It’s common to assume that pest prevention only pertains to bugs or rodents. However, many do not take into consideration that the native wildlife right outside their doors can pose a threat. In fact, wildlife can cause significant damage to your home and gardens as well as carry diseases. Save yourself the time and money for repairs with these prevention tips.
Types of Wildlife Pests
There are a plethora of indigenous wildlife in the U.S.—especially on the East coast. Some of the most common types include:
- Squirrels
- Foxes
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Chipmunks
- Birds
- Skunks
- Moles
- Rabbits
- Moles
Though these type of woodland creatures are non-aggressive towards humans (and are enjoyable to see) they can pose serious threats in other ways. First, they are known to carry diseases and viruses. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states on their site, “Wild animals accounted for 92.4 percent of reported cases of rabies in 2015.” Additionally, the CDC claims bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are the leading cause of reported rabies cases in the United States. Further, household pets such as dogs or cats can suffer serious harm or even fatalities if they come in contact with a rabid animal. Second, Wildlife can cause property damage. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports, “Each year wildlife cost property owners millions of dollars in damage.” The most common types of wildlife property damage include:
- Skunks and moles digging holes and trails in backyards.
- Birds making nest in chimneys.
- Rabbits and foxes burrowing in gardens or yards.
- Chipmunks and squirrels sneaking into attics or crawl spaces and building winter nests.
When pests enter your home or yard, their removal and damage they leave behind can rack up significant costs quickly.
Wildlife Prevention
Wildlife prevention is the best way to protect your family and surrounding wildlife. Additionally, there are plenty of humane ways to prevent woodland critters from entering your home and yard. Pest World, associated with National Pest Management Association, recommend the following prevention tactics:
- Be sure to seal exterior doors and repair any damaged screens.
- Install chimney caps to prevent birds from making nests.
- Monitor your household pets when outdoors. Do not leave any pet food or water dishes outside as they can attract opossums or raccoons.
- Seal all windows.
- Be sure to inspect roofs annually.
- Keep all trash in secure containers to prevent animals such as raccoons.
- Make sure all birdseed is in a secure location where only birds can reach it as bird feeders can attract raccoons and possums.
- Keep your attic, basement or crawl space well ventilated and dry. Also, check for any exterior holes.
- Make sure all food is kept in airtight containers and dispose garbage regularly.
Best Prevention Method
Planning ahead is the best prevention method. That is why a home inspection is always the right call. Our pest control experts will look for any interior and exterior house damage as well as point out any areas of your home where wildlife could enter.
Schedule your free inspection with Dodson today!