When Wildlife Becomes A Nuisance

You're no stranger to wildlife if you live or own a business in Cincinnati and the surrounding area. Did you know unaddressed wildlife infestations have the potential to cause harm to your house and put your family's health at risk? Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other animals can be more than just a nuisance. Wildlife problems require unique solutions based on the animal causing the infestation. The best removal services are experts on animal behavior and implement humane techniques to eliminate the issue. Here are some of the most common animals that cause problems for homeowners.

Squirrels

Did you know that squirrels cause almost 10% of power outages in the United States? Talk about a pesky pest. When squirrels get in your home, they can chew through wires, tear up insulation, and create holes in your siding, thus compromising the integrity of your home. Proper removal takes a multi-pronged approach. Constructing one-way exclusion tunnels eliminates squirrels by giving them an exit through which they cannot return. After the squirrels have been cleared from your attic and other areas of the home, entry points can be permanently sealed off, debris and fecal matter cleaned, and the damage repaired.

Raccoons

You're probably familiar with these critters, lovingly or not so lovingly, nicknamed "trash pandas." Many raccoons are habituated to humans and spend a lot of time investigating our trash and gardens and sometimes finding their way into our homes. This behavior is especially dangerous because raccoons can carry many diseases, accounting for 30% of rabies cases in wild animals. It's crucial to have trapping and removal done by a certified and licensed professional who can assess the area and determine the access points into your home.

Skunks 

Have you ever encountered a skunk in your yard or driveway? It can be a heart-racing experience as you wonder if you'll get sprayed. Skunks are non-aggressive animals with pretty poor eyesight and are easily startled, causing them to turn their tail at you. The best thing to do when you see a skunk is to stop moving. A sudden movement (like running away) can scare them and trigger them to spray. Standing still allows them the opportunity to scamper away once they notice you. A skunk that has made its home under your porch or in your garage can quickly become a problem, especially if the animal feels cornered by you. The best and most humane solution is to have a professional trap them in a live cage and transport them to a location far away.

Birds

Many of us encourage birds to visit our yards by installing birdhouses and feeders, but when they start making their nests in our homes, it becomes a problem. Birds carry several disease-causing bacteria and parasites that are harmful to human health. They also cause extensive property damage by nesting in exhaust vents on rooftops, ledges, and other structures. Have a professional evaluate the infestation and make a plan for the removal, damage and waste cleanup, and prevention. Techniques for removal may vary depending on the species.

Bats

Have you ever enjoyed a summer evening outside and noticed bats swooping overhead? Those little critters take care of mosquitoes for you, and one Little Brown Bat can eat as many as 1,000 per hour. Unfortunately, bat populations have declined worldwide due to white-nose syndrome, and many species are endangered or extinct.  An important part of protecting these threatened species is the responsible and humane removal from your home. Constructing one-way doors and sealing off entry ports ensures they cannot return. Once your home is bat-free, thorough professional cleaning to remove guano is essential, as it can contain Histoplasma capsulate fungus, which, if inhaled, can cause a severe lung infection in humans.

Groundhogs

Of the animals on this list, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, probably pose the lowest risk to human health. However, these little guys can do extensive damage to yards and gardens. If you have cracks in your foundation or other unsealed points, they can get under your house and make a mess. For your and the animal's benefit, it's best to leave trapping to the professionals. Once trapped, the groundhog must be taken at least five miles away, or it can return to your property.

Coyotes

Coyotes tend to stay away from humans but may move into suburban areas if stressed or desperate for food, which makes them a threat to pets and young children. If you have problems with coyotes, you should not attempt to handle them yourself. These wild animals, between 32-40 pounds, defend themselves if provoked. Even if you successfully remove a coyote without installing deterrents around your property, another coyote can soon take its place.

If you're looking for the best wildlife services in the area, there is Critter Detective. We are full-service, licensed, and insured, and offer a wide range of wildlife services. Contact us today in the for an estimate.