Beavers are scientifically named Castor canadensis, and they are the largest rodents in North America. More specifically, they are medium semi-aquatic rodents, usually between 30 to 70 pounds, with long, sharp front teeth and paddle-like tails. Their anatomy goes hand in hand with the remarkable dams and lodges they are infamous for building. True, beaver dams and beaver lodges are truly impressive feats, but they can be highly destructive to one’s property.

If you have beaver dams in or around your property, there are a few things you need to know about protecting your grounds from nuisance beaver activity. Keep in mind that beavers have a homestead range up to 2 miles, so even a beaver population nearby can pose a threat to your property.

Continue reading to learn how a beaver dam can be damaging to a property, as well as how to get rid of nuisance beavers, safely and humanely.

Beaver Dams Versus Beaver Lodges

A beaver lodge is different from a beaver dam. Lodges are their actual shelters. They build lodges using extraordinary engineering, ensuring a flat, sturdy floor above the water line to prevent lodge flooding. Beaver lodges can bring on just as much destruction as their dams. Beavers build dams to create a still water pond separate from the water source they obstructed. These still ponds are where they build their lodges and forage for aquatic plants and herbaceous barks.

Beaver Dam Problems

Beavers are known to cause a lot of destruction on properties with their incessant gnawing. With long, sharp teeth, they are required to sharpen them regularly, and landscaping trees and anything else made of wood are prime targets for beaver chewing. But aside from gnawing and tree girdling, beavers build dams that can be even more destructive to the surrounding environment. Streams and culverts seem to be their favorites spots to build dams, especially in urban and suburban areas.

So, what kinds of destruction can a beaver dam do? Overflowing water systems is a major issue. Dams will obstruct rivers, streams, and creeks, thus causing other waterways to overflow and flood other areas of the surrounding environment. Another common and possible consequence is foundation damage. Sitting water on your property can kill your lawn and jeopardize the structural integrity of the home’s foundation. This can lead to costly and invasive renovations.

How to Get Rid of a Beaver Dam

Can you just eliminate a beaver dam yourself? Well, yes, but it could be deemed inhumane unless you have a professional Indiana critter control company assisting you with humane beaver relocation. To remove a beaver dam, you have a few options as far as tools and methods go. Back hoes are commonly used to take down large-scale beaver dam systems. For smaller-scale needs, hand removal is your best bet.

Once you get the beaver dam down, it is important to incorporate some animal-proofing strategies to push the beavers out. Non-toxic repellents work well, such as those containing ingredients beavers hate, like putrescent egg and capsaicin. These ingredients affect their sense of taste, smell, and feel.  

Are you looking for safe and humane beaver trapping and removal near you? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to get affordable critter control for beavers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential properties.

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