Encounters with wildlife in your yard or home are always startling at first. A rabbit hopping across your garden or a raccoon climbing a tree can be amusing and cute. However, when these visits become too frequent, it can lead to serious problems.
Wild animals looking for food and shelter may damage your property, introduce diseases, or even pose a threat to your pets.
The question is, when do you handle it yourself, and when do you call a professional?
Wildlife removal experts use human and safe methods to remove animals; plus, find out why and how the wildlife entered your home.
If you notice any unusual signs of wildlife presence on your property, it is time to seek assistance sooner rather than later.
Here are a few ways to help you determine if it’s time to call in the professionals.
1. When You Notice Nibbled Plants in Your Garden
If your plants look ragged, with chewed leaves or half-eaten fruits and vegetables, you’ve got a hungry visitor roaming around. Some of the most common culprits are rabbits, deer, and groundhogs. These animals will visit your garden in the early morning or evening when they feel least threatened.
A bite or two might not be a problem, but it doesn’t take much for them to become hooked and demolish a plant. Additionally, when wildlife find easy pickings in your yard, they start coming around in large numbers.
In one night, squirrels can completely defoliate an entire flowerbed, while groundhogs will burrow under the ground and damage roots and the foundation of your garden structures.
A professional wildlife removal service can identify the specific animal responsible for nibbled plants in your garden and implement strategies to deter them. They may use exclusion techniques, such as fencing or repellents, and recommend long-term solutions to prevent future invasions.
2. If There are Trampled Areas in your Yard
Flattened grass and flower beds, or obvious trails worn through your yard can indicate that wildlife has found their preferred route across your property. Raccoons, skunks, and even coyotes will follow the same path repeatedly, leaving a path of destruction in their wake over time.
If you notice any areas of your yard that look trampled, it is important to act fast and prevent a full-blown invasion. Trampled paths usually lead to nesting sites under decks, porches, or crawl spaces. Once an animal has nested there, it becomes much harder to get rid of it.
Wildlife control experts inspect your property to see where these animals travel and possibly nest. They can then safely remove those unwanted guests and help secure entry points so your home doesn’t appear so welcoming to them.
3. You Hear Unusual Sounds at Night
Scratching, rustling, or the unmistakable sound of tiny feet scurrying in your walls or attic is enough reason to worry. These noises often indicate the presence of squirrels, raccoons, or rodents. Nocturnal sounds are especially concerning, as many wildlife species, like raccoons, are most active after dusk.
If left unchecked, they can do a great deal of damage. Squirrels chew through insulation and electrical wires, exposing you to fire hazards. Raccoons rip apart ductwork and use your attic as their personal latrine. And rodents breed at alarming rates, causing an infestation that is almost impossible to control.
A professional wildlife removal service will find the source of the noise, be it in your attic or walls. They’ll remove the animals safely and humanely if possible, close off entry points to prevent their return, and, in most cases, clean up contaminated insulation and feces.
4. Trail of Animal Droppings as Clues
One of the most apparent signs of a wildlife problem is animal droppings or scat. If you find small, pellet-like dropping, roughly the size of a grain of rice—you likely have a mouse or rat problem. Larger tubular droppings can indicate raccoons or opossums.
Do not play with the feces, as many contain bacteria and parasites that harm humans and pets. Raccoon feces may contain roundworm eggs, which can harm people and pets if accidentally ingested. On the other hand, mouse droppings harbor bacteria and viruses that can cause various illnesses in humans.
Professional wildlife removal technicians know how to safely handle toxic droppings and the procedures for identifying the species responsible. After successfully removing wildlife in and around your home, they’ll also disinfect contaminated areas to ensure maximum safety.
5. When You Notice Footprints and Tracks
Footprints in the mud, snow, or on your front porch can provide clues about what kind of wildlife is creeping around. Different animals leave different tracks; raccoons leave hand-shaped prints, while rodents create small, random-looking trails.
Tracking footprints can tell you what animal is on your property and if it’s not alone. Raccoons travel in family groups, so if you see one set of tracks, there are probably more raccoons around. Skunk tracks near your home may mean they have taken up residence under your porch.
Wildlife professionals can identify tracks to find out what species are causing trouble. They can also establish how they’re moving about on your property before developing a removal and exclusion plan that addresses the issue once and for all.
Final Thoughts
Wildlife on your property isn’t just a minor nuisance—it can lead to serious issues if left unaddressed. Animals can cause costly structural damage, introduce dangerous diseases, and create hazardous conditions for your family and pets.
And once they’ve found that safe place to eat or nest, they’re not likely to leave voluntarily. If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to call in the professionals. They have a thorough knowledge of wildlife habits and apply humane removal techniques while protecting your home from future invasions.