Encounters with wildlife on your property can be both frustrating and concerning, but it’s important to remember that these animals can pose a threat to human safety and property, so removal is often essential.
However, whether you’re dealing with squirrels in your attic, raccoons in your garbage, or any other type of wildlife infestation, it’s important to approach the situation with caution and care.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of wildlife removal, including the importance of:
- Working with a licensed professional
- Identifying the type of wildlife
- Removing food sources
- Sealing off entry points
- Perform ongoing maintenance
We’ll also explore why it’s important to avoid:
- Attempting to remove wildlife on your own
- Using poisons
- Relocating animals
- Ignoring the problem
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can protect both your property and the animals that inhabit your surroundings.
Do’s of Wildlife Removal
Contact a Licensed Wildlife Removal Professional
Attempting to remove wildlife on your own can be dangerous and inhumane. You should always contact a wildlife removal professional for safety reasons. They are trained and equipped to handle animals in a humane way and can ensure the safety of both you and the animal.
Professionals have the knowledge and experience to:
- Assess the situation
- Identify the type of animal
- Determine the best method for the removal
They also have the proper equipment and can take steps to prevent future infestations. Attempting to remove wildlife on your own can result in injuries, property damage, or even legal consequences, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
If you are searching for a wildlife removal service, reach out to our team at Covenant Wildlife! We specialize in squirrels, raccoons, bats, rats, mice, and all other rodent removal services in Jefferson County, Shelby County, Hoover, Trussville, and Birmingham, Alabama area. Call us at 205-651-1547 or contact us online.
Identify the Type of Wildlife and Their Behavior
It’s important to identify the type of wildlife you’re dealing with, as different animals have different behaviors and require different methods for removal.
For example, squirrels may require exclusion techniques to prevent them from entering your home, while raccoons may require trapping and relocation.
Understanding the behavior of the animal can also help you and the professional determine the best course of action for removal.
For example, if a mother animal is caring for its young, it may be best to wait until the young are old enough to be independent before attempting removal. Oftentimes, animals are very protective over their young which can make them more dangerous during removal.
When you take the time to learn about the animal and its behavior, you can work with the professional to develop a plan that is effective, humane, and safe.
Remove Potential Food Sources
Wildlife may be attracted to your property because of nearby food sources.
To prevent this, make sure to remove any pet food, bird feeders, or garbage that may attract them. This will not only discourage the animals from coming onto your property, but it will also make it easier for the professional to remove them.
Once the animals have been removed, it’s important to continue to remove and refrain from providing any potential food sources to prevent future infestations.
Seal Off Potential Entry Points
Once the wildlife is removed, make sure to seal off any entry points they may have used to gain access to your property. This can include:
- Gaps in your roof
- Cracks in your foundation
- Openings in your chimney
By sealing off these entry points, you can prevent future infestations and protect your property from damage.
When you work with a professional wildlife removal service, they can identify and seal these entry points for you, ensuring that your property is protected.
Perform Ongoing Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is an important part of wildlife removal because it helps prevent future infestations. Once you’ve successfully removed wildlife from your property, it’s important to take steps to make sure they don’t come back.
As we mentioned, one of the most important things you can do is to keep your property clean and free of potential food sources. This includes:
- Making sure garbage cans are secure
- Cleaning up any fallen fruit or seeds from trees
- Keeping bird feeders and pet food dishes indoors
Wildlife is often attracted to easy sources of food, so by removing these sources, you can help prevent future infestations.
Again, you should also seal off any entry points that animals may use to access your home. This may include:
- Repairing damaged siding
- Filling in gaps around pipes and vents
- Installing screens over open windows and doors
By sealing off these entry points, you can help prevent animals from getting into your home in the first place.
Finally, it’s important to perform regular maintenance tasks to keep your property in good condition. This includes:
- Cleaning gutters
- Trimming trees and bushes
- Removing any potential hiding spots for wildlife
By keeping your property well-maintained, you can make it less attractive to animals and help prevent future infestations.
Don’ts of Wildlife Removal
Don’t Attempt Wildlife Removal on Your Own
As we mentioned at the start of the blog, removing wildlife on your own can be dangerous and inhumane. Animals can be unpredictable and can pose a threat to your safety, as well as their own.
Attempting to remove an animal without the proper training and equipment can result in injuries or property damage.
Additionally, some animals are protected by law, and attempting to remove them can result in legal consequences. With a variety of unknowns, it’s best to leave wildlife removal to the professionals who are trained and equipped to handle these animals.
Again, if you are searching for a wildlife removal professional, give our team at Covenant Wildlife a call at 205-651-1547 or contact us online.
Don’t Use Poisons
Using poisons to remove wildlife is not only inhumane, but it can also harm other animals in the environment.
Poisons typically cause a slow and painful death for the animal and can harm other animals that come into contact with the poisoned animal or the poison itself. This leads to unintentional wildlife deaths.
It’s also worth noting that poisons may not be effective in removing the entire infestation, as some animals may learn to avoid the poisoned area.
One final reason to avoid poison is that many states have laws that regulate the use of poisons for wildlife removal. If you use the poisons illegally, it can result in consequences.
Don’t Relocate Wildlife
Relocating wildlife can be stressful for the animal and may not be a sustainable solution.
Many times, animals struggle with adapting to a new environment after they’ve been relocated. They may not be able to find suitable habitats, food, or water in their new location, which can lead to starvation or dehydration.
Additionally, relocated animals may not be able to compete with other animals for resources, leading to further stress and potential harm to the animal.
Relocating animals can also spread diseases to new areas or introduce new predators, which can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
In many cases, it is more effective and humane to work with a professional wildlife removal service to remove the animals and prevent future infestations. They will have the insight to do it properly and without harm to the animal or the environment.
Don’t Ignore the Problem
Ignoring a wildlife infestation can lead to property damage and can even pose a threat to human safety.
Animals can cause damage to your property by:
- Chewing on wires or insulation
- Creating nests
- Leaving droppings
Additionally, some animals, such as raccoons or bats, can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Ignoring the problem can also lead to a larger infestation, which can be more difficult and expensive to remove.
By addressing the issue as soon as possible and working with a professional wildlife removal service, you can protect your property and ensure the safety of both you and the animals.
Make the Right Choices for a Safe Wildlife Removal
Wildlife removal requires careful consideration and attention to the needs of both humans and animals.
By following the do’s and don’ts of wildlife removal, you can ensure the safe and humane removal of animals from your property while protecting your property and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Remember to:
- Work with licensed professionals
- Identify the type of wildlife you’re dealing with
- Remove food sources
- Seal off entry points
- Perform ongoing maintenance
Remember to avoid:
- Attempting removal on your own
- Using poisons
- Relocating animals
- Ignoring the problem
By taking these steps, you can create a safe and peaceful coexistence with the wildlife in your community.
If you are searching for a wildlife removal service in your area, consider Covenant Wildlife. We effectively deal with the safe and humane trapping, removal, control, capture, and exclusion of nuisance wildlife. We also create preventive repairs to reduce reoccurring wildlife on your property and the resolution of human/wildlife conflicts.
Our commitment is to help you or your business handle wildlife conflicts with a humane, effective, and safe approach.
We look forward to serving you and our community for years to come with Birmingham, Alabama wildlife removal. Call us at 205-651-1547 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
