Landowners who live near water sources may be affected by an unusual visitor. Turtles lay eggs in the ground and are on the move looking for nesting sites as their natural habitat shrinks. If your garden is loose, sandy soil , the location may seem like a favorable site for a displaced tortoise.
Most turtles are harmless, but snapping turtle control may be necessary to prevent children and pets from being injured. If you’re wondering, “how to get rid of turtles in my yard,” read on for some tips and precautions on handling nesting turtles.
Turtles in the garden
Turtles in the garden can be a delight or a nuisance, depending on the variety and nesting preferences. If they prefer to nest in a garden bed, the area cannot be disturbed, which puts the brakes on any further landscape planning. Additionally, snapping turtles have a bite like a steel trap and are considered dangerous with small children and pets around. However, these animals are typically friendly and fun to watch during the brief period they are in your landscape.
If you see a turtle wandering around your property, the best thing to do is leave it alone. If it is a female, she is probably looking for a good place to nest and the child is finicky. If she’s lucky, she will dig a mound to lay her eggs on and cover it. The female leaves until the next season.
It is important to protect the nesting site from dogs and other animals that may dig it up. Do not try to remove it yourself, as turtle egg embryos die easily when disturbed. If the animal’s annual appearance distresses you, you can try using a turtle trap and moving the animal. However, it is not necessary to control turtles of most species, unless you simply hate them for some reason
How to get rid of turtles in my yard
The only real threats with turtles are snapping turtles. They have pointed beaks and a jaw snap to cut their prey in half. These animals have the ability to turn their necks completely and stretch to bite up to 2 feet.61 m. Of their bodies.
Snapping turtles can be left alone to do their business, but in some cases, they must be removed. You can call animal control and they will try to use turtle traps. You can also try it yourself. Approach quietly from behind and carefully slide your hands under the rear edges of the shell on each side – DO NOT pick up the turtle by the tail. Controlling a large turtle may require two adults to lift it.
Is it necessary to control turtles?
Most turtle species would not harm a fly. Let me correct that. They wouldn’t harm a human. Allowing a female to make a nest in your garden is an excellent teaching tool for children and she will delight them at hatching time.
The hatchlings will leave their landscape after hatching and head to the nearest body of water, never to be seen again. This means you have a unique opportunity to witness a fascinating part of the animal’s life cycle.
My advice is to get some chicken wire and make a dome over the nest to protect it from raccoons , opossums , and other nest raiders. Then sit back and wait until about 3 months have passed. Soon, you will be able to see the appearance of the little turtles and watch them march out of their lives into a more natural environment