Wildlife Identification & Prevention

Simply put, nuisance wildlife is a subset of wild animals that live in or around areas inhabited by humans and often cause problems for home and business owners in those areas. This definition can encompass a host of species, but some of the most common nuisance wildlife species in our area are raccoons, opossums, and armadillos. Each of these species causes unique problems and as well as the problems that are universal to almost every nuisance wildlife species. Our pest control services in Melbourne, FL, can help you with proper identification.

Nuisance wildlife can absolutely be dangerous. One of the primary dangers that you can encounter with pest wildlife is rabies exposure. Never take rabies exposure lightly, as rabies is the deadliest virus known to humankind. Once symptoms appear, your chance of dying is 100%. Fortunately, the rabies vaccine means that full-blown rabies cases are extremely rare. However, rabies vaccines are very painful and can be excruciatingly expensive, especially since many U.S. health insurers refuse to cover them. So, while the chances of a bite from a wild animal costing you your life are slim, a bite might still cost you your life savings.

Aside from exposing you to rabies, nuisance wildlife can expose you to other diseases, including those carried by the parasites that infest the animals themselves – such as ticks and fleas. Nuisance wildlife may also cause massive property damage by tearing into your house or outbuildings to access food and shelter.

Most of the time, you end up with a pest wildlife problem because there are things on your property attracting these animals. For instance, garbage cans with easy-to-open lids or no lids at all are huge attractants for raccoons and opossums. Armadillos, meanwhile, might be attracted to your vegetable garden for all the juicy grubs and pest insects in it. Little things you might not even think of can attract wildlife, so paying attention to where wildlife is going on your property and what it's coming after is important.

Most of the time, you will find pest wildlife outdoors or in low-traffic areas of your house, such as crawl spaces or attics. Raccoons and opossums are especially likely to nest in your attic because they are such good climbers, but you may also find them in sheds or garages as well. Virtually anywhere on your property that features shelter from the weather and predators and a low human presence is fair game for wildlife.

If you have a pest wildlife problem, do not try to deal with it yourself. As we've already discussed above, rabies exposure is a real and present danger with wildlife infestations. You should never attempt to do your own home pest control. The safest option is to contact professional commercial pest control services for help. Wildlife experts, like the pros here at Southern Home & Outdoor Services, know how to keep your family and themselves safe when approaching and removing nuisance animals from your property.