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Getting rid of coral snakes?
|
|
| Steve Wertz 2007-07-17, 8:25 pm |
| So I'm standing on my front patio minding my own business, and I
notice something slithering away about a foot away from my bare
foot: Micrurus tener - Texas Coral Snake.
Yikes. It crawled into a hole just beside my concrete patio slab
and under the slab of the garage. So how do I deter these things
from my front porch? Or yes, kill them? I don't have any rodent
problem, but I do have lots of little frogs and lizards this time
of year.
The fact that is was outside during daylight might mean there are
more ready to hatch someplace close by.
-sw
| |
|
|
"Steve Wertz" <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote in message
news:psluvouqco4x$.dlg@sqwertz.com...
> So I'm standing on my front patio minding my own business, and I
> notice something slithering away about a foot away from my bare
> foot: Micrurus tener - Texas Coral Snake.
>
> Yikes. It crawled into a hole just beside my concrete patio slab
> and under the slab of the garage. So how do I deter these things
> from my front porch? Or yes, kill them? I don't have any rodent
> problem, but I do have lots of little frogs and lizards this time
> of year.
>
> The fact that is was outside during daylight might mean there are
> more ready to hatch someplace close by.
>
> -sw
Question: Are you sure it was a Coral Snake? I have read there is
a very similar snake, the difference being the order or the colors.
These are beneficial snakes, unlike the very poisonous Coral Snake.
Just curious.
Bob-tx
| |
|
| The snake is probably feeding off of those frogs and things. You could pour
a little cement into the hole and seal the snake inside. As mentioned by
another poster, it may be a beneficial snake. A check of the internet may
provide some clues.
jh
"Steve Wertz" <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote in message
news:psluvouqco4x$.dlg@sqwertz.com...
> So I'm standing on my front patio minding my own business, and I
> notice something slithering away about a foot away from my bare
> foot: Micrurus tener - Texas Coral Snake.
>
> Yikes. It crawled into a hole just beside my concrete patio slab
> and under the slab of the garage. So how do I deter these things
> from my front porch? Or yes, kill them? I don't have any rodent
> problem, but I do have lots of little frogs and lizards this time
> of year.
>
> The fact that is was outside during daylight might mean there are
> more ready to hatch someplace close by.
>
> -sw
| |
| jangchub 2007-07-18, 9:25 am |
| On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:14:00 GMT, Steve Wertz
<swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>So I'm standing on my front patio minding my own business, and I
>notice something slithering away about a foot away from my bare
>foot: Micrurus tener - Texas Coral Snake.
>
>Yikes. It crawled into a hole just beside my concrete patio slab
>and under the slab of the garage. So how do I deter these things
>from my front porch? Or yes, kill them? I don't have any rodent
>problem, but I do have lots of little frogs and lizards this time
>of year.
>
>The fact that is was outside during daylight might mean there are
>more ready to hatch someplace close by.
>
>-sw
It's very unlikely you have a coral snake. There are other snakes
which mimic their coloration. Try not to kill things if you can, and
please realize you don't have a problem, but you definitely have rats
and mice. They are everywhere in everyone's yard, and there are 100
or more times the rats than humans.
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 9:25 am |
| In article <psluvouqco4x$.dlg@sqwertz.com>,
Steve Wertz <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
> So I'm standing on my front patio minding my own business, and I
> notice something slithering away about a foot away from my bare
> foot: Micrurus tener - Texas Coral Snake.
>
> Yikes. It crawled into a hole just beside my concrete patio slab
> and under the slab of the garage. So how do I deter these things
> from my front porch? Or yes, kill them? I don't have any rodent
> problem, but I do have lots of little frogs and lizards this time
> of year.
>
> The fact that is was outside during daylight might mean there are
> more ready to hatch someplace close by.
>
> -sw
They are probably feeding on that frog plague that you were complaining
about. ;-)
Seriously, don't worry about them. Unlike Pit Vipers (rattlesnakes,
moccasins and coral snakes) they are very shy and non-aggressive.
Just don't pick them up. Even then, the fangs are short and they have to
chew on you a bit to get a good bite in.
Lowe's sells a snake repellant that can be used around the porch if you
are that concerned.
Most people that get bit by Corals messed with them. They don't tend to
coil and strike like the vipers.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 9:25 am |
| In article <filni.2468$2X6.1391@newsfe19.lga>,
"Bob" <bobwhite@suddenlink.net> wrote:
> "Steve Wertz" <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote in message
> news:psluvouqco4x$.dlg@sqwertz.com...
>
> Question: Are you sure it was a Coral Snake? I have read there is
> a very similar snake, the difference being the order or the colors.
> These are beneficial snakes, unlike the very poisonous Coral Snake.
> Just curious.
> Bob-tx
Milk and king snakes are also black, yellow and red, but on corals,
every other band is yellow/white. On milk/king snakes, every other band
is black.
The pattern of the bands too is a lot more perfect on Corals.
Beautiful snakes. I have a couple of friends that used to keep one in a
vivarium as a pet. It eventually died as they are difficult to feed due
to diet.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 9:25 am |
| In article <t82s935v3due3fdoqa0snuep6magvlrvhm@4ax.com>,
jangchub <jangchub@sakadawa.com> wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:14:00 GMT, Steve Wertz
> <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>
>
> It's very unlikely you have a coral snake. There are other snakes
> which mimic their coloration. Try not to kill things if you can, and
> please realize you don't have a problem, but you definitely have rats
> and mice. They are everywhere in everyone's yard, and there are 100
> or more times the rats than humans.
Coral snakes are not rat/mouse eaters:
http://www.wf.net/~snake/coral.htm
Steve complained about a baby frog plague in his yard a couple of weeks
ago. The coral snake is doing him a favor by cleaning it up. (, I'd
welcome such a "plague" to help control mosquitoes! <G> )
Personally, I'd leave a coral snake alone. They really are not that
dangerous compared to rattlers that DO feed on rodents.
I relocated the last rattler I found in my yard to WRI. I have no fear
of snakes, but I do respect the poisonous ones and rattlers will coil
and strike. Corals are not considered to be a very aggressive species.
I've been handling snakes since I was about 6.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| cat daddy 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
|
"Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:omp_omelet-A713EA.08214118072007@news.giganews.com...
> In article <filni.2468$2X6.1391@newsfe19.lga>,
> "Bob" <bobwhite@suddenlink.net> wrote:
>
[color=darkred]
>
> Milk and king snakes are also black, yellow and red, but on corals,
> every other band is yellow/white. On milk/king snakes, every other band
> is black.
I thought the easy to remember pattern was red/yellow for coral snakes,
red/black for king snakes.....
> The pattern of the bands too is a lot more perfect on Corals.
>
> Beautiful snakes. I have a couple of friends that used to keep one in a
> vivarium as a pet. It eventually died as they are difficult to feed due
> to diet.
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| In article <omp_omelet-8B8A72.08194218072007@news.giganews.com>,
Omelet <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote:
> Seriously, don't worry about them. Unlike Pit Vipers (rattlesnakes,
> moccasins and coral snakes) they are very shy and non-aggressive.
Sh*t. I meant Copperheads.
Sorry.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| In article <d66dnb7Svu0tvgPbnZ2dnUVZ_vihnZ2d@giganews.com>,
"cat daddy" <furball@.myhouse.com> wrote:
> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:omp_omelet-A713EA.08214118072007@news.giganews.com...
>
>
> I thought the easy to remember pattern was red/yellow for coral snakes,
> red/black for king snakes.....
Dominant band color was easier for me. :-)
But if you really look at them, the perfection of the band margins makes
Corals stand out. They don't look anything like the non-venomous
tri-colored snakes, but you have to have a real interest in reptiles to
see that.
[color=darkred]
>
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Steve Wertz 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:37:18 -0500, jangchub wrote:
> It's very unlikely you have a coral snake. There are other snakes
> which mimic their coloration. Try not to kill things if you can, and
> please realize you don't have a problem, but you definitely have rats
> and mice.
This is ridiculous. You seem to be a self-appointed expert on
what I do and don't have.
I'm sure it was a Texas coral snake, unless he was wearing a
disguise. Who would seeing a Texas coral snake in Texas be so
unheard of?
I checked the color of the bands and immediately looked up the
color pattern, and those of similar snakes often mistaken for a
true coral snake.
-sw
| |
| Steve Wertz 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:19:42 -0500, Omelet wrote:
> Lowe's sells a snake repellant that can be used around the porch if you
> are that concerned.
I am concerned as I'm very allergic to many things found in
nature. Bugs and even non-poisonous plants/weeds. I'm not going
to take changes with snakes. I use the porch often at night
time.
-sw
| |
| Steve Wertz 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:44:37 -0600, Bob wrote:
> Question: Are you sure it was a Coral Snake? I have read there is
> a very similar snake, the difference being the order or the colors.
> These are beneficial snakes, unlike the very poisonous Coral Snake.
> Just curious.
I'm positive it was a coral snake. Yellow, red, yellow, black,
then it repeated every 3 inches for about 18"-20".
I didn't know they had readily available snake repellant. Thanks
to whoever mentioned that. Is there a brand I should be looking
for?
-sw
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| In article <dr8qxvt8dtch.dlg@sqwertz.com>,
Steve Wertz <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:19:42 -0500, Omelet wrote:
>
>
> I am concerned as I'm very allergic to many things found in
> nature. Bugs and even non-poisonous plants/weeds. I'm not going
> to take chances with snakes. I use the porch often at night
> time.
>
> -sw
It's easy enough to research. :-)
Some seem to find it (the repellant) effective.
Since Corals prey on frogs and reptiles, dig out any weeds around the
porch and gravel and sand it so it's dry. That should make it
unnatractive to them?
The alternative is a good sharp hoe to simply behead them. It'd be a
shame, but do what you feel you must.
Honestly, they are not like rattlers. They'd rather run than strike.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 1:25 pm |
| In article <10ibvsvjv87sv.dlg@sqwertz.com>,
Steve Wertz <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:44:37 -0600, Bob wrote:
>
>
> I'm positive it was a coral snake. Yellow, red, yellow, black,
> then it repeated every 3 inches for about 18"-20".
>
> I didn't know they had readily available snake repellant. Thanks
> to whoever mentioned that. Is there a brand I should be looking
> for?
>
> -sw
That was moi. ;-)
Since I've never had to use it (I have dogs that the snakes don't
generally survive, sometimes to my sorrow), I've never had to use it.
I've just noticed snake repellant in the pest control area and Lowe's.
Please report?
As much as I hate to see beneficial reptiles extinguished, I learned
long ago not to judge the necessity for some people. Do what you need to
do.
Corals are not an endangered species.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Elliot Richmond 2007-07-18, 5:25 pm |
| On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:21:41 -0500, Omelet <omp_omelet@gmail.com>
wrote:
>In article <filni.2468$2X6.1391@newsfe19.lga>,
> "Bob" <bobwhite@suddenlink.net> wrote:
[color=darkred]
Red and yellow, kill a fellow
Red and black, friend of Jack
If the red and yellow bands are touching, it is a coral snake. On
other snakes that mimic those colors, the red and yellow bands are
separated by the black bands.
But Coral snakes are not very dangerous and rarely "kill a fellow."
They do not have fangs, so they have to chew on you for a while to get
much venom in.
However, I disagree with the other rosters. It probably was a Coral
snake, since the King and Milk snakes that mimic the coral snakes
pattern are rare in Austin. Of course it could be an escaped pet.
http://www.austinreptileservice.net/bands.html
By the way, I found a Texas Rat Snake tangled in the bird netting we
have over our tomatoes. For a somewhat aggressive snake, it was
amazingly docile as I cut it loose and when it dropped to the ground,
it just slithered quietly away. I could swear I heard it say "thanks."
The extremely wet year has produced a bumper crop of everything,
insects, birds, rats, mice, frogs, snakes, as well as mosquitoes (darn
it!).
Elliot Richmond
Itinerant astronomy teacher
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-18, 5:25 pm |
| In article <7nos93hmut1jceqpppojj08g5erdc4h9p9@4ax.com>,
Elliot Richmond <xmrichmond@xaustin.xrr.xcom> wrote:
> By the way, I found a Texas Rat Snake tangled in the bird netting we
> have over our tomatoes. For a somewhat aggressive snake, it was
> amazingly docile as I cut it loose and when it dropped to the ground,
> it just slithered quietly away. I could swear I heard it say "thanks."
Well done. :-)
I generally wear gloves when handling those.
>
> The extremely wet year has produced a bumper crop of everything,
> insects, birds, rats, mice, frogs, snakes, as well as mosquitoes (darn
> it!).
Too true!
>
>
> Elliot Richmond
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| Gary Brady 2007-07-18, 5:25 pm |
| Steve Wertz wrote:
> So I'm standing on my front patio minding my own business, and I
> notice something slithering away about a foot away from my bare
> foot: Micrurus tener - Texas Coral Snake.
>
> Yikes. It crawled into a hole just beside my concrete patio slab
> and under the slab of the garage. So how do I deter these things
> from my front porch? Or yes, kill them? I don't have any rodent
> problem, but I do have lots of little frogs and lizards this time
> of year.
>
> The fact that is was outside during daylight might mean there are
> more ready to hatch someplace close by.
>
> -sw
Could be a Scarlet King Snake. Look at how the bands are arranged.
"Red on yellow, kill a fellow,
Red on black, allright Jack!"
--
Gary Brady
Austin, TX
| |
| Gary Brady 2007-07-18, 5:25 pm |
| Gary Brady wrote:
> Could be a Scarlet King Snake. Look at how the bands are arranged.
>
> "Red on yellow, kill a fellow,
> Red on black, allright Jack!"
Also, coral snakes don't have fangs as such. They have to chew on a
thin portion of your body, such as the web between your thumb and first
finger, to inject poison. Probably not likely to give you much grief.
--
Gary Brady
Austin, TX
| |
| jangchub 2007-07-19, 9:25 am |
| On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:45:27 GMT, Steve Wertz
<swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:37:18 -0500, jangchub wrote:
>
>
>This is ridiculous. You seem to be a self-appointed expert on
>what I do and don't have.
>
>I'm sure it was a Texas coral snake, unless he was wearing a
>disguise. Who would seeing a Texas coral snake in Texas be so
>unheard of?
>
>I checked the color of the bands and immediately looked up the
>color pattern, and those of similar snakes often mistaken for a
>true coral snake.
>
>-sw
Because I said you have rats and mice like everyone else on the
planet? How does that become self-absorbed? Fortunately, I tend to
ignore childish attacks because of my opinion. Take it, leave it.
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-19, 1:25 pm |
| In article <0tmu93lqd0inn0q96se3agtaneln4s69im@4ax.com>,
jangchub <jangchub@sakadawa.com> wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:45:27 GMT, Steve Wertz
> <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>
>
> Because I said you have rats and mice like everyone else on the
> planet? How does that become self-absorbed? Fortunately, I tend to
> ignore childish attacks because of my opinion. Take it, leave it.
Corals don't eat rats and mice... but I understand where you are coming
from. I have a rat problem here that is bad enough, I have to control it
with poison bait. That's the thing that saved that last rattlesnake I
found. It had two lumps in it's belly, most likely young rats.
I hope it survived. It was relocated to Wildlife Rescue inc. in Kendalia.
I have enough experience with snakes, I can safely capture live vipers.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
| jangchub 2007-07-19, 5:25 pm |
| On Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:28:00 -0500, Omelet <omp_omelet@gmail.com>
wrote:
>Corals don't eat rats and mice... but I understand where you are coming
>from. I have a rat problem here that is bad enough, I have to control it
>with poison bait. That's the thing that saved that last rattlesnake I
>found. It had two lumps in it's belly, most likely young rats.
>
>I hope it survived. It was relocated to Wildlife Rescue inc. in Kendalia.
>
>I have enough experience with snakes, I can safely capture live vipers.
I don't kill anything. The problem isn't whether the pesticide if
organic or synthetic, it is still poison and can kill. What did was
to put a brush pile in the back of the property where we also feed the
birds and the rats stay back there. Since the raccoon moved in I
haven't seen many rats. I don't mind them being here. The rate they
are destroying habitat around here is disgusting and these animals
need somewhere to go safe. I don't want them in the house, but
outside they have every right to be here as I do.
If you know what Mandala Magazine is, I wrote an article which will be
published in the next issue. The current issue is out, but it will be
the next after this. It's the magazine of the Foundation of the
Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), under which I am a
dedicated student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
They do show highlights on their website.
V
| |
| Omelet 2007-07-19, 5:25 pm |
| In article <ojbv93luomjabetaj4so51iq9umnaoh8o4@4ax.com>,
jangchub <jangchub@sakadawa.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:28:00 -0500, Omelet <omp_omelet@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
> I don't kill anything. The problem isn't whether the pesticide if
> organic or synthetic, it is still poison and can kill. What did was
> to put a brush pile in the back of the property where we also feed the
> birds and the rats stay back there. Since the raccoon moved in I
> haven't seen many rats. I don't mind them being here. The rate they
> are destroying habitat around here is disgusting and these animals
> need somewhere to go safe. I don't want them in the house, but
> outside they have every right to be here as I do.
>
> If you know what Mandala Magazine is, I wrote an article which will be
> published in the next issue. The current issue is out, but it will be
> the next after this. It's the magazine of the Foundation of the
> Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), under which I am a
> dedicated student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
>
> They do show highlights on their website.
>
> V
The rats have caused a LOT of property damage here.
I'm in the suburbs.
They like dog food...
The only way to totally discourage them being near the house would be to
get rid of my outdoor dogs.
Not an option.
--
Peace, Om
Remove _ to validate e-mails.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a XXXXX" -- Jack Nicholson
| |
|
| Elliot Richmond wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:21:41 -0500, Omelet <omp_omelet@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Red and yellow, kill a fellow
> Red and black, friend of Jack
>
> If the red and yellow bands are touching, it is a coral snake. On
> other snakes that mimic those colors, the red and yellow bands are
> separated by the black bands.
>
> But Coral snakes are not very dangerous and rarely "kill a fellow."
> They do not have fangs, so they have to chew on you for a while to get
> much venom in.
>
> However, I disagree with the other rosters. It probably was a Coral
> snake, since the King and Milk snakes that mimic the coral snakes
> pattern are rare in Austin. Of course it could be an escaped pet.
>
> http://www.austinreptileservice.net/bands.html
>
> By the way, I found a Texas Rat Snake tangled in the bird netting we
> have over our tomatoes. For a somewhat aggressive snake, it was
> amazingly docile as I cut it loose and when it dropped to the ground,
> it just slithered quietly away. I could swear I heard it say "thanks."
>
> The extremely wet year has produced a bumper crop of everything,
> insects, birds, rats, mice, frogs, snakes, as well as mosquitoes (darn
> it!).
Mosquitoes? Is *that* what those are?
I thought I had an infestation of vampire bats....
DT
| |
| Steve Wertz 2007-07-19, 8:25 pm |
| On Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:41:11 -0500, jangchub wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:45:27 GMT, Steve Wertz
> <swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>
>
> Because I said you have rats and mice like everyone else on the
> planet?
I have never seen a rat, mouse, or any evidence thereof in my
neighborhood, let alone my house, garage, or trash. And none of
my neighbors have mentioned having any problems.
And that coral snake must have been a hallucination, since it is
"very unlikely" they exist here in Austin according to you r
expert opinion.
> How does that become self-absorbed? Fortunately, I tend to
> ignore childish attacks because of my opinion. Take it, leave it.
I'll leave it. But thanks.
-sw
| |
| jangchub 2007-07-20, 9:25 am |
| On Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:37:47 -0500, Steve Wertz
<swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>I have never seen a rat, mouse, or any evidence thereof in my
>neighborhood, let alone my house, garage, or trash. And none of
>my neighbors have mentioned having any problems.
I assure you, there are rats everywhere in your neighborhood. They
come out at night. There are a hundred time the amount of rodents on
earth than humans. I didn't say they are a problem, that's your
label.
>I'll leave it. But thanks.
Good. Now you're being smart. Nothing personal.
>-sw
| |
| Elliot Richmond 2007-07-20, 1:25 pm |
| On Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:42:55 -0500, jangchub <jangchub@sakadawa.com>
wrote:
>On Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:37:47 -0500, Steve Wertz
><swertz@cluemail.compost> wrote:
>
>
>I assure you, there are rats everywhere in your neighborhood. They
>come out at night. There are a hundred time the amount of rodents on
>earth than humans. I didn't say they are a problem, that's your
>label.
>
>
>Good. Now you're being smart. Nothing personal.
There are rats and mice everywhere. Most are native Texas animals.
Here is a very nice resource on the rodents of Texas, with a pretty
good dichotomous key if you care to try to identify the species.
http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/ordroden.htm
Among the rodents of Texas, the only rats and mice that are typically
a problem are three non-native species: the Norway Rat, Rattus
norvegicus; the Roof Rat, Rattus rattus; and the House Mouse, Mus
musculus. All three species like to live in close association with
humans.
Elliot Richmond
Itinerant astronomy teacher
Freelance science writer
| |
| jangchub 2007-07-21, 3:25 am |
| On Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:05:34 -0500, Elliot Richmond
<xmrichmond@xaustin.xrr.xcom> wrote:
>There are rats and mice everywhere. Most are native Texas animals.
>
>Here is a very nice resource on the rodents of Texas, with a pretty
>good dichotomous key if you care to try to identify the species.
>
>http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/ordroden.htm
>
>Among the rodents of Texas, the only rats and mice that are typically
>a problem are three non-native species: the Norway Rat, Rattus
>norvegicus; the Roof Rat, Rattus rattus; and the House Mouse, Mus
>musculus. All three species like to live in close association with
>humans.
>
>
>Elliot Richmond
>Itinerant astronomy teacher
>Freelance science writer
Of course they are everywhere. People associate them with dirt,
filth, hate, spite, anger, fear and all the other wonderful silly
reactions to rodents. Poor rodents.
I find, so far at least, if I provide them with shelter at the back of
the property they stay back there. Since we started the brush pile
and feeding the birds back there under the mesquite tree, I haven't
seen much in the way of rodents near the house. I do check
occasionally and turn everything off to hear if there are any mammals
in the attic at all, and so far, knock wood, nothing yet.
I was not aware we had three species of non-natives so far inland.
Interesting. I will go to the site and see if I can identify them. I
did take photo's of them because they are so cute (in my eyes).
V
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| charliekilo 2007-07-23, 5:25 pm |
| "cat daddy" <furball@.myhouse.com> wrote in message
news:d66dnb7Svu0tvgPbnZ2dnUVZ_vihnZ2d@giganews.com...
>
> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:omp_omelet-A713EA.08214118072007@news.giganews.com...
>
>
> I thought the easy to remember pattern was red/yellow for coral snakes,
> red/black for king snakes.....
That's how I always remembered it...just think of the color combination on a
traffic (stop) light, if red and yellow are adjacent...STOP! 
>
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