Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County Managing Feral Hogs  Landowner’s intent on managing their native wildlife species should have little tolerance for feral hogs.  The estimated 4 million feral hogs nationwide compete with native wildlife species for food and space.  These feral hogs also prey directly upon certain species and/or destroy their habitat. Feral hogs damage agriculture crops, livestock, lawns, gardens, and the list goes on.  Feral hogs are omnivores meaning their diets consist of both plants and animals.  They will typically… Read More →

Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County Controlling Squirrel Damage in Urban Areas             Tree squirrels inhabit many parts of Texas both rural and urban.  Some people enjoy feeding squirrels and watching them scamper around their landscape.  They are interesting animals, but in some instances they can become pests. There are three types of tree squirrels found in Texas which are the gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the flying squirrel.  Fox squirrels are the most common and are found in east and… Read More →

  Gopher                                                                             Mole Ag Biz By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County   Gophers or Moles…That is the Question             We get numerous calls from homeowners concerning gophers and moles in the home lawn.  Can they be controlled?  How do I know which one I have or do I have both? Gophers are burrowing rodents which live almost entirely underground primarily feeding on fleshy roots of various plants.  Gophers will also consume tubers such as potatoes and peanuts.  Gophers, with their stout forelegs and strong curved claws,… Read More →