beavers....issues here.

[usajon]

so our Delaware chapter has a creek running through it. when we get a big rain, it overflows into yard. so 2.5 months now we have standing water on 1/3 of our of our aprox 1.75 acres. I though the land was just water soaked, but have had the property 6 years and the standing water never was there more then 24 hours. may said maybe beavers. I blew her off, until yesterday upon inspecting/with waders.. that tree bark on large trees was removed aprox 6 inches above ground going 14 inches up../and saplings had that beaver grind/cut to them along with small branches cut/mission.

we have 2 3ft diameter culverts that run and drain our creek/property under rt. 14 in Delaware.so now I'm thinking they have them blocked/or partially blocked. I went to the emptying side across the road and there is water there...but...any thoughts.
they water creek is slightly above the culverts..

[lange1]

Sounds like beaver for sure. They can sure be destructive to trees and irrigation. Seems like they start working fast around this time of year too.

How deep is the water? If it's deep enough, I think you need to put on a pair of Walmart work boots, a beat up straw hat, and cut the sleeves off your flannel shirt, holler real loud, and dive in headfirst and inspect- "Call of the Wildman" style. Either that or dynamite.

[stevemb]

Hey Lange1, plan A or B, Ok, but your're the one with the avatar of a .50 door gun... just sayin'. stevemb

[lange1]

A 50 BMG may travel a little far for 1.75 acres if there's a ricochet. Maybe a backhoe would work too, but I think plan B is most effective. Here's a little how to:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx-szYdnLxk

[usajon]

bobarnebeck.com/calvin.html

[contender]

Well, I'm a state certified Animal Damage Control Agent. That fancy title aside,, I do know a bit about beavers. It does sound as if you have some. Just removing the dam will not make them go away. You have to remove the beavers. Look for local trappers first. (They cost less, and are always looking for more places to legally trap.) Unfortunately, local trappers have to await the trapping season.
Next, you MAY have laws in your state allowing trapping for Nuisance Wildlife. You'll need to look into that. Professionals can & will take care of them. A GOOD professional will help you figure out ways to prevent further troubles after they remove the problem beavers.
Look to your state game department for some answers.

[spillway]

In my experience the only long term solution to control a beaver population is to educate your self on how to set Conibear 330 traps.
It is a problem that will never completely go away so get geared up and avoid all the work that will come if you don't get after them now.