Wildlife Species
Wildlife Pest Control: Species We Handle
Bats: In the northern states, brown bats are frequently drawn to warm, poorly weather-proofed attics, where they can grow to colony sizes if left to their own devices. They usually enter through vents, siding cracks, chimneys, and cellars. If you notice droppings on the outside of your building or hear squeaking overhead and in the walls, there's a good chance you have a bat problem. Call Suburban Wildlife and Pest ASAP for your own safety; though chances are low, bats are known to carry rabies. As well, their droppings can also cause histoplasmosis. Bear in mind that the best time to bat-proof your house is during the cooler months.
Mice & Rats: Thanks to their small statures and resilient bodies, house mice and rats are able to gain ingress by many different means: burrowing, gnawing, jumping, climbing, and even swimming. Consequently, once one finds its way into your home or business, it will likely set up shop in a warm, isolated place. Offspring are ready to reproduce at just six weeks (mice) or three months old (rats). This makes infestations sudden and common. Look for droppings, chew marks, and bad smells. These pest animals are generally manageable with exclusion strategies.
Squirrels & Chipmunks: Though these pests generally stick to their trees, they are known to enter buildings and breed. This is a simple matter for these natural acrobats. They travel along powerlines and chew their way into your home or business — and if they find it comfortable, they'll build their nests in your attic. Exclusion is the most common treatment strategy, and there are a variety of humane trapping solutions available when it comes to removing a stubborn population. We also recommend trimming trees near your property so as to reduce available paths to your attic.
Pigeons: Pigeons are highly dependent on humans for food and shelter. As pest animals, they tend to flock around highly populated areas, making them especial nuisances for business owners. As such, simply removing their food source is a viable management strategy. Exclusion is also recommended if your home or business is being used as a roost. It's better not to let pigeons make their homes on your property, even if they aren't bothering you quite yet — they carry and spread many harmful diseases, as well as spores and parasites.
Raccoons: Among pest animals, raccoons are known for their cunning ways. Thanks to their nimble hands, they can easily gain access to your property, tearing off shingles or worming their way into your chimney. Most concerning is the prevalence of rabies; raccoons are considered major hosts compared to other animals. If one moves into your home or business, it's strongly recommended that you seek professional assistance with the removal process. After that, exclusion strategies are generally effective at preventing a raccoon's return.
Skunks: Skunks are members of the weasel family and famous for their characteristic stink. But did you know that they're frequently rabies hosts? As with raccoons, skunks that move onto your property should be removed with help from a wildlife pest control expert. After all, you don't want to get sprayed, rabies or no. Skunks are attracted to garbage and areas with high populations of rodents (another food source), so be sure to ask our team whether you also have a mouse infestation that's tempting these critters.
Moles: Though they're generally solitary creatures, moles are troublesome pests that can cause considerable property damage over time. They dig networks of tunnels underground, which can compromise your home or business's foundation, as well as destroy your garden or flowerbeds. Look for volcano-shaped mounds of dirt on your property; they can be sealed to prevent the mole from resurfacing. Otherwise, enlisting the help of a professional to trap and remove the mole is the most viable course of action.
Beavers: In general, beavers are very beneficial to the environment and resident animals, including waterfowl, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. However, extensive beaver activity can put communities at risk for flooding. These pest animals can also infect water supplies with Giardia. Their dams are easy to spot, and once we've done so, trapping and relocating usually solves the problem. Removal is the most effective way to treat a persistent beaver problem, as exclusion is very difficult and guidelines vary from state to state.
Woodchucks: Woodchucks prefer to burrow and make their nests in fields and undeveloped tracts of land, as well as farmland. Though they're generally harmless, when they do come into contact with humans, their gnawing can cause considerable property damage. They have been known to chew underground cables and weaken foundations with their burrowing habits. Look for the large mounds of excavated earth near their burrow entrances if you suspect a woodchuck has moved in. After our team confirms that you have woodchucks, we'll attempt to trap and relocate the animal, as well as recommend exclusion strategies.
Porcupines: The most obvious threats posed by these pest animals are their sharp sets of quills. Their penchant for chewing is often overlooked. However, it's the latter that causes the more for humans, as porcupines love salt and will gnaw anything made with or covered in salt. House materials, plywood, and anything exposed to de-icing materials is fair game. Don't attempt to remove a porcupine on your own, as those quills are awfully sharp — instead, leave the removal to our capable crew, and ask about ways to prevent these pests from returning.
Foxes: Though foxes are more common in rural areas, they are known to enter suburban areas in search of food. They are attracted to garbage, outdoor pet food, and compost heaps. Foxes love hunting small game, like rabbits and mice, and have been known to kill small house pets. They are also known to carry the rabies disease. When a fox moves onto your property, you'll likely hear them or see their droppings at some point; if you keep chickens or rabbits, you might notice their numbers dwindling. Call our wildlife pest control company to schedule an inspection and have traps set for these crafty critters.