There’s a sense of pride that comes along with completing do-it-yourself tasks, which may be why many people try to tackle repairs or household maintenance on their own. But fixing a running toilet and dealing with wildlife home invasions aren't the same.
There’s a sense of pride that comes along with completing do-it-yourself tasks, which may be why many people try to tackle repairs or household maintenance on their own. But fixing a running toilet and dealing with wildlife home invasions are two entirely different matters.
When it comes to problems with nuisance wildlife like birds, skunks, raccoons and squirrels, your best bet is to rely on wildlife control professionals, such as the professionals at Terminix®. Learn more about how wildlife animal invasions can affect your home, and the reasons you should leave nuisance wildlife control to the professionals.
Problems That Nuisance Wildlife Can Cause
There is a wide array of wildlife animals living throughout the United States. Not all animals will invade your home or cause damage to your property, but many will and can, including bats, some species of birds, skunks, raccoons and opossums to name a few. The type of issues caused by wild animals will depend on which creatures have invaded your home or yard.
For example, ground squirrels can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs and foundations. They can also leave unsightly holes in your yard. Opossums and raccoons can get into your garbage or set up camp in attics and crawlspaces. Bats and birds can also nest in attics. And many of the wild animals that may invade your home can carry pathogens that may cause disease.
Effectiveness Issues When It Comes to DIY Wildlife Removal
You’ve probably heard some stories of triumph regarding DIY wildlife removal. It’s true that some home remedies or do-it-yourself methods may work given the perfect conditions. However, there are some key reasons DIYs aren’t typically effective when it comes to animal control.
- Some wildlife may move into your home to hibernate or ride out the winter, meaning you might not even know they’re inside your home until they start to stir and breed.
- While some people may sing the praises of home remedies or wildlife traps, the success of DIY wildlife control is often short lived, coincidental or even a fluke.
- Many people try to exterminate nuisance wildlife, rather than removing them from their homes, which can lead to decaying animals in the walls of the home. Obviously, that won’t smell very nice and can pose health risks to you and your family. Exterminating, trapping or removing (or any intervention for that matter) can also be illegal, as you’ll read more about further below.
Does DIY Wildlife Removal Actually Save You Money?
You might think that DIY wildlife control could help you slam some savings away. But in the long run, you could end up spending more than you would have if you had just called a professional as soon as you noticed the problem.
As some nuisance wildlife invaders are nocturnal, hibernators or just plain good at hiding, it can be difficult to determine which animal is in your home. Naturally, this can make it a lot tougher to find a solution. Additionally, you could face costly fines or legal penalties if you don’t have the proper permits or licensure.
Dangers Associated With DIY Wildlife Removal Methods
To start, wildlife animals can carry pathogens that may cause diseases in both humans and domesticated animals.
It’s also important to remember that creatures such as skunks, opossums, squirrels, birds and raccoons are wild - not the timid or wacky pals from cartoons or cute critters in viral videos. When these animals feel threatened or cornered, many of them can and will attack, which could lead to you, your family or household pets being harmed.
Finally, there are fines and legal risks associated with DIY wildlife removal. Many animals — like certain species of bats — are protected. Therefore, trying to remove them or disturb their habitat without following proper guidelines could lead to massive fines or even jail time. In addition, some states require special licenses or permits to trap or remove wild animals, while others necessitate proof that animals pose a threat to human health or safety. There are a lot of matters to navigate when it comes to wildlife animal control, which is one of the many reasons it’s a good idea to leave this feat to a professional.
The Solution to Wildlife Animal Issues
While there are many household repairs or chores you may be able handle yourself, it’s best to leave wildlife control to the experts. At Terminix, we can effectively help you remove the invaders from your home and recommend customized removal and exclusion services to help keep them from getting back inside your home. Contact Terminix for a free inspection.
