How Bad Weather Might Increase Nuisance Wildlife Problems

Here in Central Indiana, stormy weather is upon us. All day and well into the evening, most of us will be inside our cozy homes, safe from the harsh rain and chilling winds. As for the animals outdoors, they don’t have such luxuries available to them. Instead, they utilize whatever resources and shelter they can find, even if this means their own yards.

Continue reading to learn how this bad weather might increase your nuisance wildlife problems around your home, as well as what you can do to better protect your property against wildlife tampering and intrusion.

Critter Control Company Indianapolis IN 317-847-6409
Critter Control Company Indianapolis IN 317-847-6409

Animal Behaviors Change in Inclement Weather

When it rains or storms outside, you might notice your dog or cat hiding under the bed or underneath the blanket. Even when you’re out in the world on a rainy day, it is common to catch a dog or cat taking shelter underneath the park bench or thick tree canopy for a reprieve from the weather.

Animal behaviors change when the weather changes, whether the weather change is ambient or not. Even we change our behaviors when the weather turns, like pulling our jackets overhead in the middle of the sudden rainfall or warming our cars up before taking off in wintry weather.

So, you can begin to understand why animals can become more of a nuisance when the weather gets worse. Just like us, they want a safe and warm place to rest while they wait out the storm or upcoming winter season.

Animals are Looking for Shelter and Food

Just before and during a rainstorm, local wildlife populations will begin their hunt for safe and warm shelter. These shelters often turn out to be hollowed trees, patios, attics, porches, sheds, barns, tree houses, jungle gyms, log piles, and even your cars, or worse, your attic. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, birds, and bats typically go for the higher points like attics and roofs. raccoons and squirrels are excellent climbers and can easily access rooftops, while bats and birds can fly. Other critters, like snakes, rabbits, foxes, skunks, opossums, and even coyotes will search everywhere they can for grounded shelters, because these are within their realm of accessibility.

Storms, especially harsh storms or ones that last for several days, tend to wipe out a lot of the local wildlife food sources. Water pooling, flooding, and high moisture levels can all contribute to a lack of food availability for animals. Food supplies are also greatly affected in the winter season, which is why wildlife infestations are so common this time of year. Once the storms or inclement weather has passed, animals will go out to look for food, which many times tends to be residential areas.

Animals like raccoons, skunks, and opossums will dig up lawns for grubs, plunder gardens, thieve pet food, and raid garbage cans. Other animals, like gophers, moles, rabbits, voles, beavers, and muskrats can chew everything up in sight, including your beloved landscaping trees and shrubbery. Predators, like coyotes, hawks, vultures, and foxes will go on the hunt for small animals or might even attack small pets. And snakes can attract other nuisance wildlife.

Animal-Proofing Works

If you live near wooded or forested areas, or near a large body of water, you need a solid animal-proofing plan in place. In times of bad weather, you can feel better protected against animal tampering and intrusions, especially in the winter. Talk to your local and trusted wildlife control company in Indianapolis for advice on how to implement these strategies and more.

Are you ready to get rid of nuisance animal problems with some professional assistance you can trust? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective critter control in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial clients, too!

Related Posts:

Nuisance Animals to Watch Out for in Indiana
Learn Why Nuisance Animals are Attracted to Your Property
4 Nuisance Animals to Watch Out For in Winter

Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana

Will the Color Red Scare Squirrels Away?

The color red has so many meanings and applications depending on the context. As for nuisance squirrels, it may be useful for safe and humane wildlife abatement. You see, there is a theory that squirrels are afraid of the color red, and therefore, steer clear of anything resembling the crimson hue. Whether or not this theory is actually true has not been thoroughly investigated, however several home and property owners swear by the method!

If you are dealing with a population of bothersome squirrels on your property, continue reading to learn if the color red will scare them away, as well as some verified squirrel control strategies that will help you resolve your nuisance wildlife problem.

Critter Control Squirrels Indianapolis IN 317-847-6409
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are Enemies to Squirrels!

Squirrels Do Not Like Woodpeckers

Where did the theory of squirrels being afraid of red colors come from? Well, there have been several studies done on the subject, and many rendered results that suggest squirrels do not like red. It is thought that squirrels do not like red because it is the primary color of their number one enemy, the Red-Headed Woodpecker. Squirrels do not like these common Indiana birds and will avoid them at all costs because they compete over territories. Researchers, scientists, and industry professionals have noticed this trait, which is where the theory may originate.

Although studies support the theory, it is not one that is scientifically proven nor confirmed. If you would like to try it out yourself, consider adding pops of red around your property, such as bird feeders, flowers, flowerpots, and outdoor furniture pillows.

Proven Methods of Squirrel Control

Environmental Modification – Environmental modification refers to making changes around your property that support squirrel interest and attraction. Things like bird feeders, bird feed, overgrown tree branches, easily accessible areas of shelter (log piles, hollowed trees, bird houses, etc.), and potted plants are common things that attract nuisance squirrels. By removing or obstructing these attractions, you can better abate nuisance squirrel activity around your property.

Bird Feeder Baffles – If nuisance squirrels are pillaging your bird feeders, there are several methods you can apply to keep them from accessing the feed. Baffles are one of the most effective wildlife abatement devices you can install directly onto bird feeder poles to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed. You can also cover your bird feeder pole with PVC pipe and make it extra slippery for squirrels to climb.

Tree Trimming – Squirrels are excellent climbers and will use overgrown tree limbs and branches to access roofs, vents, and gutter systems. In fact, long tree branches are often the bridge to squirrels in the attic and similar in interior infestations. It is important to have your trees trimmed annually if they are close to your house or building. This will prevent squirrels from having access to the roof areas.

Animal Repellent – You can make your own nontoxic animal repellent by combining water with ingredients that squirrels do not like. Squirrels, like most living creatures, are sensitive to certain sensations and odors. Ingredients like menthol,eucalyptus, spearmint, hot pepper, and even cinnamon and nutmeg can keep certain critters away simply because they don’t like the way they smell or the sensations they cause.

For your first homemade animal repellent, combine water with cayenne pepper and menthol into a spray bottle and apply it around the perimeter of your property or in areas where you notice heightened squirrel activity. Just be sure to keep children and pets away, as the sensations can bother their nose, throat, and eyes.

Professional Wildlife Abatement – When it seems like nothing will put an end to your nuisance squirrel problem, it is necessary to hire a local Indianapolis IN wildlife removal company for effective squirrel control and animal-proofing services. They have the proper training, tools, and permits to provide safe squirrel trapping service in a convenient time frame.

Are you dealing with a nuisance squirrel problem that you wish to resolve before the year’s end? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to get affordable critter control for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential properties.

Related Posts:

How to Protect Bird Feeders From Hungry Squirrels
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Control
Learn Why Nuisance Animals are Attracted to Your Property

Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana