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Beaver Management: Balancing Conservation with Control

Published: April 30, 2025

Beavers are remarkable creatures, second only to humans in their ability to reshape the environment. While their dam-building activities create wetland habitats and enhance biodiversity, they can also lead to significant property damage. For homeowners’ associations (HOAs), property managers, and rural landowners, the challenge lies in balancing respect for wildlife with the need to protect infrastructure.

At MB Wildlife Control, we specialize in sustainable, legal, and humane beaver management strategies tailored to the unique needs of communities and agricultural properties across Central Texas.

The Problems Beavers Cause

While beavers benefit ecosystems by raising water tables and supporting wetland species, their work can have unintended consequences:

  • Flooded roads, trails, and culverts
  • Collapsed banks, levees, and lawns
  • Blocked drainage systems
  • Girdled or felled ornamental and shade trees
  • Structural damage to ponds and irrigation systems
Beaver dam causing flooding

Unchecked, these issues can quickly escalate, requiring expensive repairs and posing safety hazards for residents and livestock alike.

Trapping: A Humane and Regulated Approach

Trapping is one of the most effective ways to manage an active beaver population, especially when relocation is necessary. However, this work is not DIY-friendly. Because beavers are considered a protected, fur-bearing species, permits are often required for removal, and both state and local regulations dictate which techniques are legal.

At MB Wildlife Control, we are licensed professionals with expertise in:

  • Cage and live traps strategically placed near dam entrances or travel routes
  • Body-grip traps used with care in water sets
  • Foothold traps when permitted, used in ways that minimize injury and stress
Beaver trapping equipment

Each trapping effort is preceded by a thorough inspection and paired with follow-up monitoring to prevent recurrence.

Hazing and Habitat Modification

While trapping addresses the immediate presence of beavers, longer-term deterrence often requires hazing and habitat modification. These include:

  • Removing or breaching dams (with permits when required)
  • Disrupting active lodges and scent mounds
  • Installing flow devices to regulate water levels and reduce dam incentive
  • Applying scent deterrents and other repellents
  • Fencing or wrapping trees with hardware cloth or sand-paint blends to deter gnawing

We also consult on vegetation management strategies to limit beavers’ food supply and encourage them to relocate voluntarily.

Who Benefits from Proactive Beaver Control?

  • HOAs & Property Managers: Reduce maintenance costs, protect trails and community water features, and ensure resident satisfaction.
  • Farmers & Ranchers: Safeguard irrigation systems, pasture land, and livestock access to water.
  • Public Works & Parks: Prevent trail washouts, roadway flooding, and damage to recreational spaces.
Impact on agricultural land

With monthly inspection packages and custom deterrent plans, MB Wildlife Control helps clients stay ahead of wildlife conflicts before they become costly.

Ready for a Site Evaluation?

Whether you’re managing a neighborhood pond or a working cattle ranch, MB Wildlife Control offers responsive, experienced service grounded in conservation ethics and real-world results. Reach out today to schedule an inspection or request a proposal for your community.

Contact Information:
📞 (512) 522-1780
🌐 www.mbwildlifecontrol.com
📧 [email protected]