential attractants, reinforcing vulnerable areas, and working with experienced wildlife control professionals, Toledo property owners can protect their landscapes, waterways, and infrastructure from damage.