Perhaps you had a problem with skunks, raccoons or another form of wildlife, but before you could contact us to get them removed, they moved out on their own. That’s great! Now you don’t have to worry about the problem anymore, right? Wrong! Unfortunately, unattended wildlife entries to dens and nests often create bigger issues, so before it gets out of control, you need to contact the professionals for humane wildlife removal.
One Creature’s Trash Is Another Creature’s Treasure
When an animal moves out from underneath your woodpile or the lattice around your front porch, he leaves an empty home where another one could move in. It’s an easy way for a wild animal to nest down for the season. The new animal won’t have to dig or work for a place to call home, so an unoccupied den will get inhabited before you know it. Some ways a new furry tenant could find the old home include:
- Being attracted by the scent of the previous tenants
- Following the previous critter’s tracks or droppings
- Noticing the opening and curiously checking it out
- Following insects in through the opening
The Need To Eliminate the Vacancy
You might enjoy having guests come stay at your home, but not if they’re wild animals. It’s important you eliminate the vacancy after a wild animal moves out so you can avoid some of the following issues:
- Exposure to Disease – Wild animals and insects carry a host of diseases. Some of the diseases are found in urine and droppings, while others come from saliva. Diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, canine distemper and others are detrimental and sometimes lethal to humans and their domestic pets.
- Unpleasant Odors – Most wild animals leave behind a smell. While the skunk is perhaps the most pungent and the most known, squirrels, raccoons, mice and various other animals will leave behind unpleasant scents of their own. It could be the smell of their droppings and urine, or it could be the smell of a carcass. All of these things are commonly found in vacant animal dwellings.
- Structural Damage – When you have a hole that invites other creatures to move in, you run the risk of structural damage to your home. Many of these small animals will nibble on wires, pull apart your insulation, chew and scratch the wood, damage your pipes, and cause other types of damages.
- Dangerous Attractions – When wildlife lives on your property, it attracts other wildlife. Especially during winter when larger animals are unable to find something to eat in the wild, they often move into neighborhoods looking for other creatures. Bobcats, coyotes and cougars all prey on raccoons. Owls also prey on raccoons, as well as skunks. By leaving the vacant den open for other animals, you could end up with a much bigger issue, both figuratively and literally.
How To Avoid Future Infestations
If the animals that were living on your property have moved out on their own, you’re luckier than a lot of other homeowners. You still have some work to do though. With the help of our wildlife control professionals, we can get your property back in shape. First, we have to clean up the mess left behind by the previous animal tenants. This means removing feces, fur and all other contamination. If insulation or other elements of your home have been damaged, we’ll remove the mess and make sure the entire area is disinfected. If your insulation is a complete loss, we can also reinsulate.
When the mess is clean, you have to have the home sealed up to prevent further infestations. This might include some home repairs, but it could also include some simple patchwork that blocks the entryway. With physical barriers, your home is guarded against reinfestation.
Getting Started With Humane Wildlife Removal
What many homeowners don’t realize is that having a vacant wildlife den could lead to creating a neighborhood wildlife hotel, and you don’t want that to be your situation. If a raccoon, rodent, skunk or other form of wild animal has moved out of your home, you’re one of the lucky few who won’t have to deal with wildlife removal, but you do need to deal with prevention of a new infestation. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we have all the services needed to keep uninvited guests out of your home for good. Contact us today at 1-888-592-0387 and let’s discuss your options.
