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Raccoons, bats, squirrels, mice, rats, and snakes, just to name a few, are examples of nuisance wildlife pests. These pests have no problem moving into a building without permission and they don't even care if that building is already occupied. It is up to the homeowner to take preventative measures around their home to ensure no nuisance wildlife pest is able to enter.
Wild animals have learned to live with humans. The more population increases in certain areas, the more development will take place. This means we will be invading wildlife animal's homes to build buildings in its place which will make them to relocate. Here are a few tips to eliminate or minimize things that attract these animals to your property.
Raccoons and Squirrels
Make sure the lids of outside trash cans are tight so they cannot get into it even if they knock it down. You also want to keep these cans inside a garage or shed; however, if you don't have one, then move it away from the side of the home. Bird feeders are also a food source for these animals, so ensure you purchase one that will not let the seed out of it if it tips over. When your pets are finished eating, pick up their bowls instead of leaving them lying around. Also, any trees around your home should be trimmed back at least three feet so these pests won't be able to jump or climb onto your home. Raccoons only need 4 inches in diameter to enter your home. They are very strong and can even tear an opening through your siding or soffit. Seal any holes that you find around your home.
Like raccoons, squirrels only need a golf ball size hole to gain access. If the hole is not big enough to fit through, then they will chew the rest of their way in.
Mice, Rats, Snakes
Mice are drawn into homes to search for food and warmth. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel and rats the size of half a quarter. They also can gain access into a building by using an old plumbing pipe. You will want to keep food in containers instead of leaving packages in their box. These pests can chew through the cardboard to get to the food. Mice like to hide in places with low traffic areas, so you will want to ensure that you have no piles of clothes sitting on the floor, no piles of magazines nor newspapers, and no piles of trash. Snakes are attracted to mice and rats. So if mice are inside your home, then snake can follow them for food.
Bats
A bat only needs 3/8 of an inch to gain entry. That's a small area for a bat to make a mess that can cost thousands of dollars. Those entry areas can be behind your homes shutters, a hole in the attic vents to gain access in your attic, or even down the chimney. Bats leave pheromones so that other bats can find their way to that area. Once a bat is present, it won’t be long before you have a colony.
Birds
These animal’s color are very beautiful which is why bird watching is very calming. However, birds can also damage your home too. They love to nest in the vents around your home: dryer vent, kitchen vent, and a chimney vent. Birds are very territorial so even if you remove them from the vent, they can just move to the next vent around your home to enter again.
These are some of the problems that draws wildlife animals to gain entry into properties. However, in order to keep these pests out of the buildings on the property and home, you will need to inspect the building to ensure there are no entry areas for them to enter or have sources which would make them stick around. It’s always better to be proactive instead of having to fix any damage caused by a wildlife animal that can cost thousands of dollars.
Give us a call at Elite Wildlife Removal at 804-867-7184 or 301-848-5084. Or friendly staff with be more than happy to work with you to complete an inspection to ensure you are wildlife entry free.