Wildlife

What are wildlife pests?

“Wildlife” is a word used to describe wild animals. Wildlife includes all wild animals that are found living outdoors in nature. Over time our habitats have merged together with the habitats of many wild animals; animals have learned to successfully live near people. Many species of wild animals have even come to somewhat rely on people and our property for sources of food, water, and shelter. In Texarkana and throughout Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas raccoons, squirrels, and opossums are species of wildlife that invade and damage properties & homes.

Raccoons
Nocturnal mammals, raccoons are most often identified by a dark black “mask” of fur that covers their eyes. Raccoons are about the size of a house cat and have a stocky body. Their body is covered in dense fur that is salt and pepper in color and they have a tail that is ringed in gray & black fur.

Opossums
The only species of marsupial found living in the United States, opossums have long narrow faces covered in fur that is lighter in color than the rest of their bodies. Their bodies are covered in whitish-gray fur and are sprinkled with long guard hairs. Opossums have a prehensile (capable of gripping) hairless tail.

Squirrels
The tree squirrel is one of the most common species of squirrel found in our part of the country. Tree squirrels can be whitish gray, yellowish, red or brown in color and their bellies are usually lighter in color than the rest of their bodies. These squirrels have distinct long bushy tails.

Are wildlife dangerous?

Wild animals have the potential to be dangerous to both people and property. Wild animals want to stay away from people and have a natural fear of us. If wild animals find their way into your home and feel threatened they won’t hesitate to defend themselves by biting or scratching. Wild animals have the potential to carry and spread many diseases including rabies through their saliva (rabies), urine and feces.
 
Wildlife living outside can cause a lot of damage in and around homes. They burrow under foundations, sheds, and garages; they can damage lawns, gardens, and trees, and create daily messes by digging through trashcans and compost bins.
 
When living in your home wildlife can cause structural damages by chewing through wires, pipes, insulation, and other utilities. Their destructive behaviors can cause fires and water damage. They will also contaminate homes and food sources with their urine and feces, and destroy personal property like shoes, clothing, furniture, pictures, storage boxes and more.

Why do I have a wildlife problem?

Wild animals are attracted to properties that offer them food, water, and shelter. Wildlife often forage for food in places like gardens, around fruit trees, birds feeders, compost piles, trash cans, grill areas, and your pet’s food bowl. Once wild animals feel comfortable on your property, it is only a matter of time before they find their way inside of your home to forage for food and a temperature controlled environment to nest in.

Where will I find wildlife?

Raccoons like to live near wooded areas and areas that are near water sources like rivers, ponds & lakes, but have adapted to live in urban, suburban, or rural environments. Squirrels are found living in trees. Opossums in the wild prefer to live in wooded areas with nearby streams or swamps.

When raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and other wild animals find their way into homes they take up residence inside and nest behind walls, inside of attics, in basements, in the chimney, and inside of crawl spaces.

How do I get rid of wildlife pests?

To control and eliminate wildlife from your home or business, contact Pest-Pro Services, Inc.  Serving Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas since 2010, our team of pest control professionals have the knowledge and tools necessary to evict wildlife that have become a problem. 

To learn more about our wildlife control services or to schedule your free inspection, please contact us today!

How can I prevent wildlife problems?

There are things that you can do around your home and property to make it less attractive to wildlife. We recommend implementing the follow prevention tips:

• Place wire mesh around decks, sheds, and similar structures to prevent animals from burrowing underneath.

• Cut back tree branches from the exterior of your home.

• Pick-up uneaten pet food. 

• Make sure that outdoor garbage cans have locking lids.

• Remove bird and other wild animal feeders from your property.

• Remove wood piles, rock piles, and other piles of debris from your property. 

• Repair any loose window screens.

• Fix holes along the roofline, at roof intersections, and any other large opening leading into your home.

• Install chimney caps.