How To Keep Nuisance Wildlife Away From Your Property
How To Keep Nuisance Wildlife Away From Your PropertyThere is nothing worse than coming home from a long day and walking up to the house to see a opossum, squirrel or skunk hanging out under your patio on the eaves of your home or near your trash cans. This can be alarming for many reasons. These nuisance wildlife are not only as large as a furry indoor pet but they can be dangerous; especially if they feel trapped or threatened. Wildlife can carry disease that can be transmitted to people not only through a bite but with indirect contact as well. It is a good idea to be able to identify the most common nuisance wildlife and what problems they can cause so that you can better alert a professional pest control company when you see them on your Oklahoma property.
The Pied Piper lists a few common nuisance wildlife that you should know about and how they can be dangerous to you.
Opossum Removal: This is one of the most common pests that you can find around and sometimes even in your Oklahoma home. This is a marsupial and just like any other marsupial they have a pouch that is used for their newborn. They are known for their acting skills since they will play dead to try and keep a predator away. That is where the saying “playing possum” comes from. They can be identified by their grey and white fur and their long tail. They will reach up to 12 pounds and can be as long as three feet! The opossum will also use their tail as a way to climb and hang on. They are likely to scamper off if they see you coming but will attack when they feel threatened. That’s why it’s important to contact a wildlife removal expert if you see opossums on your property. In addition, opossums also carry harmful fleas, ticks, mites and other harmful parasites. One way that you can keep opossums from getting into your yard and house is to keep your home cleaned up so that there is nothing enticing them to come in. You can also remove any shrubs or tall grass that makes it easy for them to hide away.
Skunk Control: Most people can easily describe a skunk! They have a very well-known color pattern which is black and white with a white stripe all the way down the back. They also have a fluffy tail that they will raise high in the air to spray a predator or someone that startles them. The spray has a terrible odor that can be extremely hard to remove and will linger for days! If you see a skunk on your property, it’s best to call a professional pest control company experienced with wildlife removals. Skunks also carry ticks, fleas and other harmful parasites. You may be less likely to see a skunk in the daytime since they are nocturnal and come out at night to search for food and water. You should use the same precautions when trying to prevent a skunk from getting into your yard or home as you do for the opossum.
Squirrels: Oklahoma is home to three main squirrel species; the Fox. Pine and Gray squirrel. Fox squirrels are the largest tree squirrel that there is. While they generally shelter in trees, they have been known to find harborage in buildings. Pine squirrels are one of the smallest tree squirrels, which makes it easier for them to gain entry into your home through a small crawl space. The gray squirrel is medium sized with a large bushy tail. They like to take up residence in the attics of home and business owners. Squirrels won’t generally attack unless they are provoked. In which case they can scratch and bite to defend themselves so it isn’t recommended you try to catch squirrels yourself. It is best to contact a wildlife control expert. Squirrels also pose other threats such as tetanus and can carry harmful fleas and ticks.