How To Deal With Wildlife Damage

Assumption: It's frustrating to see the damage caused by wildlife in your garden. Are you looking for ways to deal with such damage? Don't worry, in this article, we'll help you understand the types of wildlife damage and provide you with tips on how to deal with them.

Understanding the Types of Wildlife Damage

Wildlife damage can occur in different ways and can vary from one species to another. It's essential to understand the types of damage caused by wildlife to be able to develop effective control strategies. Below are some common types of wildlife damage you may encounter:

1. Feeding damage: Some wildlife may cause damage to plants by feeding on them. For example, deer may eat the buds and leaves, rabbits may chew on the bark, and birds may peck on the fruit. Feeding damage can reduce plant growth and yield, and may even kill the plant in extreme cases.
2. Burrowing damage: Some wildlife may burrow underground, causing damage to plant roots or causing soil erosion. For instance, moles may create tunnels underground and uproot plants. Gophers and groundhogs may feed on plant roots, affecting the plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.
3. Trampling damage: Larger animals such as deer and elk may cause damage by trampling on the plants. This can result in broken stems, crushed leaves, and uprooting, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
4. Structural damage: Wildlife may damage garden structures, such as fences and bird feeders, while trying to gain access to food or shelter.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of wildlife damage, let's explore some techniques you can use to deal with them.

Prevention Techniques to Minimize Wildlife Damage

Preventing wildlife damage is always better than having to deal with it. It not only saves you from the headache of repairs and man-hours but also keeps the wildlife safe. Here are some preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of wildlife damage:

1. Secure the trash cans: Trash cans are an easy target for animals that are scavengers. Raccoons, skunks, and bears can easily break into a trash can and make a mess. To prevent this, use metal or hard plastic cans that have locking lids or bungee cords to secure the lid. You can also put trash cans in closed garages or sheds until it's time for pickup.
2. Fence the garden and yards: If you have a garden, a fence is an excellent way to keep animals out. Choose a fence that is at least four feet tall and buried a few inches into the ground. Make sure there are no gaps or spaces between the fences boards that an animal can squeeze through. A fence can also be used to enclose the backyard to keep out larger animals like deer and coyotes.
3. Use repellents: Wildlife repellents come in different forms and work differently for different animals. Natural repellents like predator urine or hot pepper spray can discourage deer, rabbits, and rodents. Electronic repellent devices that emit high-frequency sounds are effective for smaller animals like raccoons and mice. Ultrasonic devices are also available that use flashing lights and loud noises to scare off animals.
4. Seal the entry points: If you see animals getting inside your home, take the initiative to seal entry points. These are usually small openings and gaps that animals can squeeze through like cracks around windows or doors, chimneys, vents, or holes in the roof eaves. Use caulking, mesh, or weatherstripping to seal the gaps to prevent animals from getting inside.
5. Keep the natural food sources away: If you have fruit trees, bird feeders, or pet feeding stations, make sure that they are located far away from the house. If they are within the animal's reach, they will likely come back for more food and may even start to enter the home. Also, clean up the remains of fruits and seeds, and spilled pet food to avoid attracting animals.

Prevention is always better than cure. Taking measures to prevent wildlife damage can save you time and money while keeping the animals safe. If wildlife damage still occurs, call a wildlife control service to help you out.

Non-Lethal Control Methods for Wildlife Damage

If you are experiencing wildlife damage, there are several non-lethal control methods that you can use to deter animals from your property. Non-lethal control methods are a humane way to manage wildlife while protecting your property, as they do not involve killing the animals.

1. Habitat Modification: One of the most effective non-lethal control methods is habitat modification. This involves changing the environment to make it less attractive to wildlife. For example, removing sources of food and water, or installing fencing around gardens.
2. Repellents: Repellents are a quick and easy way to discourage wildlife from entering your property. They come in many forms, such as sprays, granules, and electronic devices. They work by emitting a scent or sound that animals find unpleasant.
3. Exclusion: Exclusion involves blocking off areas that animals are using to gain access to your property. For example, sealing up holes in the walls or roof to prevent rodents from entering your home.
4. Trapping and Relocating: Another non-lethal control method is trapping and relocating animals. This method involves capturing an animal and moving it to a different location. However, this method can be risky and should only be attempted by professionals, as relocating animals can cause stress and increase the risk of disease transmission.
5. Scare Tactics: Scare tactics involve using devices or practices to scare animals away from your property. For example, motion-activated sprinklers or loud noises. While scare tactics can be effective, it is important to use them in conjunction with other control methods.

It is important to remember that non-lethal control methods may not be effective for all types of wildlife or situations. If you are dealing with a particularly persistent animal or if the damage is severe, it may be necessary to contact a professional wildlife control service for assistance.

Legal Considerations for Dealing with Wildlife Damage

While dealing with wildlife damage can be frustrating, it's important to note that certain laws protect wildlife. Understanding these legal considerations can help you avoid legal trouble while addressing your wildlife damage problems.

1. State and Federal Laws: In the United States, both state and federal laws protect wildlife. These laws vary based on the species of animal, the type of damage caused, and the location of the damage. It is important to research the laws that apply to your specific situation to avoid violating any laws.
2. Licenses and Permits: Depending on the specific circumstances, dealing with wildlife damage may require a license or permit. For example, killing certain animals may require a hunting or trapping license. Similarly, removing wildlife from your property may require a permit from your state's wildlife agency.
3. Humane Treatment: Most states have laws that require wildlife to be treated humanely. This means that you cannot cause unnecessary harm or suffering to the animals while dealing with damage. For example, using certain types of traps may be illegal if they cause undue suffering.
4. Liability: If you take action to deal with wildlife damage without following the proper legal protocol, you may be held liable for any harm caused. For example, setting out poison to kill wildlife could harm other animals or even pets in the area.

It is important to keep these legal considerations in mind when dealing with wildlife damage. If you are unsure of the laws in your area or how to address your specific situation, consider consulting with a professional wildlife removal company or your state's wildlife agency.

Hiring Professional Wildlife Control Services

If the wildlife invasion in your property seems to be getting out of hand, it may be time to hire professional wildlife control services. These professionals are trained and experienced in dealing with different types of wildlife, and they have the right tools and techniques to safely and effectively remove them from your property.

Here are some reasons why hiring professional wildlife control services may be necessary:

1. Safety concerns: Wild animals can be dangerous, especially when they feel threatened or cornered. Attempting to remove them on your own can lead to injuries or even death. Professional wildlife control services know how to handle these animals safely and prevent potential harm to you, your family, and your pets.
2. Effective removal: Wildlife control services have the right equipment and techniques to effectively and efficiently remove the animals from your property. They also know how to prevent future infestations by identifying and sealing entry points.
3. Humane treatment: Professional wildlife control services prioritize humane treatment of the animals they remove. They use methods that do not harm the animals, and they release them safely back into the wild.
4. Legal compliance: Some wildlife species are protected by law, and attempting to remove them on your own can result in fines and legal trouble. Professional wildlife control services are knowledgeable about the laws surrounding wildlife removal and ensure that they operate within legal boundaries.
5. Prevent property damage: Wildlife infestations can cause significant damage to your property, including chewing through wires, insulation, and wood. Professional wildlife control services can identify and prevent potential damage while safely removing the animals.
6. Peace of mind: Hiring professional wildlife control services gives you peace of mind knowing that the problem is being handled by experts. You can focus on your daily life without worrying about the safety of your family or property.

When looking for professional wildlife control services, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable company with experience in removing the specific type of wildlife on your property. Ask for references and read reviews from previous customers to ensure that you are hiring a trusted professional.

Tips for Safe and Humane Removal of Wildlife from Your Property

While wildlife can be a fascinating sight to behold in nature, it can be harmful and destructive to have them in your property. Therefore, if they become a problem, you must remove them safely and humanely. Here are some tips:

1. Identify the Wildlife Species

Identifying the species of the animal you are dealing with is essential in ensuring its safe and humane removal. Research and learn about the animal’s characteristics and habits. The information will help you come up with the best way to remove it without causing harm.

2. Use Humane Traps

Humane traps are useful in capturing wildlife without injuring or killing them. Place the trap in an area where the animal has been spotted and add some food as bait. Once the animal has been caught, relocate it to a safer environment that is far away from your property.

3. Use Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear when dealing with wildlife is essential. Make sure you wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from bites or scratches that the animals could inflict.

4. Avoid Using Lethal Methods

Using lethal methods to remove wildlife should always be the last resort. These methods can cause harm to innocent creatures and can cause harm to humans as well. Instead, opt for more humane solutions that are safer and ethical.

5. Involve Professionals

If you are uncertain about how to remove an animal safely, it is recommended that you involve animal control professionals. They are equipped to handle wildlife in the safest and most humane ways possible.

6. Prevent Future Wildlife Incursions

Taking steps to prevent future wildlife incursions will save you the hassle of having to deal with them again. Seal cracks and holes on walls, replace old screens and doors, and keep your property clean and tidy.

Removing wildlife from your property should be done with safety and humane treatment in mind. It is important to be aware that these creatures play an essential role in the ecosystem, and we need to protect them. Following these tips will help you achieve the best result for both wildlife and your property.