Wildlife Prevention Tips

Wildlife on your Rome, Georgia property can be especially troublesome in the fall when temps drop and animals come in closer to the warmth of a home. Squirrels may chew their way into attics, raccoons strew trash around, skunks spray, and bats can spread rabies. Not to mention those rodents that get in and contaminate and chew on everything.

Squirrels: This tail-flicking, tree climbing acrobats are actually rodents. This means that they are really good at chewing since they have a set of incisors that never stop growing. If they chew their way into your home and make a nest in your wall voids or attic, they are going to be chewing everything in sight, like insulation, which means heat will escape, and electrical wires, which could spark a house fire. Not to mention the fact that they will leave their urine and feces everywhere they roam.

Raccoons: Raccoons are known to transmit rabies. The fact is, they top the list of rabies-transmitting pests. While these wildlife animals are not good to have on your property whether they have rabies or not, if they do, you should be very concerned. If you see a raccoon that is foaming at the mouth, falling on its side or looking like it has paralysis in one or more legs, it is imperative that you call a pest control company immediately. And even raccoons that are not infected with rabies are known to violently attack humans, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.

Skunks: Having skunks on your property stinks. Literally. And if they spray your dog or, worse, you, the situation will stink in more ways than one. Beyond this, skunks can also carry the rabies virus, tip over trash cans, and cause a general uneasiness of all who live in your home, just because of their presence. It is never a good idea to let skunks have free range on your property, especially if you have pets or children.

Bats: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the transmission of rabies from exposure to bats is documented in all of the continental states. They recommend no exposure between bats and humans. The CDC also says that bat guano (droppings) can contaminate soil which can lead to a lung disease called histoplasmosis.

Mice: Mice, like squirrels and other rodents, never stop chewing. If mice invade your home in fall, they will make nests and invade pantries, spreading disease-causing filth everywhere they roam. And while other animals may move back out come spring time, mice are likely to stay put. It is never a good idea to let a mouse infestation grow in population.

Prevention Tips

There are a number of steps you can take with your Rome home in order to keep wildlife at bay this fall.

  • Examine your foundation and walls and seal up any gaps or cracks found.
  • Make sure all of your screens and door sweeps are present and in good working order.
  • Don’t leave your garage door open.
  • Install screen or wire mesh over vents.
  • Keep your yard neatly trimmed and free of unnecessary clutter.
  • Trim bushes and trees back away from your foundation and walls.
  • Keep your outside trash in well-sealed containers.

If you are in need of assistance in keeping your home wildlife free this fall season, reach out to the professionals here at Active Pest Control. When wildlife is all gone from your home and property, life is all good.

Skunks Causing Problems In Rome

Skunks have a unique protection system that sends a loud and clear message for you to keep your distance. This very distinctive and easily identifiable mammal is capable of spraying a chemical laden liquid with a powerfully offensive smell that can permeate the air for up to one and a half miles. If the unfortunate person or animal is hit directly, the chemical in the spray will cause intense discomfort if it gets in the eyes of the victim.

An additional characteristic of the skunk is the black and white color that is so recognizable. Most people have plenty of advanced warning when seeing this black animal with the infamous white stripe down the body and should keep a safe distance as skunks are not worth raising a stink over! You will undoubtedly recognize that famous smell of a skunk long before ever actually seeing the animal.

In addition to the offensive smell, there are other dangers Rome residents may experience as a result of exposure or contact with skunks. Skunks love to eat grubs found in the yard under the surface of the grass. This leads to small holes in the lawn as a result of skunks digging for the delicacy of a grub. In their attempt to find shelter, damage to buildings becomes another concern with skunks. Insulation gets torn out or disturbed and electrical wires become exposed from chewing which leaves the homeowner facing costly repairs.

Another potential danger from exposure to skunks is that they are known carriers of the rabies virus. In addition to being the #2 carrier of rabies, Rome residents should know that skunks can spread distemper and leptospirosis. Other diseases can be found in the feces of skunks.

At Active Pest Control we are very much aware of the problems and dangers the people of Rome and surrounding areas encounter with skunks and other forms of wildlife. The two things that will attract skunks to your property are food and shelter. If there is access to food and a place of shelter, you can be assured that skunks will move in and invade your space.

Our nuisance wildlife management professionals are trained to capture and remove the wildlife as well as secure your property to prevent future entry. The most effective solution for your skunk problems is exclusion. Once the animal is trapped and removed, our Active Pest Control technicians will seal all possible entry points to prevent a re-occurrence. If you spot skunks on your property or smell that unmistakable smell, contact us at Active Pest Control and let us put an end to your wildlife issues.