Common Indiana Wildlife That Can Damage Your Property

There are various types of wild animals capable of damaging our homes, lawns, gardens, and more; however, in residential areas, there is a more specific group to watch out for, especially in Indiana. Animals such as pigeons, moles, rabbits, raccoons, bats, and snakes are popular deviants that trespass onto our properties and leave behind costly messes.

Continue reading to learn about each species and the damages they are known to inflict on residential properties in Indianapolis, IN.

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

Most Common Wild Animals That Can Damage Your House and Yard

Raccoons

Raccoons are among the most intelligent North American mammals found in forested and wooded residential areas. They are very clever and can use their highly dexterous paws to open doors, dig through trash, climb rooftops, and more.  Raccoons are nocturnal as well, meaning they rest during the day and stay active at night. They feed on anything, from small invertebrates and insects to outdoor dog food! 

Raccoons are known to gain access into homes and tear up attic and crawl spaces. They use these areas during the cold seasons for protection against the weather and to breed their young.  This can create a very expensive mess to clean up and restore. Raccoons can saturate and contaminate dry wall and wood beams with urine and droppings.

These droppings also contain harmful agents that can cause disease and illness in humans and pets. They can also chew through electrical wiring, rip off roof shingles, and much more.  Raccoons are a problem that should be dealt with immediately to avoid costly repairs and renovations.

Bats

Bats are just the same as raccoons. They are nocturnal and do all their dirty work while we are fast asleep. They are so tiny that they can find access inside our homes through the smallest of crevices. Roof shingles can be slipped in to, as well as, cracked windows, loose siding, garages, barns, tree houses, and storage sheds. They seek out shelter for breeding, mating, and feeding purposes.

Bats are significant and useful mammals to have around in the summer because they can consume around 100 insects in one hour. This is great bug control! On the other hand, we do not want them damaging our homes, which is just another example of a problem that has to be handled immediately before more and more damage accrues.

Pigeons

Pigeons are simply messy. They commonly flock in large numbers; and when they choose to use your rooftop as a resting point, let’s just say they can paint the roof a matte white once they’re through.  Pigeon cleanup services are readily available, so there is no need to fret about the mess. Also, there really is no way to refrain pigeons from using your house as a toilet. Try to reduce any elements that may be attracting birds to your property or call a professional Indianapolis IN wildlife removal company for advice.

Snakes

Snakes can become a threat to small children or pets on your property. If you are spotting snakes frequently, it may be time to take some action.  Snakes can also negatively affect gardens, flower patches, and landscaping; so, it is recommended to get rid of them fast. There are various snake repellents on the market that seem to work quite well. If you are not a do-it-yourself kind of person, a professional Indiana wildlife control contractor is happy to oblige.

Moles, Rabbits, Chipmunks, and Squirrels

Moles, rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels are all small and furry, but they can leave a bad impression on lawn and garden lovers. These small critters like to burrow, dig, eat, and steal in gardens and lawns. Flowers, mulch patches, fruits, vegetables, and fresh lain sod are all at risk if these animals are frequent visitors to your lawn. Again, trust a professional that retains the proper equipment and knowledge to capture and release these animals so that they are no longer a bother to you.

If you are dealing with nuisance animals on or around your property or have discovered an infestation of bats or raccoons in the attic, act now. Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for prompt and professional 24 hour critter control in Indianapolis, Indiana for bats, raccoons, squirrels, birds, and more.

Related Posts:

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Removal and Control
How to Tell if You Have Nuisance Animal Problems
How to Safely Get Rid of a Dead Animal on Your Property

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

Is it a Bad Idea to Feed Local Wildlife in Winter?

Animals are cute. It is hard to resist the temptation to feed your backyard squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and more, especially in the wintertime when their food supplies are drastically diminished. But, beware; there is a downside to feeding local wildlife on your property, and it can really cost you.

Continue reading to learn why it’s a bad idea to feed the local wildlife around your property in the winter, plus who to call if it’s a little too late, and you already have a nuisance critter problem on your hands!

Wildlife Removal Company Indianapolis IN 317-847-6409
Wildlife Removal Company Indianapolis IN 317-847-6409

Why You Should Avoid Backyard Feedings

The animals are you feeding in your backyard are the same animals that become costly and invasive nuisances for other property owners dealing with wildlife tampering and intrusions. They start off cute and entertaining, but in large numbers, they can be massively destructive, plus pose certain health and safety threats to both people and pets. When you feed animals on your property, you are giving them an open invitation. Do not think that these squirrels and rabbits are clueless; they know exactly what they are doing and where opportunity lies. Years of living in urban environments have taught them these skills.

An open invitation to local wildlife says, “come to my property and do what you like.” This will teach local wildlife like squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, rabbits, birds that your house is a guaranteed spot for food. Eventually, they will want to live closer to their prime food source and begin looking for shelter in and around your property. Attic infestations are common, especially with raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, all of which are excellent climbers.

Nuisance Critters Can Cause a Lot of Destruction

Wildlife can find shelter outside of your home or inside, depending on the available access. Raccoons are blessed with human-like paws that allow them to grasp, grip, rip, and pull, giving them easier access through doors and windows. They will also peel through old roof shingles and access attics spaces.

Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds often access interior areas of homes and buildings through the chimney. They can also enter through roof and attic vents, torn screens, and vulnerable areas in the roof and siding. Aside from attics, wall voids and crawl spaces are common nesting spots for squirrels and chipmunks.

Once animals have access, they can generate a lot of waste and even more structural damage. These damages can be unhygienic and hazardous, plus they can be very costly and invasive to repair. Fortunately, there should be professional animal damage cleanup and repair services available in your community.

Health Hazards and More

Structural damages are one thing, but nuisance wildlife can also pose several other threats, like disease, pest outbreaks, and more. Animals like raccoons, birds, and squirrels are known carriers of several infectious diseases that can affect people and pets, like Rabies, Distemper, roundworm, and more. Additionally, they can spread third-party pests, like mites, fleas, ticks, lice, and other parasites.

✨🌰 There are safe ways to feed wildlife at home, which we will discuss in more detail in our upcoming blog! Stay tuned!

Are you concerned that nuisance animals are getting too close after feeding them for too long? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for professional and humane animal trapping and removal services at the most competitive prices in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients, and a wide range of local wildlife.

Related Posts:

How to Tell if You Have Nuisance Animal Problems
How to Protect Bird Feeders From Hungry Squirrels
How to Safely Get Rid of a Dead Animal on Your Property

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