Wild animals are much like us in that they prefer to stay at a comfortable climate. Although we have the luxury of warming up inside with our central heating systems, animals are not as lucky. However, they are smart, and quite resilient. They know exactly where to look and what to do to stay safe and warm all winter long.
To learn where some of your favorite local wildlife hangout, and how it might affect your property, continue reading below!
Trees
Many species of animal rely on trees for shelter. Whether
inside a self-built nest atop the branching canopies, or within a hallowed
tree, it is a common winter home for both animals and simpler living organisms.
Common species of wild animals that use trees for winter shelter include bats,
squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and of course, birds. Sometimes, you will find opossum
sleeping in a tree.
Dens and Burrows
Dens, burrows, underground tunnels, and similar subterranean hideouts are a common shelter for native wildlife in the winter. Generally, the animal will build or dig their own den, but sometimes, they will simply repurpose an old or abandoned one. Common species of animal that use dens for winter shelter include foxes, deer, coyotes, beavers, muskrats, skunks, moles, rabbits, moles, voles, and groundhogs.
Caves
Although you might not be aware, Indiana is home to several cave systems. These caves, mostly located in Southern parts of the state, are the perfect winter hibernation spot for all sorts of animals. Common species that gravitate toward caves when temperatures drop include coyotes, bats, foxes, wolves, bobcats, and deer.
Attics
Yes, attics are a common area targeted by native Indiana wildlife
for a means of shelter in the winter. Raccoons and bats in the attic are very
common for those who live near wooded areas or large bodies of water. Other
animals you might find hiding out in the attic include opossum, birds,
squirrels, and chipmunks. Chimneys and wall voids are also another cozy spot
they like to occupy for the season.
Indianapolis Animal Removal and Control
Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and humane animal removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control operators with more than 30 years of hands-on experience. Trust us for prompt and professional animal extraction, exclusion, and cleanup. That’s right! We provide animal damage restoration and repair, and can even provide homeowners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, today.
Wild animals are all around us in Indiana. We are certainly
lucky to have such a thriving and abundant wildlife population in our state,
especially since we are not home to vast luscious forests and large bodies of water.
Although we appreciate our surrounding wildlife, it is important to keep them
at a safe distance, otherwise they might turn into a nuisance, which in turn
costs you money and even poses certain hazards.
If you live on or near a property with trees and water, you
are at an even higher risk of nuisance animal interference. For homes with pets
and young children, this is something to cause concern. Fortunately, there are
several safe and humane methods for protecting your property from animal exposure
and damage, as well as, removing infestation from inside your home or
structure.
To begin your learning curve of animal removal and control, continue
reading to review some frequently asked questions and answers professional
trappers get from their clients.
What is Animal Removal and Control Service?
Animal removal refers to the physical extraction of an
animal or infestation inside a house, building, or other structure (i.e. barn,
shed, garage, etc.). In order to achieve this task safely and humanely, and without
using lethal methods, licensed trappers will use a combination of exclusion science
and traps to remove or get rid of an animal.
Animal control refers to the task of reducing, managing,
preventing, or thwarting nuisance animal activity. This is often achieved with
exclusion sciences and techniques, as well as, environmental modification and monitoring,
on-site technologies, and more.
What are the Most Common Nuisance Animals in Indiana?
The most common types of nuisance wildlife here in Indiana include
bats, raccoons, squirrels, muskrats, moles, birds, chipmunks, opossum, skunks,
beavers, groundhogs (woodchucks), voles, coyotes, foxes, snakes, and rabbits. Other
types of nuisance animals that animal control professionals do not work with
include stray cats and dogs, and waterfowl like ducks and geese.
What are the Signs of an Animal Infestation?
The signs of an animal infestation will vary depending on
the location of the infestation and the type of animal. Bats are often
discovered when their guano is found sitting on the ledges of windowsills and
door frames. Hearing strange sounds coming from the walls, ceiling, or chimney
is another common indicator of an animal infestation. Additional signs include
strange or lingering odors, torn insulation, scratches or physical signs of damage,
stains on walls or ceilings, rotting food debris, and pest outbreaks (i.e. lice,
mites, ants, fleas, gnats, flies, etc.).
What Risk to Wild Animals Pose to My Property?
Animals that are not welcome on your property can cause a
lot of damage if they find access. Not only can some nuisance wildlife tear up
lawns and gardens in search of grubs, others will tear up garbage, rip open window
screens, tear off roof shingles and siding, defecate all over patios and other
structures, and much more. The potential for animal damage is exponential; the
longer you have an infestation or issue, the more damages will add up. Not all
damages are covered by homeowners’ insurance, so be sure to always act fast and
stop a nuisance animal problem as soon as possible.
Do Wild Animals Spread Disease?
Yes, animals are common carriers of all sorts of transmissible
diseases. Some of the most common include lice, mites, ticks, and fleas. However,
wild animals can carry and pass on several serious diseases as well, such as
Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Leptospirosis, roundworm, and more. If you have wild
animals near your property, be sure your curious pets are properly vaccinated
at all times. Some diseases, like Rabies, are 100% fatal if contracted.
What Do I Do if I Find a Dead or Abandoned Animal on My
Property?
If you find a dead, orphaned, or injured animal on your property,
never attempt to touch it or keep it as a pet under any circumstances. Not only
would it be incredibly inhumane and illegal, as mentioned, animals carry diseases
that can spread to both people and pets. You do not want to expose your family
or pets to such dangers. Instead, as soon as you find the animal, block it off
from pets and people. Place a fence or gate around it, or mark its location
with cones or some other indicator.
Once the animal is segregated, wait a day or two. In most
cases of baby animals, the mother is just off looking for food or shelter, and
will be back soon. If the animal is blatantly injured, or still there after a day
or two, you can try to move it yourself. Use a shoebox to cover it up, and then
slide a sturdy piece of paper (like a folder) underneath to trap the animal inside.
Then move the animal to a faraway woodland location where nature can take its
course. The best thing to do is contact a local Indianapolis wildlife removal
company for professional and humane service.
How Can I Keep Nuisance Animals Off My Property?
The best way to keep nuisance animals away from your property
is to get rid of, or restrict access to, all sources of food, water, and shelter.
These three things are what animals are after when they come to your property.
If you do not have food, water, or access to safe shelter for them, they will
simply look elsewhere. If you cannot fully eliminate these items from your property,
talk to a professional Indiana wildlife control company for help with specialized
techniques and approaches that will help abate nuisance animal damage and
dangers.
Indianapolis Wildlife Removal and Control
Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to solve your nuisance animal problems and concerns at a price you can afford. Our DNR licensed and insured animal rescue and removal professionals offer non-lethal wildlife control services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We work with all species of Indiana wildlife, but specialize in raccoons, bats, birds, and squirrels. We also offer cleanup services and restoration and repair for animal damages, and can even provide insurance claim work. Start with a free estimate or advice, today!