Springtime Pests: A Guide to Nuisance Animal Control

As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, spring brings with it a surge of life and activity in the animal kingdom. While many creatures emerge from hibernation or become more active during this time, some furry critters can become quite the nuisance for homeowners. From raccoons to skunks, these springtime pests can wreak havoc on your property if left unchecked. Here’s what to expect and how to protect your home against infestation.

Raccoons:

These masked bandits are notorious for rummaging through trash cans and causing damage to property in search of food. During the spring months, raccoons become more active as they mate and seek out nesting sites. Expect to see them scavenging for food and potentially trying to access your home or attic for shelter.

Protecting Your Home: Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, eliminate outdoor food sources, and inspect your home for any entry points that raccoons could exploit. Seal up any holes or cracks and consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter them.

Opossums:

Opossums are nocturnal creatures known for their distinctive appearance and habit of playing dead when threatened. In the spring, they become more active as they forage for food and look for suitable nesting sites. These adaptable animals can take up residence in attics, crawl spaces, or under decks.

Protecting Your Home: Remove sources of food such as pet food left outdoors, keep garbage cans tightly sealed, and trim back any overgrown vegetation that could provide shelter. Seal off potential entry points to your home and consider installing fencing or barriers to deter them from entering your property.

Skunks:

With their distinctive black and white markings and potent defensive spray, skunks are not a welcome sight for many homeowners. During the spring, skunks become more active as they search for mates and establish territories. They may take up residence under decks, porches, or in hollow tree trunks.

Protecting Your Home: Keep pet food indoors, secure trash cans with locking lids, and remove any fallen fruit from trees. Seal off potential entry points to your home and consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter skunks from coming too close.

Squirrels:

These energetic rodents are a common sight in suburban neighborhoods, often seen darting across power lines or scampering up trees. In the spring, squirrels are busy breeding and may seek out sheltered areas to build nests, including attics or chimneys.

Protecting Your Home: Trim back tree branches that overhang your roof, seal off any openings or gaps in your home’s exterior, and consider installing squirrel-proof bird feeders to discourage them from lingering in your yard.

Groundhogs (Woodchucks):

Known for their burrowing habits and ability to devour garden vegetables, groundhogs can be a major nuisance for homeowners, especially those with lush gardens. In the spring, they emerge from hibernation and begin feasting on tender shoots and plants.

Protecting Your Home: Install fencing around gardens or vulnerable areas, bury the bottom of the fence several inches underground to prevent digging, and consider planting deterrents such as marigolds or garlic around your garden perimeter.

While these furry pests can certainly be a headache for homeowners, the best way to handle them is to call a professional nuisance animal control company. These experts have the knowledge and tools to safely and humanely remove unwanted wildlife from your property, ensuring that your home remains pest-free throughout the spring and beyond. Don’t let nuisance animals ruin your enjoyment of the season—take proactive steps to protect your home and enlist the help of professionals when needed.