Wildlife Removal

Skunks

Skunks are omnivorous mammals that are particularly attracted to areas with plentiful food sources, such as garbage, pet food, compost piles, and even birdseed. These nocturnal creatures forage for food at night, often tipping over trash bins and raiding gardens. Skunks dig up lawns in search of grubs and insects, leaving behind unsightly holes. The primary danger they pose is their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism, which can be extremely difficult to remove from clothes and pets. This spray can cause temporary blindness and severe discomfort. Additionally, they are known carriers of rabies and other diseases like leptospirosis, posing a serious health risk to both humans and pets. They can also carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest homes and cause further health issues.

Squirrels

Squirrels are highly adaptable rodents that are often attracted to bird feeders, gardens, and accessible attics. They are skilled climbers and can infiltrate homes through small openings, seeking shelter and food. Squirrels are notorious for their destructive behavior; they gnaw on electrical wires, which can lead to fire hazards, and they chew through wood, insulation, and other building materials to create nests. They store food in attics and walls, leading to unpleasant odors and potential mold growth. Their droppings can accumulate and pose health risks, contributing to the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella. Squirrels can also bring fleas and ticks into homes, which can affect both pets and humans. In gardens, they can cause significant damage by digging up bulbs and eating fruits and vegetables.

Raccoons

Raccoons are highly intelligent and dexterous animals that are drawn to trash cans, pet food, and gardens. Their nimble paws allow them to open containers, doors, and even garage doors, making it easy for them to access food and shelter. They are known for their ability to enter attics, basements, and crawl spaces, where they can cause extensive damage. They tear insulation, chew electrical wires, and create nests, leading to structural damage. Raccoons can be aggressive when cornered, posing a threat to pets and humans. They are common carriers of rabies, roundworms, and other diseases such as leptospirosis. Additionally, they can transmit parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Their droppings can contaminate water sources and soil, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Raccoons can also raid gardens, eating fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

Opossums

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials that are attracted to easy food sources like pet food, garbage, and fallen fruit. They are scavengers and often raid trash bins and compost heaps in search of food. While generally not aggressive, they can bite if they feel threatened, and their sharp teeth can cause injury. Opossums can spread diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and tularemia, posing a risk to humans and pets. Their presence in gardens and near homes can lead to contamination of food sources with their droppings, further increasing the risk of disease transmission. Opossums are also known to carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest homes and pets. In addition to scavenging, opossums can damage gardens by eating fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They may also take refuge in attics, sheds, and under decks, where they can create nests and cause structural damage.