Common Types of Nuisance Wildlife

Raccoons

• Identification: Raccoons are medium-sized mammals characterized by distinctive black masks over their eyes and ringed tails, giving them their signature appearance.
• Habitat: They are extremely adaptable creatures that thrive in forests, urban settings and even attics.
• Problems: Raccoons can cause significant damage to property by tearing off shingles, destroying insulation, and raiding trash cans. These animals can carry diseases such as rabies and others that could prove life-threatening for us humans.

Squirrels

• Identification: Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents with bushy tails and sharp claws, making them easy to identify in any environment.
• Habitat: Commonly found in trees, they can also invade attics and crawl spaces.
• Problems: Squirrels can chew through electrical wiring, causing fire hazards, and damaging wooden structures and insulation.

Bats

• Identification: Bats are nocturnal mammals with wings and echolocation abilities.
• Habitat: They roost in dark, quiet places such as attics, barns, and caves.
• Problems: Bat droppings (guano) can accumulate and cause structural damage, odor issues, and health risks, including histoplasmosis.

Opossums

• Identification: Opossums are small to medium-sized marsupials with prehensile tails and pointed snouts.
• Habitat: They are typically found in wooded areas but can live under porches, decks, and sheds.
• Problems: Opossums can create messes by rummaging through trash and may carry parasites like fleas and ticks.

Birds

• Identification: Various species can become pests, including pigeons, sparrows, and starlings.
• Habitat: Birds can nest in gutters, attics, and chimneys.
• Problems: Bird droppings can corrode building materials, and nests can block ventilation systems, leading to fire hazards.

Skunks

• Identification: Skunks are small mammals renowned for their distinctive black-and-white colouring and ability to spray an offensive-smelling liquid from their tails.
• Habitat: They often burrow under decks, sheds, and porches.
• Problems: Skunk spray can be incredibly difficult to remove and causes significant odor issues. They can also dig up lawns and gardens.

Health Risks: 

Wildlife species that become nuisance are frequently carriers of diseases and parasites that pose health threats to both people and pets. For example:

• Rabies: Carried by raccoons, bats, and skunks, this viral disease is potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
• Leptospirosis: This bacteria infection can spread via animal urine.
• Histoplasmosis: Respiratory disease is caused by breathing in fungal spores from bat and bird droppings, inhaling these fungal particles can result in chronic illness for some people.

Prevention and Control:

Effective wildlife control requires using exclusion techniques, habitat modifications, and humane removal strategies in combination. Here are some strategies:

• Exclusion: Seal entry points such as gaps in roofs, vents, and foundations to prevent wildlife from entering buildings.
• Habitat Modification: Remove food sources like unsecured trash cans and fallen fruit. Trim tree branches away from buildings to limit access.
• Humane Removal: Relocate and live trap animals such as raccoons and squirrels using appropriate methods. For birds, consider using deterrents like spikes or netting.

Professional Wildlife Control Services: Dealing with wildlife pests often requires the expertise of professional wildlife control services. Companies like “Get ‘Em Out Wildlife Control” specialize in humane and effective removal and exclusion techniques, ensuring that your home remains safe and wildlife-free.

Summary of Wildlife:

While wildlife plays an important role in our ecosystem, it’s essential to manage their presence around human habitations to prevent damage and health risks. By understanding common wildlife pests and taking effective control measures against them, you can protect both your property and well-being.