Wildlife pests are some of the most dangerous pests imaginable. They include a host of animals such as snakes, squirrels, bats, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, skunks, birds, moles and voles. Once they invade your home, these wildlife animals can be very difficult to control and often require pest control professionals who understand their unique habits and characteristics. It is always best to use preventative measures but when an invasion occurs, homeowners need only to look to a professional to rid their homes of these cunning invaders.
Popular Types of Wildlife Pests
Wildlife pests are as numerous as they are dangerous. Depending on where homeowners reside, they may be susceptible to a host of wildlife animals that live in areas surrounding fields, barns or even underground. Some of the most common of these pests include the following:
- Squirrels
They often look like free-spirited animals but don’t be fooled into letting down your guard. A squirrel infestation is no fun! These wildlife pests often invade attics, crawlspaces, and garages. They will chew their way into your home with their sharp teeth and use your home for both nesting and storage.
- Bats
Bats are interesting creatures, the only known mammals that fly. But like all pests, they can be a real nuisance to homeowners. They often invade homes in search of food, particularly insects which surround lighting at nights. Signs of bat infestation include the bats themselves, dark stains found within the home from their oily skins or bat droppings. They are extremely dangerous pests due to the fact that they can carry rabies or facilitate the spread of Histoplasma Capsulatum, a fungus that can lead to homeowners developing lung diseases.
- Snakes
Snakes are nocturnal creatures. They often hibernate in the winter in large groups to help themselves keep warm since they are cold-blooded creatures. Many species invade homes in search of warm, dark spaces to hibernate. Though most species of snakes in the Unites States are not venomous, most people are deeply scared of snakes and will do almost anything to get rid of them if they invade their homes.
- Birds
Birds might not sound like dangerous pests but even they can get out of hand. Large flocks of these animals can cause harm to buildings and property. Their droppings, for instance, can damage building exteriors, cause the spread of chicken mites and yellow mealworms, or lead to contamination since some birds carry diseases. They usually invade areas where food or shelter is abundant. Limit the possibility of an invasion by ensuring you do not treat wild birds as pets.
How to Prevent Wildlife Pests from Invading Your Home
Homeowners need not fear wildlife pests when there are measures available to prevent the spread of such wildlife invasions. It starts with taking control into your hands, understanding your risks and contacting a professional to assist you in your efforts. See the checklist below:
- Keep home and surrounding fenced
- Check attics, basements, and crawlspaces regularly and add reinforcement if you spot signs of vulnerability
- Look for signs of wildlife near or surrounding your land, especially if you have open fields or bushy areas
- Fence or build protective barriers around cultivated areas such as vegetable gardens to reduce risk of attracting wildlife pests
- Check lawns or gardens for signs of burrowing wildlife pests like armadillos or voles
- Contact pest control professionals if you see any signs of wildlife pests as early pest management efforts are always most effective
Benefits of Hiring Pest Control Professionals to Manage Wildlife Infestation
Wildlife pest control experts are best equipped to tackle wild animals when they infest your home. These experts understand the habits, life cycle and characteristics of these animals and will also employ the best and safest measures to combat infestation including exclusion or trapping techniques.
Most States Have Laws that Protect Wildlife
All states across America have laws which require that wildlife animals be treated humanely. They may also require that only licensed professionals deal with wildlife infestations. Failure to comply with state regulations where you reside may lead to fines and other penalties. Homeowners who hire licensed pest control professionals will be able to ensure they follow the laws of the land and protect wildlife in all its forms, even if they are the most annoying of pests.
If you are having a wildlife pest problem, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Remember also to do you research as wildlife pests behave differently and require different methods of control and management depending on their species.