Keep Wildlife in the Wild, Not in Your Home

Nov 18, 2013 | Uncategorized

Animals looking for winter shelter find human homes a little too appealing

raccoon

Watching from your kitchen as squirrels and other wildlife run around the back yard can be amusing, but finding these animals frantically scurrying in your attic or garage is anything but funny. Northwest Exterminating wants to remind homeowners to be aware that all kinds of nuisance critters are looking to stay warm this season and may try to gain access to the home.

Finding any wildlife in your home can be an unpleasant experience. It is important to remember that these animals are wild and shouldn’t be handled without the help of a professional animal removal company. In fact, they can bite, claw or scratch if they feel threatened and you don’t know if they are harboring a disease.

Homeowners should do a careful check along the outside of the home to close up any gaps or entry points. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips to specifically keep nuisance wildlife in the great outdoors where they belong:

• Seal any cracks or crevices with caulk and steel wool, and pay special attention to holes in the structure that lead to dark secluded areas, like attics and belfries.
• Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys.
• Install door sweeps.
• Repair any loose siding or shingles.
• Store trashcans and recycling bins indoors, or in sealed areas such as a locked shed or outhouse. If trashcans are kept outdoors, use animal-proof lids.
• Bring pet food dishes inside at night to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Keep tree limbs cut back at least six to eight feet from the roofline.

For more information on wildlife animal removal and how to protect your home, visit www.callnorthwest.com.

Source: PPMA