Airports Vs Varmints: The Damage They Cause

So, we all know the phrase or song “how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood” but do you know how much damage they and other varmints can do to an airport infield or fence line? Let us start by defining what a varmint actual is. Websters Dictionary has it as a troublesome wild animal or unwanted pest! Some examples are, skunks, squirrels, muskrat, beavers, coyotes, foxes, and of course Woodchucks, or Gophers whatever you want to call them. Now that Spring is here, and your airport is coming to life with wildlife it may be time to step up your game and control efforts. Well, here is a list of potential hazards these varmints can cause!

1. Holes in your fence. This may be one of the most hazardous issues while dealing with your Wildlife Management efforts mainly because a hole in or under your fence is a gateway used by other animals. Foxes, Coyotes, skunks, etc. will often either enlarge the hole or sneak into your airport causing serious aircraft safety hazards.
2. Burrowing Under Runways: Often when varmints especially woodchucks, groundhogs, gophers, start digging holes it becomes a part of an integral tunnel system that can cause your runways to crack and break!
3. Increase in predator numbers: If your airport is overrun with woodchucks, you are probably seeing a lot of hawks, coyotes, and foxes accepting their invitation to the buffet. More animals around planes = more hazard risk.
4. Higher Number of Incidents with Planes: Ever seen a woodchuck run? It is not pretty and not fast! If you have a high density of groundhogs living inside your fences on an airport, then you probably have multiple incidents involving aircrafts. The same goes for coyotes and foxes. Though they are a little shiftier they can pose a potential risk as well.
5. Damage to Equipment: Ever been out lawnmowing and have your tire fall off or break the deck and blades? Well try running over a bunch of holes and be prepared to call your Mr. Fix It guy!
6. Flooding: Beaver’s hate running water! So, if your airport has a nearby stream or water run off do not be surprised to see attempts to damn it up and cause some serious flooding issues, especially in the springtime.
7. Foundation Damage: Burrowing animals can cause damage to the foundation of any hangers, sheds, or buildings in the area. It is important to keep an eye out before the earth literally collapses underneath you.

For more information about the Potential Hazards varmints can cause or how to rid your airport of them, fill out the fields below and someone from Loomacres Wildlife Management will reach out to you shortly!

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