Hawaii Pest Control 101: How to Get Rid of Mongoose in Hawaii

The mongoose problem in Hawaii is real, and it’s a big one. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we are going to talk about how to get rid of mongoose in Hawaii. They may be (kinda) cute (sometimes). But in general, these varmints can be a real pain to homeowners and especially, garden owners. So let’s talk about the mongoose problem, and how pest control companies may be able to help.

Understanding the Hawaii Mongoose Problem

Before learning how to get rid of mongoose in Hawaii, you may be wondering why exactly ARE mongoose such a problem in Hawaii? Mongoose were brought to Hawaii in the 1800s to control the rat population in the sugar cane fields. Sounds like a good idea, right? Well, not so much. The mongoose population exploded, and now they are causing all kinds of problems. They prey on native birds and their eggs, which is a big issue for the local ecosystem. They also raid crops and chicken coops, and can transmit diseases like leptospirosis. Not cool, mongoose. Not cool.

Getting Rid of Mongoose: What Works and What Doesn’t in Hawaii

Now that we know why the mongoose population is a problem, let’s talk about how to get rid of mongoose in Hawaii. There are a few different methods that people have tried (with varying degrees of success).

Traps: This is the most common and effective way to get rid of mongoose. There are different types of traps available, but the most effective ones are live traps. These traps are baited with food, and when the mongoose goes in to eat, the door closes behind them. Simple and effective. Just make sure to check the traps regularly and release any captured animals far away from your property.
Poison: Some people have tried using poison to get rid of mongoose, but this is not recommended. For one, it’s not humane. And two, it can be dangerous to other animals and even humans. So let’s just skip this one, okay?

Preventing Hawaii Mongoose Infestations

When considering how to get rid of mongoose in Hawaii, truly the best way is to prevent them all together. It’s hard to fight back against such an enormous population, but making your property unappealing to these little critters can be a real game changer.

Remove Food Sources: Mongoose are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat pretty much anything they can find. So make sure to secure your garbage cans, don’t leave pet food out, and pick up any fallen fruit from your trees.
Secure Your Chicken Coop: If you have chickens, make sure your coop is secure. Mongoose love to raid chicken coops for eggs and even chicks.
Use Mongoose-Proof Fencing: If you have a garden or a farm, consider installing mongoose-proof fencing. This can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it to keep these pests out.
You can always contact professionals like Mid Pacific Pest Control to help!