Wildlife
These animals are typically harmless if kept at a distance, but can cause problems when they make their way into your home. Wildlife can not only do physical damage to your structure, but they can also carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis, rabies, salmonella, and more. It’s important to understand the dangers of wildlife so you know when action is needed.
What are the different types of wildlife?
There are many different types of wildlife, but the kind that is most likely to have an effect on our daily lives can be broken down into three categories:
Large mammals
Large mammals can include anything from deer and moose to wolves and bears. These animals are less likely to cause problems for your home and typically keep their distance from areas that are largely populated by humans.
Small mammals
Small mammals cause the most problems for homeowners due to their ability to find their way into your living area or cause damage outside. When it gets cold, wildlife like skunks, raccoons, and possums try and get indoors for warmth. They’ll invade your crawl spaces, attic, and other storage areas which makes them difficult to spot at first. Signs of wildlife in your home include unpleasant odors, damage to structure or insulation, and scratching or scurrying coming from your walls. Once you notice one or more of these signs it’s best to call your local experts for help.
Birds
Birds cause problems in similar ways to small mammals. They’ll find their way into your home and often nest in hard-to-reach places. Birds in your house can cause unwanted problems and even health risks. Their feces can promote mold growth and contain pathogens that produce harmful diseases. Not only is the feces itself a problem, but it can also attract other pests that worsen the problem. Birds are often harmless in nature, but once they’re in your home it’s time to let the experts handle them.