Protecting our homes from nuisance wildlife

When we think of wildlife, we often envision baby raccoons roaming freely in their natural habitats. However, when these animals encroach upon our homes and communities, they can pose significant risks and dangers. You often have to put up with disturbing noises in your attic space, basement, or backyard or deal with damaged wires.

Whichever the case, it’s not a problem you should live with. Advanced Wildlife Removal is a Wildlife Control Specialist dedicated to removing nuisance wildlife from your living spaces. But before you commit to professional squirrel removal, you want to understand the wildlife removal service better.

Understanding the Risks

Wildlife removal is not a task to be taken lightly. There are several potential dangers associated with attempting to remove wildlife without proper knowledge and expertise. First, these animals, no matter how cute or harmless they may look, can pose a significant threat to your health and safety.

For instance, rodents like mice and rats can transmit diseases like Hantavirus and leptospirosis. Other wildlife species like foxes or snakes can cause physical harm if confronted or startled.

In Virginia, there are laws and regulations to consider during wildlife control and removal. Many common species are protected by law, and improper removal methods can result in fines or legal consequences. It is essential to understand the specific regulations in your area and ensure compliance to avoid any legal issues.

Professional Wildlife Removal Services

Considering the potential risks involved, hiring professional wildlife removal services is highly recommended. These experts possess the necessary expertise and tools to ensure safe removal. They are trained to handle wildlife humanely, thus minimizing harm to the animals and humans.

Professional animal control and removal services also have access to specialized equipment and techniques to remove wildlife without causing unnecessary stress or harm. For example, they may use live traps or exclusion methods to safely capture and prevent animals from returning.

By relying on professional animal removal, you can have peace of mind knowing that the removal process is being handled responsibly and safely.

DIY Wildlife Removal

While it may be tempting to attempt wildlife removal on your own, especially if it’s a small infestation of a relatively harmless animal, it is crucial to consider the potential risks involved.

Without proper knowledge and preparation, DIY removal methods can cause more harm than good. It is important to be mindful of the animal’s safety and well-being throughout the process. Research the proper techniques before removing, and always wear protective clothing and gear when necessary.

Moreover, improper methods can result in further infestation or potential legal issues. For instance, if you attempt to trap an animal but do not have the proper permits, you may be subject to fines or other legal consequences.

Prevention Is Key

It is important to take proactive steps to prevent wildlife infestations. Animal-proofing your home is the most effective way to keep these animals from invading your space. Start by making sure all doors and windows are securely closed and sealed.

You can also install mesh screens on vents, chimneys, and other openings accessible to animals. Additionally, eliminating potential food sources such as garbage cans and pet food can help deter wildlife from entering your property.

Taking these preventative measures can reduce the chances of wildlife infestation on your property. However, if an infestation does occur, it is best to contact a professional wildlife control specialist for a custom plan and effective results.

Preparing for Wildlife Removal

Before the wildlife removal experts arrive, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. Ensure your family and pets are safe and out of harm’s way. Locate the potential entry points so you can properly seal them after the animal is removed.

Note: Don’t seal the animal entry points before removal. Raccoons usually nest in human property during the breeding season to look for food and water. Sealing the entry point can cause the mother raccoon to get aggressive, thinking her young ones are in danger.

Wear protective clothing such as thick gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect yourself from any potential parasites or diseases. Finally, ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses if your local regulations require them (when working with a wildlife removal expert, they’ll handle the permit-acquiring process).

Humane Wildlife Removal Services

Expert wildlife removal companies use humane removal or control methods that are also safe for the environment, whenever possible. Some of these methods include:

Life Traps

These are generally cages that hold nuisance wildlife like rats, ground squirrels, and raccoons without killing them. Once the animal is trapped, it is relocated. But when using live traps, the following requirements are met:

• Monitor the trap several times during the day and release the trapped nuisance animal as soon as possible. This keeps the animal from suffering because of the exposure and stress of being in a cage.
• For live trapping to work long-term, you must implement exclusion tactics that keep wild animals from re-entering your home or property.

Exclusion Tactics

This is the most humane wildlife removal tactic. Animal exclusion refers to identifying the wildlife access point and closing them. This is effective for nuisance animals, including birds and rodents. Good exclusion techniques include covering pipes and vents with grates, installing exclusion fencing around the garden, repairing or installing household screens, and installing door sweeps.

Contact an Expert Wildlife Removal Company

In some cases, the wildlife removal process may be too complex or dangerous for the average homeowner to handle. It’s always best to hire an expert wildlife removal company like Advanced Wildlife Removal.

We have a team of professionals that will run an assessment of the wildlife infestation on your property and create a custom removal plan. We also advise on techniques and tips to help you prevent a reoccurrence. If you’re experiencing the signs of nuisance animals, contact us today at (540) 501-7729.