Wild animals entering homes or businesses can create serious problems. Whether it’s raccoons, squirrels, bats, or birds, these creatures can cause extensive damage, disrupt your daily life, and pose significant health risks. While it might be tempting to handle the situation yourself, the best course of action is often to call in professional wildlife control services. These experts are trained to remove animals safely and humanely, preventing further harm to both people and the animals themselves.
In this blog, we’ll explore why professional wildlife control is essential, how experts handle wildlife removal, the risks associated with wild animal invasions, and why hiring a professional is the best decision for your home or business. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to find reputable wildlife control services in your area and provide helpful tips for preventing future wildlife intrusions.
When wild animals enter a home or business, the problems can extend far beyond a simple nuisance. Animals like raccoons, bats, squirrels, and even birds can cause significant structural damage, spread diseases, and create safety hazards. Managing wildlife infestations requires skill and experience to ensure proper removal and long-term prevention. That’s where professional wildlife control services come in.
Wild animals may seek shelter in your home or business for various reasons. A quiet attic, hidden basement, or even the walls of a building can seem like a perfect place for them to build nests, raise their young, or simply find food and warmth. However, their presence brings numerous risks:
Many wild animals are carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. For example, raccoons and bats are known to carry rabies, which can be fatal if left untreated. Squirrels may carry leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can spread through their urine, potentially contaminating surfaces inside the building. Additionally, wild animals like raccoons and rodents are often hosts for parasites such as ticks, fleas, and mites that can cause itching, allergic reactions, or even transmit other diseases to humans.
Wild animals can cause significant damage to your property. Squirrels and raccoons are notorious for chewing on electrical wires, insulation, and wooden beams, which can result in costly repairs. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that it compromises the structural integrity of the building, creating a potential safety hazard. Rodents and birds can also damage ventilation systems, ductwork, and roofing materials, leading to expensive repairs.
Many wild animals are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This can result in disturbed sleep and discomfort for residents or employees who are trying to rest. The sounds of scratching, scurrying, or even vocalizations can be unsettling and may interfere with day-to-day activities.
Wild animals often reproduce quickly. For example, a single raccoon or squirrel may have multiple babies, which can quickly turn a minor problem into a full-fledged infestation. As the population grows, the damage and risks increase, making early intervention even more critical.
When wildlife invades your home or business, it may seem like a good idea to handle the problem yourself. However, there are several risks associated with DIY wildlife control:
Professional wildlife control services offer a comprehensive approach to dealing with animal intrusions. Their role extends far beyond simple removal. They are trained to address the problem from multiple angles, ensuring a safe and humane resolution.
The first step in wildlife control is a thorough inspection of your property. Experts will assess your home or business to identify how the animals are entering, where they are hiding, and the extent of the infestation. During the inspection, they will look for cracks, gaps, holes, or other access points that the animals may be using to enter the building. They will also check for signs of existing animal activity, such as droppings, nests, chewed wires, or damaged insulation.
Wildlife control professionals focus on safe, humane removal techniques. Unlike traditional extermination methods, which aim to eliminate the animals, modern wildlife control emphasizes non-lethal solutions. Using live traps, professionals capture the animals without harm and relocate them to suitable environments where they can thrive without causing harm to humans or other wildlife.
Additionally, a professional team knows how to deal with specific animals in accordance with local laws and regulations. Certain species, such as bats and raccoons, may be protected by law and must be handled in a way that complies with legal standards.
Once the animals have been safely removed, the next step is to prevent them from returning. Wildlife control professionals will seal off any entry points—whether it’s a small gap under a door, a hole in the roof, or a crack in the foundation. They may also install barriers, such as mesh around vents or chimneys, to ensure that animals cannot re-enter.
Exclusion also involves addressing any environmental factors that may attract animals to your property. Professionals may suggest trimming trees that provide access to your roofline, securing trash bins, or removing food sources that may attract pests.
After the animals have been removed, sanitation and cleanup are crucial. Wildlife control experts will remove any nests, droppings, or debris left behind by the animals. Cleaning these areas thoroughly is necessary to reduce the risk of disease transmission and eliminate odors that might attract other animals.
In some cases, the removal of animal waste may also involve specialized cleaning agents or disinfectants to ensure the area is safe for reoccupation.
When you encounter wildlife intruders in your home or business, the first step is to find a reputable wildlife control service. Many people search for “wildlife control near me” or “wildlife animal control near me” when they need help. Here are some tips to help you find the right professional service:
Local wildlife control companies are often the best choice because they have a deep understanding of the animal species in your area. They know the types of wildlife common in your region, the best methods for dealing with them, and the local laws and regulations regarding animal control. For example, a wildlife control company in a rural area may deal with a different set of animals than one in an urban setting.
Not all wildlife control services focus on humane methods, so it’s important to find a company that emphasizes ethical practices. Look for companies that use live traps and relocation methods rather than lethal traps or extermination techniques. Many reputable wildlife control services are members of wildlife protection organizations and adhere to best practices for humane animal removal.
Always ensure that the wildlife control company you hire is properly licensed and insured. A reputable company will have the appropriate certifications and insurance to handle wildlife safely and legally. Check their website or ask for proof of licensing when you contact them.
It’s always a good idea to read reviews or ask for references from past clients. Online reviews can give you insight into the quality of service a company provides and how they handle customer satisfaction. Positive feedback from past customers can help you feel confident in your choice.
Pricing for wildlife control services can vary depending on the extent of the infestation and the techniques required. It’s a good idea to get quotes from a few different companies to ensure you’re getting fair pricing. However, don’t base your decision solely on cost; the quality of service and humane practices should be your primary considerations.
Here are some of the most common wildlife intruders and the risks they pose:
Raccoons are known for their intelligence and dexterity. They can easily break into attics, chimneys, or basements, causing significant damage by chewing on wires, insulation, and wooden beams. Raccoons are also known carriers of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, and their droppings can contain parasites like roundworms that are dangerous to humans.
Squirrels are notorious for seeking shelter in attics and can cause extensive damage by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and structural components. They are also capable of causing fires by chewing through electrical cables. Additionally, squirrels are known to leave behind droppings and urine that can contaminate the living environment.
Bats are excellent at squeezing into small cracks and crevices to gain access to your home. They are beneficial to the ecosystem but can cause problems when they roost in attics