As temperatures drop, wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, and even bats become more active around homes. Raccoons are known for rummaging through trash and even causing structural damage when seeking shelter. Squirrels, on the other hand, often chew through electrical wires, posing fire hazards.
Bats preparing for hibernation might seek refuge in your attic, while squirrels use branches to access your home. Recognizing the signs of wildlife activity early can help you address these problems before they escalate.
Prevention tips include properly storing garbage in animal-proof containers, trimming tree branches, and sealing entry points with steel mesh or hardware cloth. Keeping your yard clean and clutter-free is also crucial in deterring wildlife from nesting on your property.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy the fall season without the stress of unwanted wildlife.
Invasion of the Space Snatchers!
When wildlife does invade your space, it’s essential to approach removal with a humane mindset. Trapping wildlife and then relocating them is often the best solution for the homeowner and the critter. However, it’s crucial to use the right traps and techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals involved. Live traps are a popular option, allowing for the capture of animals without harm. Once captured, it’s vital to relocate them to a suitable habitat away from residential areas to minimize the chance of their return. This is something that the Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions team excels in, saving you from having to buy and monitor traps and then having to find the right time and place to relocate wildlife like raccoons or woodchucks.
Before attempting to trap any animal, it’s important to check local regulations regarding wildlife trapping and relocation. Some wildlife species are protected by law, and improper handling can result in fines or other legal consequences. Consulting with local wildlife agencies or professional pest control services like Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions can provide guidance on best practices and legal requirements, ensuring humane treatment is upheld throughout the process. We aren’t fans of when customers call to tell us they have something in the trap and they don’t know what to do, but we will also do what is best for both the animal and the homeowner. Our preference is that you contact us to remove the potentially more than one pest you might have cruising around your property, and help you to try not to trap or harm anything else in the process accidentally!
Education about the specific animal’s behavior can inform humane removal efforts. For example, understanding the nesting habits of raccoons or the foraging patterns of squirrels can aid in determining the best times and locations for traps. Additionally, once an animal is removed, it’s essential to clean the area thoroughly to eliminate any scents that might attract new wildlife. By implementing humane removal techniques, homeowners can effectively address their wildlife issues while respecting the animals involved.
Protecting Your Property from Wildlife Damage
Protecting your property from wildlife damage requires a proactive approach. One of the most effective strategies is to conduct regular inspections of your home and yard. Look for signs of wildlife activity, such as droppings, tracks, or damage to plants and structures. Early detection can help you address potential problems before they escalate, saving you time, money, and stress. Don’t want to get up on the roof? We don’t mind! Our team uses safety precautions, will document and show you areas of concern and then with your approval, tastefully update your home to prevent future problems.
By reinforcing your property against potential damage, we can help keep small problems from impacting the structural integrity and value of your home. From sealing gaps in foundations, to managing roof and soffit gaps and ensuring that windows and doors close securely, we are helping you with pest climate, and general maintenance concerns. But, our focus in on pest prevention at this stage. Other tips that provide a multi-win approach are doing things like Installing motion-activated lights around your property, which can also deter nocturnal animals, and beasts that prefer dark, secluded areas. By implementing these measures, you create an environment that is less inviting to wildlife, thus reducing the likelihood of damage. We know people who implement pest control measures for gaps and seals and even dryer vents or soffit- (US!) so feel free to contact Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions if you would like a one-time or a more regular approach to pest prevention.
This is one of Bats and Bugs Pest Control team members doing just that on the roof of a house. In this case, Corey is working to humanely stop bats from coming back into the house while also sealing up the entry point with a device that the typical homeowner may not have:
Another essential aspect of property protection is maintaining a clean and clutter-free outdoor space. Overgrown vegetation, piles of debris, or unused equipment can provide shelter for wildlife, encouraging them to take up residence. For this author, this includes keeping the area under the deck free of leaves and debris. While no one can see it, because this is an area that creates a naturally warmer space and is up against the house, it becomes a tempting space for mice and other wildlife to nest and is close enough to a door and window that they would likely take advantage of moments when they are open or if screens aren’t repaired. The best solution for spaces like this is to keep them clear and clean. Speaking of regular yard maintenance, trimming shrubs and removing debris piles will not only enhance the appearance of your property but also minimize its appeal to unwanted guests. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildlife damage to your home and landscape.
Wildlife Deterrents and Attractants
Natural repellents can provide an effective and eco-friendly way to deter wildlife without causing harm. Many homeowners find success using scents that animals find unpleasant. For instance, strong-smelling substances like cayenne pepper, vinegar, or garlic can be sprinkled around gardens or entry points to discourage animals from approaching. Additionally, commercial repellents made from natural ingredients are available and can be applied to areas where wildlife tends to gather.
While there are some great plants to think about in spring, here are some thoughts for fall that might lead to pest deterrents: Ultrasonic pest repellents, which emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but irritating to animals, are also a popular option for homeowners looking to maintain a wildlife-free space. Additionally, if you’re reading this near or around Halloween crows hanging upside down, terror eyes, inflatable snakes are all great for October to late October deterrents. It has been said that fake owl or hawk decoys will keep certain birds, rodents, or squirrels away but often need to be moved around to be somewhat more believable.
Managing Wildlife to Protect Your Home
In conclusion, managing wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, and bats in the fall is crucial to protecting your property from damage and health risks. By taking preventative measures, such as securing entry points, properly storing trash, and keeping your yard clean, you can minimize the chances of wildlife invading your space. However, if you are already facing issues with raccoons rummaging through your garbage, squirrels chewing on wires, or bats seeking shelter in your attic, it’s important to act swiftly and humanely.
At Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, we specialize in raccoon, squirrel, and bat removal, offering expert services to safely relocate wildlife and prevent future invasions. Contact us today to schedule a quote and ensure your home is protected this fall. Click here to reach out to us.
