Wildlife might not be what you first think of when you hear “pest control.” But keeping Waltham homes safe from all pests is the priority for Assurance Pest Solutions, whether the pests are bugs or bats. If you’re struggling to deal with a wildlife infestation, contact Assurance Pest Solutions. Our Waltham pest control will keep your home safe and pest-free.
Types Of Problematic Wildlife In Waltham
There are several species of wildlife that invade homes and properties in Waltham. Because each is different, it’s crucial to identify the pest to treat it.
Bats are flying mammals. They have large ears and wings. They’re nocturnal animals who sleep during the day and then fly away from their roosts at night to hunt. When infesting homes, bats reside in attics or chimneys.
Squirrels are rodents, like rats and mice. They’re easily identified by their bushy tails. If you have a squirrel infestation in your home, you’ll probably hear noises from the ceiling, walls, or attic—wherever they’ve built their nest. You might also see holes in the siding of your home, chewed wires, or damaged insulation.
Raccoons are mammals. They’re typically between two and three feet long. Raccoons have distinctive black markings—a “mask” around their eyes and rings on the tail. These mammals are omnivores and will eat just about anything. In the wild, they live in hollow trees and ground burrows. They might also build dens under porches or in chimneys.
Skunks are also mammals with distinctive markings. They have black and white fur, usually with a long white stripe down the center of their backs extending into the tail. Skunks are incredibly adaptable, surviving in wild and urban areas. Found under porches and decks as well as inside sheds, skunks are well known for their defensive stink spray that they use to scare off predators.
Opossums are marsupial mammals that are about the size of a house cat. They have gray fur, a long, pointed face, and a rat-like tail. Opossums are good at swimming and climbing.
Moles are between 4 and 10 inches long and a brownish-gray color. They have large, shovel-like paws that they use for digging tunnels. Moles live in these underground tunnels, which means that a common sign of them is piles of dug-up dirt. You might also see ridges in the soil from their tunnels.
Voles have similar habits to moles. They’re smaller—between five and seven inches—and a richer brown color. They also build and live in underground tunnels.
All The Problems Wildlife Can Create Around Your Property
One of the most significant concerns with wildlife is rabies. Rabies is a severe disease spread by raccoons, skunks, and (rarely) bats. Anybody bit by a wild animal should be seen by a medical professional and treated for rabies.
Wildlife spread a multitude of other concerning diseases. For example, bat droppings can transit histoplasmosis, a fungal infection while raccoons spread roundworm, salmonellosis, and E. coli infections. Squirrels can carry tularemia and ringworm. Finally, opossums spread disease and can have other pests, like fleas and ticks.
In addition to the spread of disease, wildlife pests can cause significant property damage. Moles and voles dig up yards. Bat droppings can cause structural damage. Opossums, squirrels, and raccoons can tear up homes while getting inside, even going so far as to damage ductwork and insulation.
Five Practical Wildlife Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid wildlife problems around your home is to animal-proof your yard.
- Seal all possible entry points to your home
Cover up any holes that a small animal could fit through. Install screens in vents and chimney openings. Ensure that all windows, doors, and window screens are secure. This limits the ways animals can enter your home.
- Keep outdoor garbage cans tightly covered
Nothing attracts pests as food does. Outdoor trash cans are a significant target for wildlife pests. By properly disposing of all garbage and using an animal-proof lid, you can keep animals out of your trash and away from your home.
- Trim trees back from your home
Many wildlife pests are excellent climbers. They can get from a tree onto your roof if the branches come close enough. You can take away even more possible entrance points by keeping trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house.
- Remove all sources of food from the yard
Even once the trash can is no longer a target, other things in your yard may attract animals. Pet food dishes should be brought inside at night to avoid attracting wildlife. Any trees or bushes that drop fruit or berries should be cleaned up.
- Clear your yard of debris
Voles feed on weeds and other plant matter that may be in your yard. Yard clutter, such as leaf piles, can provide den locations or nesting materials for many animals, such as raccoons.
Even the most animal-proof yards can still harbor wildlife infestations. When that’s the case, your best option is to call us at (781) 630-5653 a professional wildlife pest control company.
The Most Effective Wildlife Control For Your Property
Wildlife can be challenging to manage, especially with the risk of disease. Some animals, such as bats, are protected species in certain areas and must be removed by professionals. Assurance Pest Solutions offers treatment and control options for wildlife in Waltham. During an inspection, we’ll look for any evidence of animal activity in and around your home. Then, we use various treatment methods to remove the wildlife from your home. All of our practices are safe and humane. After establishing our initial treatment, we’ll return over a few weeks to ensure the infestation is gone. Contact Assurance Pest Solutions for a quick, safe job if you need wildlife control in Waltham.