The Importance of Professional Wildlife Control Service

Posted on October 10, 2022 by modernwild

According to the National Pest Management Association, wildlife control service is a growing industry that helps manage animals that have become pests. These services are important because they help keep people, property, and natural resources safe from harm. Continue below to learn just how important local wildlife removal and control services are vital to the betterment of your surrounding communities, plus what to do if you are currently dealing with a nuisance pest problem on or around your property.

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Top 3 Reasons Why Indiana Wildlife Control Service is So Valuable

Enhanced Health and Safety

Wildlife control services can be used to remove animals from homes, businesses, and other structures. They can also be used to prevent animals from entering these same areas. These services are important because they can help reduce the spread of diseases, such as rabies, and protect people from attacks by wild animals.

Animal Damage Restoration and Repairs

In addition to safety, wildlife control services can also help preserve property. Animals that are not properly controlled can cause damage to buildings and other structures. They can also destroy landscaping, contaminate food and water supplies, and create hazardous driving conditions. By removing these animals from an area, local wildlife control services can help to reduce the amount of damage they cause.

Protected Natural Resources

Finally, wildlife control services play an important role in protecting our natural resources. Animals that are not properly controlled can harm delicate ecosystems and adversely affect wildlife populations. By controlling these animals, we can help to ensure that our natural resources are protected for future generations.

How to Safely Stop a Pest Problem

If you have a problem with an animal on your property, it is important to contact a professional Indianapolis wildlife control service. These services can help to keep you, your property, and our natural resources safe. Do not attempt to touch, trap, harm, kill, or even tamper with a wild animal. In Indiana, it is illegal to trap wild animals without a license. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a trapping license for residents and non-residents who wish to trap furbearing animals on public or private property.

A trapping license allows the holder to trap beaver, coyote, deer, fox, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, river otter, weasel, and bobcat. The license costs $19 for residents and $65 for non-residents. Trappers must follow all state and federal laws when trapping animals. These laws include requirements for tagging and reporting catches, as well as minimum size and species restrictions. Trappers who violate these laws may be subject to fines and other penalties.

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.

Can I Keep a Wild Animal as a Pet?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by modernwild

Whether you just discovered a nest of baby birds, an orphaned baby squirrel, or a turtle out by the pond, it is important that you understand local, state, and federal laws that govern taking in wild animals as pets. Wild animals are feral, and therefore capable of aggressive, unpredictable, and/or harmful behaviors. Even a baby animal, as cute as they look, will inevitably mature into the full-grown species it is. From wildlife laws and regulations to damage, disease, injury, cruelty, and more, keeping a wild animal as a pet is an urge you and your children should strongly reconsider.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about keeping a wild animal as a pet in Indiana, plus what you can do if you are experiencing nuisance wildlife problems in or around your property.

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Animals are Closer Than Ever

Today, wildlife is closer to us than they have even been before. Due to land over-development, loss of natural habitats, and similar factors, animals like raccoons, opossum, skunks, snakes, squirrels, rabbits, and more are being pushed out of their natural environments, forcing them to look for food and shelter in urban and suburban territories. It is common to stumble across an orphaned or injured animal, like a bird or bunny, while it is also common to find animals on your property just lingering about, such as snakes, toads, and salamanders.

Although in our childhood it was common to find these little critters and keep them as pets for as long as we could keep them alive. But today, this is considered inhumane; in some cases, it is even against the law. Furthermore, wild animals are known carriers of several infectious and transmissible diseases that can infect both people and pets. Common illnesses, rabies virus, leptospirosis, Salmonella, E. coli, roundworm, distemper, Parvo, and a long list of ectoparasites (lice, mites, ticks, fleas, etc.).

Orphaned or Abandoned Animals

If you find an orphaned or seemingly abandoned animal, it is important that you leave the animal alone. If the animal is located in an area of your property that sees a lot of foot traffic or that requires lawn care, you can relocate the animal close to its nest or at the edge of your property. In Indiana, it is against the law to transport a wild animal to another property. You could face fines and similar civil penalties. When in doubt, contact a licensed wildlife control company in Indianapolis for professional animal removal service.

If you choose to move the animal to the edge of your property, be sure to wear thick utility gloves and use a shoebox and small broom or brush to gently transfer the animal into the shoebox so that you may relocate them farther away. If the animal is injured, the rule of thumb is to let nature take its course, as hard as that might pull on the old heartstrings. You may also choose to contact a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.

Injured and Baby Birds

It is very common to come across a nest of baby birds or even a single baby bird laying on the ground. Although the baby bird seems totally helpless, it is very possible that the mother is nearby and will return soon to put the baby back in the nest. If you are sure that the baby bird is orphaned or injured, and you wish to keep it or return it to health, it must be a specific species of birds. Almost all birds are state and federally protected.

The only bird species that are not protected under law are European starlings, feral pigeons, and English sparrows. If you can accurately identify the species of bird that you have found, and it is a non-protected species, you can choose to keep it, but beware, you will likely need a permit. Further beware that, birds, even baby ones, carry several diseases and ectoparasites like lice and mites. You never want to touch one with your bare hands.

Injured or Sick Bat

If you find a sick or injured bat on your property, it is important that you keep your distance. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat. Some bats are federally protected by the Endangered Species Act, while others are known carriers of serious infectious diseases like the Rabies virus. Instead, contact a local Indianapolis bat removal company for professional assistance. You may also report the dead, or sick bat to the Department of natural resources by filling out a “Report Sick or Dead Wildlife” form.

Turtles

It is common for children to find a turtle and want to keep it as a pet. And this is perfectly fine, so long as you have the proper permit, or a hunting or fishing license registered in Indiana. Also, certain turtle species are protected and cannot be kept as a pet, let alone tampered with, including Eastern box turtles and Alligator Snapping turtles. However, before you agree to a wild pet turtle, understand that turtles are common carriers of salmonella bacteria.

Are you experiencing nuisance critter problems around your Indiana home or business? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Best Strategies to Get Rid of Opossums Around Your Property

Posted on September 22, 2022 by modernwild

Opossums are an interesting species of nuisance while here in the central Indiana regions. As omnivores, opossums eat everything that we eat and plus some. From insects and grubs to fruits, vegetables, plants, roots, pet food, garbage, and even rodents, your property likely has many desirable amenities favored by these nocturnal mammals.

If you are spotting opossums around your property at night, it is important that you take action soon. The quicker you put a stop to nuisance opossum activity, the easier it’ll be to clean up any mess they cause and repair any damage they do. And yes, opossums are very messy and destructive. There are sites like mites, fleas, and ticks.

Continue reading to learn the best strategies to get rid of opossums around your property.

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Opossum Control Strategies for Homeowners and Businesses

Whether you’re a homeowner or business, these opossum control strategies will be effective at debating any nuisance tampering or activity around your property. These strategies are safe and humane and can be accomplished all on your own. If these opossum abatement methods turn out to be unsuccessful for you, contact a licensed and insured Indianapolis wildlife removal company for professional opossum control services.

Protect Your Gardens

Opossums love anything you grow in your garden. Although there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as menthol and hot peppers, opossums will go after anything edible and accessible to them. Gardens are the perfect target. If you’ve noticed that your gardens have been pillaged every night, it is likely opossums. If you’ve seen them with your very own eyes, crossing your patio or walking along your backyard fence, it is definitely opossums. The best way to protect your gardens is to stay on top of routine harvesting. As soon as fruits and vegetables are just about right, harvest them so that there is nothing ripe and ready to eat for opossums and others nuisance. Many people tried to install chicken wire fencing around the gardens, but opossums can climb over these and dig underneath them.

Remove All Other Food Sources

What else do you have in your property that’s edible? Bowls of pet food or water? Birdseed? Squirrel feed? Livestock feed? Uncapped garbage cans? Compost piles? There are many things that opossums will eat. They will even eat dead and decaying animals. If you remove all of these edible amenities on your property, opossums will have no reason to come there. They’ll eventually move on to another area where food is more readily available.

Environmental Modifications

Possums are great climbers, and they will use trees and tree limbs to access other areas of your property. By staying on top of routine tree care service, like tree trimming and tree pruning, you can stop opossums from accessing your roof and upper deck areas by means of tree walking. This will also protect your roofing, gutters, downspouts, siding, decking, and more.

Chimney Caps and Vent Covers

As mentioned, opossums are great climbers, so they commonly accessed roofs, which leads to intrusions in attics and chimneys. It is also common to find opossums nesting in wall voids and crawlspaces. To avoid this possibility, install a quality animal proof chimney cap, plus a series of vent covers for the dryer vent, attic vent, roof vent, and more.

Professional opossum removal and control services are the best solution for possum problems. If you’re still having trouble with nuisance opossums, contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for opossums. We serve residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis and all throughout Central Indiana.

The Only Two Reasons Why Bats Should Scare You

Posted on August 26, 2022 by modernwild

It’s really unfortunate that bats have such a bad reputation. Thanks to movies and media, many people think that bats will attack you, swarm about your hair, and even drink your blood (they do not). But the truth is, bats are an incredible species of mammal; that’s right, mammal! Just like humans and other mammals on earth, they are raised on their mother’s milk. But that’s not what makes bats so fascinating. Bats are ecologically important, especially because their populations contribute significantly to our local economies and environment.

If you have always had a fear of bats for as long as you can remember, you could be right to feel afraid of them. Just make sure it is for the right reasons. In fact, there are really only two reasons why bats should scare you.

Scroll down to learn what they are, plus what you can do around your property to ensure bats don’t get too close.

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What Makes Bats a Threat to You and Your Loved Ones

Structural Damage Due to Infestation or Heightened Activity

Bats, whether they access the interior spaces of your home or not, can do a lot of damage and destruction. Many bats prefer to perch on window seals, gutter systems, and roofing, which can lead to a massive pile of guano, which poses its own set of bio-hazards, as well as significant urine saturation, which can lead to structural warping, wood rot, and integrated pests like maggots, gnats, and flies.

If bats access the inner areas of your home, such as the attic or wall voids, which are their favorite spots. By the way, they can cause an even higher level of damage. Not only will they saturate their surroundings in urine and droppings, which can eventually lead to ceiling and drywall stains and lingering odors in the living quarters of the home, but they can also damage, electrical wiring, insulation, and more. To say the least, you do not want bats in the house or around it, nor do you want them increasing their activity around your property.

With a comprehensive bat mitigation and control plan created and implemented by a licensed and insured Indianapolis wildlife control company, you can avoid structural damages and bio-hazard threats caused by bats.

Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Outbreaks

In short, we’ve covered how destructive and messy bats can be. But their urine and droppings are not the extent of their potential dangers. Bats are known carriers of several infectious and transmissible diseases, including the rabies virus, which is fatal once contracted. These diseases can be passed to both people and pets. It is important to ensure that your pets remain properly vaccinated year-round.

If you live in a woodland or forest area or have seen bats and other wild animals surrounding the property. In addition to transmissible disease, bats can also carry parasites like mites, lice, ticks, fleas, nematodes, and more. For this reason, integrated pest management services are generally needed after a long term that infestation has been extracted.

If you suspect that you have bats in the house or worried that bats are getting too close to your property at desk, you may need to create a bat control plan with the help of a licensed and insured critter control operator in Indianapolis.

Ready to get started on that bat abatement plan now? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for DNR licensed bat 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.

What You Should Do if You Have Birds in the Chimney

Posted on August 9, 2022 by modernwild

Whether you have an entire nest of birds colonizing your chimney or just one lone roamer trapped without a clue as to how to get out, there is a simple and safe way to solve your nuisance bird problem. Continue reading to learn what to do if you have birds in the chimney, plus an important law that you should know about regarding chimney swifts.

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Bird Control for Chimneys

It is no surprise that you have birds in your chimney. Chimneys are the perfect shelter for birds, especially because they are typically the easiest to access. Several species of birds here in Indiana like to nest in chimneys, including grackles, starlings, sparrows, flickers, and more. Swifts are another common bird species that build their nests inside chimneys. Swifts are federally protected, so it is important that you never attempt to remove a nest of chimney swifts from your chimney. Continue to the bottom of the blog to learn what you should do if you have a nest of swifts in your chimney.

To keep birds out of your chimney in the future, it is important to implement a few bird control strategies. Chimney caps are a great place to start. It also helps to set a reminder to close the flue every time you use the fireplace. Routine visual inspections in and around the house can help you catch an animal infestation in its early stages, well before it becomes a costly and invasive problem.

How to Get Birds Out of the Chimney

To get birds out of the chimney, start by confirming that they are indeed birds. Many people make the mistake of assuming they have birds in the chimney when in fact they actually have a bat infestation. Birds and bats sound very similar, so it a common error. If you are hearing noises inside of your chimney during the day, it is likely birds. Bats are nocturnal, so they will be active from dusk until dawn.

Chimney swifts are often referred to as “flying cigars” because of their cigar-shaped bodies. If you can see the birds inside of your chimney and you notice that they have the same features as a Swift, it is important to just let the process carry out naturally. Chimney swifts will only be there for about a month or so, just until the eggs have hatched. So, be patient and do not violate any federal laws. If you still here birds in your chimney after 4 to 6 weeks, it could be a different species. In this case, continue with the following steps.

The first step to getting birds out of the chimney is identifying them as birds. Once you’ve done this, decipher the location of the birds in your chimney. If the birds are in your chimney, you will need a medium-sized cardboard box and a cardboard lid to cover the box opening. If the birds have made it down to your fireplace, you will need at bath towel. In either scenario, you’ll also need a flashlight and possibly a broom and some bed sheets.

Place the box in position at the opening of the chimney so that there are no gaps that can let the bird fly into the room. Use your flashlight to attract the bird to fly down to the box by shining it on the sides of the box. Don’t make any noise during the process. A single peep might scare the bird from coming down.

Be patient while you wait for the bird to fly down into the box. When the bird flies into the box, use the box lid cover to enclose the bird inside. Carefully transfer the box outside and release the bird. You should not have to come in contact with the bird at all when using this method. You might want to wear protective gloves just in case, as you never want to touch a bird. Birds contain a lot of parasites and undesirable impurities that you don’t want to be exposed to.

If the bird is in your fireplace, close all exit points in the room except for one window or door, using bed sheets and thumbtacks if necessary. Take the broom and gently sweep it inside of the fireplace to encourage the bird to fly out.

Are you having trouble with nuisance birds in or around your house? Do you currently have a bird infestation in your chimney or attic that needs immediate attention? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective critter control for birds in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial clients, too!

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Stuff

Posted on July 28, 2022 by modernwild

Squirrels are cute, but they are not very polite when it comes to your belongings. Everything from trashcans and birdfeeders to potted plants, flowerbeds, and more are prime targets for nuisance squirrel tampering. If the squirrels around your property are getting into all your things, it is time to stop them in their tracks.

Continue below to learn some safe, easy, and humane ways to keep squirrels out of your stuff!

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Squirrel Control Tips

Keeping Squirrels Out of Trashcans

Typically, raccoons and opossums are the critters that carry the reputation for pillaging trashcans and dumpsters. But surprisingly, squirrels will gladly take a dirty dive when a garbage receptacle is open and accessible. Trashcans are essentially a free, all-you-can-eat buffet for squirrels, and they will go out of their way to get inside them. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to keep squirrels out of your trashcans.

Enclosures – Remove access to your trashcans by moving them to an enclosed area, like inside the garage or shed. If this is not an available option for you, look into purchasing a garbage can enclosure. These look like large, wooden laundry hampers with locks.

Bracing – When trashcans fall over, squirrels get a free-for-all. In fact, toppled trashcans are what attracts nuisance squirrel activity in the first place. They remember that these large, plastic cans carry all sorts of delicious scraps. By bracing your trashcans, you can prevent them from falling over and giving squirrels a reason to come by.

Metal – Make the switch to metal trashcans. Metal cannot be chewed through like plastic, so they stand up well to nuisance squirrel tampering. Of course, your municipality might not allow it for your pick-up garbage receptacles, you can use metal cans for the rest of your on-property waste collection needs.

Deterrents – Use a combination of non-toxic critter repellent and critter deterrents to keep your trashcans clear of nuisance squirrel activity. You can make your own repellent by combining capsaicin oil, ground cayenne pepper, and water into a plastic spray bottle. You can also install devices like motion detection sprinklers and lighting to scare off squirrels.

Keeping Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are a common target for squirrels. They just love all of the seeds, nuts, and legumes inside conventional birdseed products, and with their climbing and grasping skills, they can easily get into those little hanging houses. Fortunately, there are some ways you can stop squirrels from stealing all of your birdseed.

Safflower Seeds – Squirrels do not like safflower seeds. But birds like cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, finches, and even dogs love them. Fill your birdfeeders with safflower seeds and you will see the nuisance squirrel activity dwindle within a day.

Avoid Trees – Squirrels are excellent climbers and leapers. For this reason, it is recommended to hang your bird feeders far away from trees and tree limbs so that squirrels have less access to them.

Deterrents – Deterrents work well here, too. You can combine a peppery non-toxic squirrel repellent spray and apply it to the pole and base of your bird feeders. Birds will mind it, but squirrels hate the sensation they get from sniffing or licking pepper.

Baffles – Squirrel baffles are cone-shaped domes that you install around a bird pole so that squirrels cannot get access to a birdfeeder. They simply slide off! Baffles are inexpensive and available at your local gardener home improvement store. If you don’t want to buy a baffle, you can just grease the bird feeder pole. Squirrels will just slip off when they try to climb up!

Are you looking for professional squirrel control assistance in the Indy area? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

What to Do if You are Dealing With Muskrat Problems

Posted on July 14, 2022 by modernwild

Is it a beaver? A groundhog? What is a muskrat and why are they such a nuisance? These are all the expected questions of a homeowner dealing with a nuisance muskrat problem. Continue below to learn how to get rid of muskrats safely using safe and humane methods of animal trapping and relocation.

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Muskrat Removal and Control 101

First and foremost, it is important to understand that animal removal for wildlife like muskrats is exclusively for professionals who are licensed to work with woodland critters. Although you can take matters into your own hands, there are laws governing wildlife removal and control, and the local ordinances may not permit you to do so legally.

For instance, homeowners are not allowed to poison or kill any animal on their property except for mice and rats. Killing or even tampering with a critter classified as exotic, wild, feral, or endangered, especially during their breeding season, can lead to civil and criminal penalties. Most often, homeowners are slapped with a massive fine. It is important to check with your local and state wildlife agencies, wildlife enforcement officer, or county game warden about the regulations surrounding wildlife trapping and control.

Furthermore, professional Indiana wildlife control operators retain the proper training, knowledge, resources, and equipment to safely get rid of muskrats and relocate them to a faraway habitat suited for their species. For these reasons, it is critical that you enlist your muskrat removal and control needs to a qualified authority.

Muskrat Trapping

Two-door live trap cages are the most commonly-used trapping devices for removing nuisance muskrats. These traps are designed in a way to safely capture a muskrat without harming or killing it. More advanced traps are designed for immediate carry and relocation. Your wildlife control operator will use particular types of muskrat-specific bait to attract muskrats to the traps, such as fruits and vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and apples, or even aniseed (anise). They will also know how to tactfully position the trap for the highest chances of success.

Muskrat Repellent

After your trusted wildlife control operator has successfully caught and removed the local nuisance muskrats that have been disturbing your property, you can take matters into your own hands with some animal-proofing work. Not only can you fill muskrat den holes with heavy rocks and lower the level of your pond by 2 feet in the winter, but you can also make your own, non-toxic animal repellent!

This can help abate future muskrat activity. Get yourself a large plastic spray bottle and fill it 3/4^th of the way with clean water. Then add putrescent egg, capsaicin oil, and cayenne. Spray the solution around the perimeter of your property or in areas where muskrats like to hang out. Be sure to keep children and pets away from treated areas.

Are you looking for trusted, professional assistance with nuisance wildlife like muskrats and beavers? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured muskrat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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.