Wildlife infestations are one of those pest problems that sneak up on you. Since it's not all that unusual to see wildlife wandering around in your yard, you might not realize the animals you're seeing could be your very own freeloading roommates. That goes for the raccoons rifling through your garbage, the opossums getting into your dog food, or other troublesome wild animals you’re seeing around your property. For this reason, it's essential to keep wildlife control on your Columbus pest control radar.

Common Nuisance Wildlife In Columbus

There are several different species of wildlife that can become problematic for Columbus homeowners. In fact, wildlife control in Columbus can cover a wide variety of animals. Opossums and raccoons are familiar sights in urban and suburban garbage cans. These scavenging animals can make messes on your property even if they don't live there, but when winter rolls around, they may take up residence inside your attic or crawlspace for warmth and easy access to food.

It's also important to remember that rodents are technically considered wildlife, especially animals like squirrels, voles, and gophers. These creatures can do a lot of damage to your gardens and landscaping, especially if you plant things they like to eat. Rabbits and moles can also pose problems for your property, especially landscaping and vegetable gardens.

Skunks are another common nuisance wildlife species you may run into on your property. It's important to be especially wary of skunks since they can spray you with a foul-smelling musk. Adults who know better than to get close to a skunk aren’t at as high of a risk, but small children and pets are especially vulnerable to being sprayed.

The Problems Wildlife Can Create Around Your Property

If you have wild animals living on your property, this can create a lot of issues. Of course, one of the most dangerous threats posed by wildlife is exposure to rabies. Many wildlife species, especially raccoons and skunks, are known to spread this virus. Not only can a bite expose you to one of the deadliest viruses in the world, but it will also necessitate a round of rabies shots that could potentially cost thousands of dollars.

However, rabies is not the only threat wildlife can pose. These animals can also indirectly expose you to parasite-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever when they carry ticks onto your property.

None of this takes into account the property damage that wildlife can cause. Larger animals can knock over trash cans and rip the contents out, spreading trash all over your property. On the other hand, squirrels or gophers may chew through essential components of your home like electrical wiring or insulation.

Six Natural Ways To Deter Wildlife From Your Property

Wildlife removal is a lot tougher than preventing a wildlife infestation. Taking a few simple and easy steps can help keep your property as unattractive to nuisance wildlife as possible:

Cover all trash cans on your property with wildlife-proof lids.
Put mesh barriers over potential entryways into your home like ventilation openings.
Repair holes, gaps, and other damage to your home that could grant wildlife access to your home.
Never leave pet foods or dirty pet bowls sitting out where wild animals can access them.
Eliminate as many freshwater sources from your property as possible, including kiddie pools, bird baths, and other sources of standing water.
Put up a privacy fence around your property that can act as a solid barrier against invading wildlife.

By taking these steps, you can make accessing your home so inconvenient that wildlife will simply move on.

The Most Effective Wildlife Control For Your Property

If wild animals are causing problems on your property, contact your local pest control company for professional wildlife removal immediately. It's vital to rely on wildlife control services to deal with your infestation because wildlife experts know how to remove nuisance animals without risking exposure to rabies or other diseases.

Here at 1st Response Pest Management, we know how to completely eliminate your wildlife problem effectively and affordably so that you don't have to worry about putting yourself at risk. Give us a call to learn more about our options for wildlife pest control in Columbus, and get started on your journey to a wildlife-free property today!