Encountering wildlife, like a raccoon rummaging through your trash or a squirrel sneaking into your Rhode Island home, can be surprising. Learn to identify common wildlife intruders, assess potential damage, and prevent wildlife from entering your home. We’ll also discuss seeking professional wildlife control services.
Common Wildlife Intruders: Identifying The Culprits
Living in Rhode Island, property owners may encounter a variety of wildlife species that can become intruders on their property:
- Raccoons are adaptable creatures often found in urban areas. They have a distinctive black mask and ringed tail and are known for rummaging through trash cans and accessing attics or crawl spaces.
- Squirrels are agile climbers with bushy tails. They enter homes through small openings in attics and chimneys in search of food and shelter.
- Skunks have a black-and-white fur pattern and a potent odor. They come near homes for food, nesting, or shelter, causing damage to lawns while foraging.
- Opossums are nocturnal marsupials with a rat-like appearance and a hairless tail. They rummage through garbage cans and invade garages or sheds in search of food.
- Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are burrowing rodents known for their stocky build. They dig tunnels and feed on plants, causing damage to gardens and landscaping.
These are a few of the most common types of nuisance animals that may break into your house. Identifying these culprits can help you effectively manage wildlife control and encounters.
Assessing Wildlife Damage: The Impact Of Nuisance Animals On A Home
Once wildlife intruders make their way onto a property, they can cause various forms of damage that impact the safety of a home and its occupants:
- Structural damage: Animals like raccoons and squirrels can gnaw through the wooden structures of a home, including siding, eaves, and roof shingles, which can lead to water damage and compromised structural integrity.
- Electrical hazards: Squirrels, in particular, have a habit of chewing on electrical wires, which can cause power outages, damage electrical systems, and even lead to house fires.
- Health concerns: Some wildlife, such as raccoons and skunks, can carry diseases like rabies or transmit parasites like fleas or ticks, posing health risks to both humans and pets if they come into contact with these animals or their waste.
In order to prevent these concerns, it’s best to wildlife-proof your property with a few home maintenance measures.
Wildlife-Proofing Your Property: Effective Prevention Methods
Preventing wildlife intrusions on your property is a key step in managing encounters and avoiding potential damage. Here are some effective wildlife-proofing tips:
- Place trash cans in a sturdy and sealed container to prevent access by raccoons and other animals. Consider using bungee cords or heavy lids to secure the cans, making them difficult to open.
- Seal gaps in the foundation, install chimney caps, and cover vents with mesh. Repair any damaged screens or openings around windows and doors.
- Secure pet food indoors, remove fallen fruits or nuts, and store bird seed in tightly sealed containers.
- Install a sturdy fence around your property to deter larger wildlife species like groundhogs and deer from entering. Make sure to bury the fence at least a foot underground to prevent burrowing.
Remember, wild animals can quickly learn how to avoid DIY wildlife trapping, so prevention is the best method for keeping them out. Don’t attempt wildlife removal on your own. Consult with a wildlife expert.
The Benefits Of Professional Wildlife Removal: Why Hire Experts
Managing wildlife can be dangerous, especially if they feel threatened or cornered. Certain wildlife species may have legal protections or require specific permits to handle or remove. Rhode Island wildlife control experts have the necessary tools, equipment, and training to safely capture and remove animals without harm to themselves or the animals.
Our technicians at Big Blue Bug Solutions are well-versed in local regulations and can ensure the necessary procedures to safely and effectively remove nuisance wildlife from your property. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.