Publications

The history of rat control in Alberta

Description

Norway rats are one of the most destructive creatures known to man. They destroy and contaminate untold quantities of food, and through their tunneling activities, undermine the foundations of... More ≫

Description

Norway rats are one of the most destructive creatures known to man. They destroy and contaminate untold quantities of food, and through their tunneling activities, undermine the foundations of buildings, sewer and water lines, and city streets. Rats also weaken and deface buildings by gnawing holes through floors, walls, insulation and supporting structures. Norway rats carried the flea that spread plague throughout Europe and Asia. Even today, they spread organisms responsible for food poisoning, hepatitis, tularemea and other diseases. Thus, the people of Alberta are extremely fortunate not to have rats. This is not by chance but by design. For the past four decades, Alberta has had a program to keep rats out of the province. This publication describes the evolution, history and current status of the rat control program in Alberta, and discusses factors which contributed to its success.

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Spotted alfalfa aphid

Description

Presents a description of the spotted alfalfa aphid, describes the type of damage it can cause to alfalfa crops, and looks at biological and chemical methods of controlling the insect. This... More ≫

Description

Presents a description of the spotted alfalfa aphid, describes the type of damage it can cause to alfalfa crops, and looks at biological and chemical methods of controlling the insect. This species of aphid can be more serious on alfalfa than the pea aphid because it not only sucks out the juice of the plant, but it also injects a toxin into it.

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Biology and control of skunks

Description

People generally relate skunks to the foul-smelling, defensive spray they discharge when scared or threatened. Generally, people avoid skunks and have little tolerance for their presence. In many... More ≫

Description

People generally relate skunks to the foul-smelling, defensive spray they discharge when scared or threatened. Generally, people avoid skunks and have little tolerance for their presence. In many parts of North America, skunks are also a major carrier of rabies. Rabies has been present in the skunk population of southern Alberta, at fluctuating levels, since the late 1970s. This information sheet includes a brief look at the biology, behaviour and reproduction of skunks, and then focuses on non-lethal and lethal methods of skunk control.

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Bertha armyworm

Description

Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) is one of the most significant insect pests of canola in Canada. The pest occurs throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the interior of British... More ≫

Description

Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) is one of the most significant insect pests of canola in Canada. The pest occurs throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the interior of British Columbia. Severe infestations can occur throughout most of this area, but are usually (but not always) limited to the Parkland area of the Prairies and the Peace River region of British Columbia and Alberta. This document provide background, Life cycle, damage description and monitoring and control recommendations for the Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata).

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Cabbage seedpod weevil

Description

The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) was introduced to North America from Europe about 70 years ago. The weevil was discovered in British Columbia in 1931, and from there, it... More ≫

Description

The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) was introduced to North America from Europe about 70 years ago. The weevil was discovered in British Columbia in 1931, and from there, it dispersed south and eastward, so it now occurs throughout most of the United States. It was first found infesting canola in southern Alberta in 1995, and since then, the weevil has spread to central Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. In 2000, it was found in Québec for the first time.

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Colorado potato beetle : effective chemical control

Description

Colorado Potato Beetles (CPB) have challenged the world’s potato industry for decades. In production areas where these pests do not exist, producers and governments strive to maintain a CPB-free... More ≫

Description

Colorado Potato Beetles (CPB) have challenged the world’s potato industry for decades. In production areas where these pests do not exist, producers and governments strive to maintain a CPB-free status. Where they do exist, CPBs cause crop losses and increase production costs.

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Control of rabbits and hares

Description

Orchards, nurseries, shelterbelts and gardens can suffer economic losses and aesthetic damage because of gnawing animals. Most damage occurs from late fall until early spring when extreme weather... More ≫

Description

Orchards, nurseries, shelterbelts and gardens can suffer economic losses and aesthetic damage because of gnawing animals. Most damage occurs from late fall until early spring when extreme weather conditions limit the available food supply. Plant damage can also be extensive during periods of drought or when rabbit and hare populations are high.

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An improved magpie trap

Description

It seems a paradox that one of the most clever and most beautiful members of the bird family Corvidae (also includes jays, crows and ravens) could also be a serious pest. Unfortunately, the... More ≫

Description

It seems a paradox that one of the most clever and most beautiful members of the bird family Corvidae (also includes jays, crows and ravens) could also be a serious pest. Unfortunately, the magpies’ carnivorous habit presents a problem when it preys on beneficial wildlife, inflicts injury on young livestock and spreads livestock disease. Ultimately, there may be a need for some type of control. The beneficial aspects of the magpie must also be considered when control programs are designed and employed. The role of magpies as scavengers and consumers of insects is well documented by several studies, and these beneficial aspects must always be taken into account.

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Control of porcupine damage

Description

The porcupine is Alberta’s second largest rodent, measuring up to 90 cm in length and weighing as much as 12 kg (Figure 1). They live throughout the province, usually near stands of woody... More ≫

Description

The porcupine is Alberta’s second largest rodent, measuring up to 90 cm in length and weighing as much as 12 kg (Figure 1). They live throughout the province, usually near stands of woody vegetation. The porcupine has a unique defence mechanism of up to 30,000 hardened barbed quills built into its coat. The porcupine is an interesting animal that has an important place in the environment. Porcupines are edible and have been used by humans as an emergency food. The quills are used for decoration, especially by native Canadians. The hair is very popular among fly fisherman. Porcupines may need to be controlled but should not be totally eradicated.

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Grasshopper management

Description

Grasshoppers are a major pest of both cultivated crops and rangeland grasses in the world’s semi-arid regions. Traditionally drier areas like southern Alberta are more prone to recurring problems,... More ≫

Description

Grasshoppers are a major pest of both cultivated crops and rangeland grasses in the world’s semi-arid regions. Traditionally drier areas like southern Alberta are more prone to recurring problems, but serious grasshopper infestations can occur in cropland throughout the province. Although the majority of grasshopper damage has been to cereal grains, other crops can be seriously affected. This fact sheet provides information on significant species of grasshoppers in Alberta, including each specie’s significant food supply. Information is also provide on grasshopper control and the economic threshold at which control measures become viable.

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