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.

How Bad Weather Might Increase Nuisance Wildlife Problems

Posted on December 16, 2021 by modernwild

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.

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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!

Will the Color Red Scare Squirrels Away?

Posted on December 3, 2021 by modernwild

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.

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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.