Wildlife Identification
What is wildlife?
Wildlife or wild animals are those animals that are not tame. They do not need the help of people to survive. However, just because wild animals don’t “need” our help, doesn’t mean that they won’t take advantage of the help we unintentionally offer. As our habitats have merged, wild animals have come to somewhat rely on people for sources of food and shelter. Wildlife found in Ohio yards, and sometimes our homes include squirrels, skunks, raccoons, opossums, moles, and muskrats.
Is wildlife dangerous?
Wildlife living too close to people can be dangerous. Wild animals are “wild” and unpredictable, making them unsafe. Removing wild animals from any home or property should always be handled by trained and experienced professionals.
Wild animals are destructive and cause damage by burrowing under foundations, sheds, and garages, causing structural damage. They also dig through and damage lawns and gardens. These animals cause structural damage inside our homes by chewing or digging through insulation, drywall, pipes, and wires. Wild animals also carry and spread diseases and bacteria that can make people ill.
Why do I have a wildlife problem?
Wildlife has become a problem on your property because it’s providing them with easy access to food and shelter. Properties with places to forage for food are attractive to wild animals. Sites where these animals feed include garbage cans, compost, pet food bowls, and gardens. Once feeding on your property, some wild animals will move into your home or garage, seeking safe shelter that will protect them from extreme weather conditions.
Where will I find wildlife?
Wildlife lives in a variety of places, depending on their species, as seen below:
- Skunks
Outside, skunks live along the forest edges, in grassy fields, and areas of dense vegetation. In our yards, skunks burrow under decks, woodpiles, sheds, and foundations.
- Raccoons
Raccoons live in wooded areas, farms, fields, and suburban neighborhoods. They create dens in the ground, under decks or sheds, between rocks, and inside hollow trees. Inside, raccoons like to place nests in chimneys, attics, and crawlspaces.
- Opossums
Opossums live outside close to rivers, streams, and other water sources. They nest in hollow trees under large piles of brush and in the abandoned burrows of other animals. Inside, opossums nest in outbuildings such as garages, sheds, or barns.
- Squirrels
Most species of squirrels in our area nest up off of the ground in trees. They are common indoor pests, finding their way into barns, sheds, garages, and homes. Inside homes, squirrels nest in attics, chimneys, and spaces behind walls.
- Moles
Moles are lawn pests that live and breed outside; they are not indoor pests. They spend their lives in the soil, making tunnels they use to live in and forage for food. Moles feed on earthworms, grubs, and other insects.
- Muskrats
Muskrats are semiaquatic mammals and therefore live around marshes, streams, ponds, and lakes. They are outdoor pests, but the extensive burrows they create can cause much damage in yards and other outdoor spaces.
How do I get rid of wildlife?
Get rid of wildlife from your Ohio home or business by trusting 1st Response Pest Management experts. We are a locally-owned and family-operated pest control company. Our goal is to provide all our customers with peace of mind and pest-free homes through effective wildlife control services.
Learn more about protecting your Greater Columbus or Central Ohio area home or business from wild animals and other pests with the help of 1st Response Pest Management and our eco-friendly approach to pest control. Reach out today and speak with one of our helpful professionals to learn more about our residential and commercial pest services!
How can I prevent wildlife in the future?
Prevent problems with wildlife by putting into place the following wildlife prevention measures:
- Partner with the wildlife control experts here at 1st Response Pest Management.
- Trim back tree branches from the exterior of your home that can give wild animals direct access.
- Place wire mesh around the bottom of decks, sheds, and other structures to stop wild animals from getting under them.
- Remove excess woodpiles, fallen trees, and piles of debris from your property.
- Repair loose window screens and place tight-fitting caps on chimneys.
- Fix any openings along the roofline and at roof intersections.
- Limit wild animal’s access to food on your property. Harvest fruits and vegetables from garden areas. Pick up uneaten pet food between feedings. Place trash in outdoor garbage cans and compost bins with tight or locking lids and remove bird and other wild animal feeders from your property.
