Wildlife control is a critical aspect of home maintenance that often goes overlooked until an uninvited guest makes an appearance. Squirrels darting across your attic, raccoons rummaging through your garbage, or bats hanging around your eaves can not only cause significant damage to your property but also pose health risks to your family. Effective wildlife control involves more than just reactionary measures; it requires a proactive and humane approach to dealing with these animals. In this blog post, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of wildlife control, focusing on common intruders such as squirrels, raccoons, bats, and birds.
Squirrels and Their Aerial Antics
Homeowners often encounter issues with squirrels due to their agility and penchant for finding the smallest of openings to make their way into your home. A key step in wildlife control is sealing off entry points, but a common mistake is sealing these holes without first installing one-way gates. These gates allow squirrels to exit but prevent them from re-entering. Additionally, it’s crucial to seal soffit areas that have been compromised. However, avoid using mothballs in an attempt to deter these creatures; they release naphthalene, a flammable and odorous gas, which is ineffective and hazardous. Also, steer clear of large snap traps, as they can lead to unintended and gruesome outcomes for squirrels, potentially leaving homeowners with a bigger problem.
Raccoons, Bats, and the Hazards They Bring
Raccoons and bats are common culprits when it comes to wildlife control challenges. A significant mistake is attempting to remove raccoon or bat feces without professional help, as it can contain toxic spores capable of causing respiratory illnesses like histoplasmosis. For bats, never attempt to use poisons or liquids as deterrents. Not only is this illegal, but it can also result in bats dying in hard-to-reach places, leading to unpleasant odors throughout your home. Additionally, it is very important for homeowners to not trap and relocate these animals, themselves. As animalcontrolspecialists.com stated: “When you bring a wild animal to an unfamiliar environment, it’s not that likely to survive, much less thrive.” These situations underscore the importance of professional intervention for safe and effective wildlife control.
Birds and Their Nesting Habits
Birds can also pose problems for homeowners, particularly when they decide to nest in exterior vents. A common misstep is covering these vents with bird vent covers without first removing the nesting material and ensuring that no birds are left inside. This can trap birds and potentially create a fire hazard with accumulated nesting materials. Furthermore, if you happen to capture a bird and release it, the bird will either try to come right back in or they will simply fly to the next, nearest home or building and create a problem there. Proper wildlife control for birds involves a careful approach to ensure that both the animals and your home are protected.
What Should Your Next Step Be?
Effective wildlife control is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your home and the health and safety of its inhabitants. While it may be tempting to take shortcuts or employ quick fixes, such approaches often lead to more significant issues down the line. Homeowners should focus on humane and legal methods for dealing with wildlife, such as sealing entry points properly, using one-way gates, but primarily seeking professional help from Varmint Gone to not only ensure your home is sealed up properly, but also for removal and cleanup of hazardous materials. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a safe and co-habitable environment for both your family and the local wildlife.
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