Facts About the Omnivorous Life of Raccoons

Posted on June 22, 2022 by modernwild

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders. This means they will eat almost anything, whenever and wherever they can get it. And with dexterous paws and a higher intelligence, they easily succeed at the task. Unfortunately, this style of eating brings wild raccoons to our front lines, tipping trash cans and rummaging through dumpsters in our local neighborhoods and city areas. So, what are they looking for? Well, just about anything, really.

Continue reading to explore some of the most common things raccoons eat, then use this knowledge to divert raccoon interest away from your property!

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Raccoons are Omnivores

Raccoons are omnivores, just like us! They eat the entire food table, including vegetation, meat, fish, legumes, grains, and more. Their diets reflect their surrounding environments and depend on what’s available and what’s nearby. So, they will vary from region to region, and from species to species. Raccoons will even dig up lawns in search of grubs, empty bird and squirrel feeders, steal pet food, and demolish gardens in residential and city areas!

Plant Matter

Raccoons will eat all types of fruit and vegetables, as well as, starches, legumes, and even grains. This long list includes common foods, such as grass, lettuce, melons, berries, apples, acorns, seeds, nuts, corn, potatoes, peas, cucumbers, and much more. In fact, raccoons have come to rely on corn as a staple in their diets, and really love the taste of sweet corn!

Meats

Raccoons eat an alarming selection of meat and animals. Not only will they gladly eat fast food burgers and turkey sandwiches left in the garbage, but they also commonly eat young birds, bird eggs, duck eggs, turtle eggs, turtles, fish, crayfish, rodents, frogs, snakes, salamanders, grubs, spiders, and many other insects. They will even eat garage and dead animals so long as they are still somewhat fresh.

Pet Food

Also, raccoons that live near urban and suburban areas really love dog and cat food! They are known to go to great lengths to get inside garages and outdoor sheds for a taste of puppy chow! They may even raid horse feed and livestock feed.

Raccoon Removal and Control

If you have raccoon problems, you need professional raccoon removal and control services. Contact a local wildlife control company for non-lethal and humane raccoon exclusion and preventative maintenance. They have the tools and training to safely remove raccoons and prevent their return. To get started on your own, simply remove outdoor attractions like pet food, pet bowls, bird baths, and trashcans.

Do you have a nuisance raccoon problem on your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

What to Do if You Find an Abandoned Baby Animal

Posted on June 8, 2022 by modernwild

Baby animals are simply adorable. It is no surprise that so many people gravitate toward helping or adopting stray and abandoned infant wildlife. But there is some grave responsibility, as well as a little risk, that comes along with discovering a baby animal on your property.

Continue below to learn what you should do if you find an abandoned baby animal, plus how you can protect your property from nuisance wildlife activity.

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Important Considerations in Regard to Abandoned Baby Wildlife

Whether bird, bunny, duck, or squirrel, stumbling across baby animal on your property is certainly an exciting moment. However, it is important to keep a few considerations in mind before taking any action. First, many people mistakenly assume that a loan baby animal is abandoned, when in fact the mother is simply off somewhere, looking for food or shelter.

For example, one of the most common species of wildlife taken in as pets are bunnies. It is common to find a bunny by itself because mother rabbits only visit their offspring a once a day and only for about five minutes. The remainder of the time, they are out looking for food. Other species of wildlife that sporadically visit their offspring include hares, deer, birds, and foxes. So, what appears to be an abandoned or stray baby animal may in fact be part of a nearby clan or colony.

Birds often fall out of their nests. If you find a baby bird on the ground, it is likely injured. Fox mothers will run away if startled by a predator or human and never return for their cubs. For this reason, Fox cubs are a common abandoned animal.

Steps to Take After Finding an Abandoned Baby Animal

After finding an abandoned baby animal on your property, the first thing you need to do is give it space. As mentioned, it may not be deserted. Observe the baby animal for 24 to 48 hours. After a few days, if you still see the baby animal there, you can safely assume it is abandoned.

If the baby animals are inside of a nest, do not touch it. If the animal nest is in harm’s way, you can move it a few feet, but just don’t move it too far. Many animals will desert or reject their offspring if the nest is moved too far away from its original location.

If the baby animal is noticeably injured, the rule of thumb is to simply let nature take its course. Although this can be emotionally troubling, this is how the ecosystem works. You can also contact a local Indianapolis wildlife removal company for dead animal removal services. They have the proper equipment and resources to safely discard a dead animal.

If the baby animal is not injured, and you have confirmed that it is indeed deserted, you may choose to move it on your own. Just be sure you are wearing proper protective gear and you have a plan on how to relocate the animal safely. Slowly approached the baby animal and gently scoop it into a shoe box for safe relocation.

You should never keep a stray or deserted baby animal as a pet. Not only is it inhumane, but wild animals carry dangerous infectious diseases, like Rabies. They also carry lice, mites, ticks, fleas, and several other types of parasites.

Did you just find a dead animal in your house, and you have no idea what to do next? Is the wildlife around your house causing you concern? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for critter control and dead animal removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We DO NOT work with dogs, cats, orphaned animals, injured animals, or waterfowl such as geese and ducks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skunk Smell

Posted on May 27, 2022 by modernwild

Many people are curious about skunk smell. Although beautifully-adorned with glowing white stripes atop a luscious black coat of shiny fur, these common land critters tend are pretty, but also pretty stinky! Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions about skunk smell and skunk spraying, including how to protect your property against nuisance skunks.

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Skunk Smell FAQS

Why Do Skunks Spray?

Skunks spray to defend themselves. It’s that simple. If someone or something gets too close and threatens their safety or comfort, they will stomp their feet, puff up, and lift their tails in warning. They will follow this demonstration by spraying if the threat is persistent. Curious dogs are the most common victim of skunk spraying because they do not easily give up after just a sniff or two.

How Does a Skunk Spray?

Skunks have two anal scent glands that hold the substance that generates their spray. Skunks use their anus muscles to eject the spray out of two nipple-like ejectors on both sides of their anus, below their tail. These ejectors can spray a target up to 10 feet away! But after a full discharge, it can take over a week for a skunk to regenerate their spray reserves.

Will Skunk Spray Harm Me? Will it Harm My Pet?

Skunk spray is not necessarily dangerous, and it is certainly not toxic or disease-ridden, but it is very unpleasant smelling and overwhelming. Without the right cleaning approach, it can linger on clothing, skin, and fur for weeks. Skunk spray is a chemical-based liquid that contains organic compounds known as thiols. These compounds contain sulfur, which is responsible for that tell-tale skunky smell. The most common side effects of the smell are nausea, headache, and agitation. So long as you do not approach a skunk in the wild, you should not have anything to worry about.

The only issue you have to worry about in terms of skunks and outdoor pets is how to remove skunk smell if they are ever sprayed.

How Do I Remove Skunk Smell on My Dog or Cat?

To remove skunk smell on a dog or cat, combine 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide with a ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Be sure to wear gloves when using this solution! Simply apply it as you would shampoo and use it to clean skunk smell from your pet’s fur, as well as your clothes, skin, and hair. Repeat the cleansing process multiple times until the odor is eliminated. Finish by using your pet’s regular shampoo product.

How Do I Prevent Skunk Spraying Encounters?

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of a skunk encounter if you protect your property against wildlife intrusions. Skunk trapping and removal should be carried out by a licensed and insured Indianapolis critter control company. They have the resources, training, and permits to safely remove skunks and implement proven animal-proofing strategies to get rid of skunks and keep them away for good. If you live near wooded or forested areas, or near a large body of water, you need a solid animal-proofing plan in place whether you see skunks around or not.

Are you noticing an increase in skunk activity around your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured skunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Will Beaver Dams Damage a Property?

Posted on May 12, 2022 by modernwild

Beavers are scientifically named Castor canadensis, and they are the largest rodents in North America. More specifically, they are medium semi-aquatic rodents, usually between 30 to 70 pounds, with long, sharp front teeth and paddle-like tails. Their anatomy goes hand in hand with the remarkable dams and lodges they are infamous for building. True, beaver dams and beaver lodges are truly impressive feats, but they can be highly destructive to one’s property.

If you have beaver dams in or around your property, there are a few things you need to know about protecting your grounds from nuisance beaver activity. Keep in mind that beavers have a homestead range up to 2 miles, so even a beaver population nearby can pose a threat to your property.

Continue reading to learn how a beaver dam can be damaging to a property, as well as how to get rid of nuisance beavers, safely and humanely.

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Beaver Dams Versus Beaver Lodges

A beaver lodge is different from a beaver dam. Lodges are their actual shelters. They build lodges using extraordinary engineering, ensuring a flat, sturdy floor above the water line to prevent lodge flooding. Beaver lodges can bring on just as much destruction as their dams. Beavers build dams to create a still water pond separate from the water source they obstructed. These still ponds are where they build their lodges and forage for aquatic plants and herbaceous barks.

Beaver Dam Problems

Beavers are known to cause a lot of destruction on properties with their incessant gnawing. With long, sharp teeth, they are required to sharpen them regularly, and landscaping trees and anything else made of wood are prime targets for beaver chewing. But aside from gnawing and tree girdling, beavers build dams that can be even more destructive to the surrounding environment. Streams and culverts seem to be their favorites spots to build dams, especially in urban and suburban areas.

So, what kinds of destruction can a beaver dam do? Overflowing water systems is a major issue. Dams will obstruct rivers, streams, and creeks, thus causing other waterways to overflow and flood other areas of the surrounding environment. Another common and possible consequence is foundation damage. Sitting water on your property can kill your lawn and jeopardize the structural integrity of the home’s foundation. This can lead to costly and invasive renovations.

How to Get Rid of a Beaver Dam

Can you just eliminate a beaver dam yourself? Well, yes, but it could be deemed inhumane unless you have a professional Indiana critter control company assisting you with humane beaver relocation. To remove a beaver dam, you have a few options as far as tools and methods go. Back hoes are commonly used to take down large-scale beaver dam systems. For smaller-scale needs, hand removal is your best bet.

Once you get the beaver dam down, it is important to incorporate some animal-proofing strategies to push the beavers out. Non-toxic repellents work well, such as those containing ingredients beavers hate, like putrescent egg and capsaicin. These ingredients affect their sense of taste, smell, and feel.

Are you looking for safe and humane beaver trapping and removal near you? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to get affordable critter control for beavers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential properties.

Top Critter Control Tips for Nuisance Groundhogs

Posted on April 25, 2022 by modernwild

Woodchucks or groundhogs, by which name you call them does not matter. They are the same animal, and one that happens to be quite destructive to properties if not properly abated. If you are spotting groundhogs on or around your property, or have been dealing with such activity already, it is time to educate yourself on the top critter control tips for getting rid of nuisance groundhogs.

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Groundhog Control Tips

Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are medium-large mammals that belong to the family Sciuridae, which is a group of large ground squirrels, called marmots. In fact, they are the largest species of marmot, weighing up to 13 pounds. As big as they are, you would think they are easy to spot, but groundhogs know their way around a yard.

You see, groundhogs are notorious diggers that create comprehensive tunnel systems equipped with chambers, exits, and levels, all within the ground. Hence the name, ground-hog. A lone groundhog is capable of displacing up to 700 pounds of dirt! Can you imagine? This behavior wreaks havoc on lawns, gardens, and in some cases, foundations of homes or even banks of streams, creeks, and ponds.

What Attracts Groundhogs to Your Place?

Without proper abatement, groundhogs can destroy a property from the inside-out. The best way to get rid of groundhogs is to understand why they are attracted to your property in the first place, then eliminate these amenities they so fervently seek. Mostly, groundhogs are attracted to plentiful food sources, water, and safe shelter.

Yards that are more cluttered than others are prime targets for nuisance wildlife like groundhogs. This clutter gives them privacy to live and reproduce as they please. Access to water is another big attraction for groundhogs, like streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes. Properties near such bodies of water are more prone to nuisance wildlife activity.

The most important part of groundhog removal and control is safety. Never attempt to harm, trap, or kill a groundhog under any circumstances. Furthermore, never use toxic chemicals or products that can harm wildlife and the surrounding environment.

How to Safely Get Rid of Woodchucks

There are a few methods that work well to thwart and mitigate nuisance woodchuck activity. You can implement some DIY strategies, such as environmental modification or non-toxic repellents. But in serious cases, it is necessary to hire a licensed and insured wildlife control company that has the proper resources and permits to safely get the job done. In some cases, groundhogs require transportation to another, faraway natural habitat. A professional critter control contractor can provide this service.

Environmental Modification

Remove or secure areas of your property that are attracting groundhogs. Clear out the clutter, cut down tall grasses, and consider installing a deep-ground fencing system. Next, eliminate or obstruct access to their food source. Groundhogs are herbivores, which means they eat plants. Gardens, crops, and flowerbeds will be their target, so fence these up or perimeter them with a non-toxic repellent spray.

Groundhogs like to keep their teeth sharp too, so they regularly sharpen them. They prefer soft, rotted wood structures for this. Old tree stumps, play sets, log piles, rotted decking, and similar isolated wood structures are usually their first choices. Eliminating or obstructing access to these attractions can also divert groundhogs away from your place.

Would you like some trusted, professional assistance with getting rid of groundhogs in Indiana? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for groundhogs in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Top 3 Methods to Get Rid of Moles in the Yard

Posted on March 24, 2022 by modernwild

Yard moles are common, and quite frustrating, nuisance animals in Indiana. They are notorious digging machines, creating unsightly molehills and tunnels all throughout lawns and gardens. These subterranean critters know just how to destroy your landscaping. So, if you have a minor yard mole problem, deal with it now before it turns into a major problem.

Continue reading to learn the top three ways to safely get rid of nuisance moles in the yard, plus who to trust in Central Indiana for humane critter control service at economical prices.

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How to Get Rid of Yard Moles With Hurting Them

There are plenty of safe and humane ways to get rid of yard moles without causing them any injury or suffering. In fact, you should never, under any circumstances, attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a wild animal, including yard moles. Below you will find the three most effective ways to deal with a yard mole problem, and int the safest manner possible. Use these ideas alone or in conjunction to keep moles at bay.

Environmental Modification

There are certain plants that yard moles hate. Daffodils, marigolds, alliums, fritillarias, mole plant, and castor beans are suggested to be the most hated. Mole plant and castor beans are poisonous to children and pets, so do not mess with these! But, when curating your landscaping this Spring and Summer, add in perimeters of the other flowers as a fence line around gardens and flowerbeds.

Animal Repellent

You can make your own non-toxic animal repellent spray or purchase a store-bought product that may come in spray or granular form. If you would like to take a shot at making your own repellent, you are wise. Store-bought products contain the same kinds of ingredients in a traditional critter repellent. Animals like moles hate certain sensations and smells. So, add ingredients like capsaicin oil, cayenne pepper, menthol, eucalyptus, and putrescent egg solids to a spray bottled of water. Then simply spray the perimeter of your lawn and gardens. Keep children and pets away from treated areas, as the peppers can irritate their nose, eyes, throat, and skin.

Licensed Yard Mole Removal and Control

The most effective, and virtually guaranteed, method of getting rid of yard moles is to hire a licensed and insured Indianapolis critter control company. They have the latest tech and resources to perform the job effectively, safely, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you. Professional yard mole removal and control professionals are also properly certified, licensed, and trained in wildlife abatement.

Are you a Hoosier who’s ready to take on a yard mole problem, professionally and within budget? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for DNR licensed yard mole removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients all throughout the central areas of the state.

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A Safe and Homemade Animal Repellent for Chipmunks

Posted on March 10, 2022 by modernwild

Are you dealing with a nuisance chipmunk problem but have no idea how to approach it without harming the animals or your property? An easy and effective solution to keep nuisance chipmunks away is to make your own non-toxic animal repellent.

Continue below to learn the top two ingredients to put in a homemade animal repellent for chipmunks, plus how to use it around your property.

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Top Two Ingredients to Use in a Chipmunk Repellent

First, you have to make your animal repellent. What repels chipmunks, exactly? Well, two things are proven to thwart nuisance animal activity, including chipmunks. These two ingredients are capsaicin (oil or ground cayenne pepper) and putrescent egg. If you add these two ingredients to your homemade animal repellent, you will be more successful at diverting their activity away from your property. You can find both of these items at any local home improvement store, garden store, or online retailer.

How to Make a Non-Toxic Animal Repellent

The items you will need to make your non-toxic animal repellent for chipmunks is a clean, plastic spray bottle and a funnel. You will also need clean water. You can use rainwater or creek water if you like. Start by adding water to your bottle. Then add your capsaicin and putrescent egg. Aim for 10 to 20 drops of capsaicin and 1 cup of putrescent egg solids. If you did not find putrescent egg for sale, you can make your own.

To Make Putrescent Egg: Break an egg into a large bowl or bucket. Add up to 1 gallon of water. Sit it in the sun for several hours, or until the eggs putrefies and smells strong.

After you have combined your ingredients into your spray bottle, you are ready for application. Be sure to keep children and pets away from any areas of your property that you treat with this solution. Although the putrescent egg is not much of a threat, capsaicin can irritate and burn the eyes, nose, and throat.

To apply your chipmunk repellent solution, simply spray it in the areas that have the most chipmunk activity. Continue to reapply daily until the chipmunks have decided your place is not safe. If nothing seems to work against your nuisance chipmunk problem, you will need professional intervention. Contact a local and trusted Indianapolis critter control company for chipmunk animal-proofing services.

Are you ready to move forward with some professional solutions to your chipmunk problems? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective critter control for chipmunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial clients, too!

Watch Out for This Pest if You Have a Water Damaged Roof

Posted on February 25, 2022 by modernwild

First came the snow, then came the melt, and now Central Indiana has been bestowed with drizzling rain. If your roofing system was already water damaged, it may be in bad shape right not. If your roof was fine before all the seasonal freezing and thawing, you may want to have it inspected for water damage. If your roof is water damaged, it is wise to take action against a common nuisance animal that targets weakened roofing systems. We are talking about raccoons!

Continue reading to learn why raccoons are a bigger threat for those who have water-damaged roofs, plus what you can do if you are dealing with a raccoon problem in or around your house.

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Raccoons Use Roofs to Access Attics and Wall Voids

A water-damaged roof is certainly a weak roof. In this weakened state, many types of wildlife are at an advantage if they want to get inside your house. However, raccoons are the most likely suspect, as they have human-like paws that can grasp, twist, push, and pull, just like our own. This unique mammalian trait gives them a heightened advantage when it comes to ripping off wet and water damaged roof shingles.

Not only do raccoons have the physical abilities to dig at wet roofs and rip away. Water damaged shingles, but they also have the physical ability to pull open disintegrated decking, vents, roof felt covering, and even ceiling boards. As a result, raccoons get access to inner areas of your house, namely the attic, but also large wall voids. Raccoons can also start at the roof but end up in the crawlspace or the basement.

Animal Proofing for Nuisance Raccoons

During this time of year when temperatures are cooler and precipitation is higher, raccoons are looking for adequate shelter. If your roof is water damaged, your house is going to be a prime target for nuisance raccoon intrusions. Talk to a local Indianapolis raccoon removal company for professional animal proofing strategies that work to prevent raccoons in the attic.

Common raccoon animal proofing strategies include sealing up all gaps and openings on the exterior of the house, especially around the roof and window seals, as well as door frames, siding, mortar, masonry, and foundation. Additionally, vent screens and locks can be installed on attic roof vents to abate raccoon intrusions, and environmental modifications can be made to throw raccoon activity around your property altogether.

Such environmental modifications can include removing all food options on the property, such as log outdoor pet food, bird feeders, squirrel feeders, open trash cans, and any other sources of food. Fencing gardens and potential shelters like log piles and porch cavities are additional effective environmental modifications for raccoon control.

Are you looking for a professional wildlife control company to help you with nuisance raccoons? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to schedule a home inspection for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients at the most competitive rates around.

Common Indiana Wildlife That Can Damage Your Property

Posted on January 31, 2022 by modernwild

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.

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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.

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

Posted on January 11, 2022 by modernwild

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!

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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.