Wildlife refers to any animal that lives outside your home or is not domesticated. This can include unwanted plants, pests, insects, and more. Not every wildlife creature is approachable, and many have the potential to invade your home without warning.
Although it is not recommended that you attempt to resolve a wildlife issue on your own, there are many solutions at your disposal. The following guide explores the latest innovative approaches to wildlife removal, and what you can do to minimize the problem at home.
Understanding the Limitations of Traps and Nets
When people are experiencing an issue with wildlife on their property, the first instinct is often to trap them. Trapping is viewed as a more humane option that allows for relocation.
However, there are several overlooked disadvantages to using traps and nets. Animals can endure unnecessary harm, become sick, or die as a result of relocation. As well, if the proper steps aren’t taken, more will eventually take over the same space.
Other limitations of traps and nets include the following:
- Set-up takes a significant amount of time, requiring monitoring across large areas.
- You must check live traps every 24 hours.
- Once an animal (or something else) sets off a trap, it must be reset.
- Removing carcasses from a trap or net is not always a pleasant task.
- The effectiveness of traps and nets depends on several factors such as spacing, regular monitoring, and predator density.
Traps and nets also pose a threat to both children and pets. If curiosity gets the better of them, they may end up unintentionally setting off the trap. This could result in severe and painful injuries.
It’s therefore important when considering using traps or nets to resolve an animal problem that you review all the possible limitations and risks first.
Technological Advancements in Wildlife Removal
Technology Tracking
With the benefit of radio tracking technology, many different animals’ locations can be determined at a given moment. The data collected from these devices ensures the animal’s daily movements are recorded, along with the size of its home range, other animals it interacts with, and the type of habitats it chooses to reside in.
This technology produces many different results, including the following:
- Learn new ways to control animal populations.
- Determine what impact development might have on an animal population.
- Determine if there are enough individuals of a particular species in an area to allow for reproduction.
VHF Radio Tracking
In order for VHF radio tracking to be effective, a radio transmitter must be placed on the animal first. This allows for information to be gathered about the animal’s health and condition while they sleep. For the best results, the tracker has to be within a certain radius of the animal so the signal can be picked up. Both an antenna and receiver are required to locate the signal.
Satellite Tracking
Similar to VHF radio tracking, satellite tracking monitors the location of tagged animals through a signal that is sent directly to a satellite. The broader reach of these devices means it is not necessary to be close to the animal for them to be tracked. The movements of different animals are monitored remotely from a computer, making it easier to know where they are.
GPS Tracking
Currently, GPS tracking is the latest technology being introduced to track wildlife. Unlike other technology, a transmitter is not used during GPS tracking. Instead, a radio receiver picks up the signals from special satellites. The receiver then has a computer that is designed to calculate the location and movement of the animal.
Non-lethal Methods and Deterrents
Most wildlife making its way through your property will prefer to avoid humans. You can expect there to be some scavengers travelling at night. However, frequent daytime appearances are a sign that some deterrents need to be introduced.
Examples of non-lethal methods you can use for deterring animal and wildlife intruders include the following:
- Avoid feeding the wildlife: Wild animals, while cute and seemingly approachable, are often territorial when it comes to both their homes and food. Sharing any leftovers with them may create an unsafe dynamic between the animals and yourself and even your children or pets.
- Don’t leave food out: Whether it’s throughout the day or before you head in for the night, it’s important to ensure all food, treats, and water bowls are brought inside. You always want to avoid leaving any food or liquids unattended outside whenever possible; otherwise, it may attract wildlife.
- Eliminate bird feeders: Sadly, although bird feeders are a great option for attracting regional bird species to your yard, they also run the risk of encouraging other animals like raccoons, rats, squirrels, etc. to show up for food.
- Close all access points: In addition to locking your front and back doors every night, it’s important to make sure any garage or pet doors are sealed properly. You don’t want to accidentally leave an open access point where an animal could wander inside your home.
- Regular yard cleaning: Regularly maintaining your yard can discourage wildlife from spending time around your home. Stick to a consistent schedule for clearing out any debris, removing built-up clutter, cutting back grown shrubs, stacking firewood tightly, and picking up any fallen tree fruit or vegetables throughout the property.
- Schedule regular pest control: Whether you have experienced issues with wildlife before or simply want to be cautious, scheduling regular pest control treatments can help mitigate the presence of insects and smaller prey animals like rats.
- Install fencing: One of the best ways to prevent wildlife or animals from scavenging your garden is by installing fencing around any vegetables, fruit plants, and water sources within your yard.
- Properly maintain trees: In order to close off access to your roof, you need to regularly trim back your trees and consider installing gutter guards.
- Secure any outdoor garbage: If wildlife is known for attacking the trash cans near your house, you may want to get bins with tight-fitting lids or purchase garbage cans that are specifically designed to keep smaller animals out.
- Seal any potential holes: Many animals only require a small entry point in order to get inside your home. You can use mesh or caulk to seal off any possible entry points into your home.
Wildlife Removal Services: A Holistic Approach
There are several advantages to hiring a professional wildlife removal service. Equipped with the necessary expertise and experience required to safely remove wildlife from your property, they will know how to approach a variety of different situations.
Some benefits of proper wildlife removal include:
- Humane removal: Professional wildlife removal services don’t stop at simply removing an animal from your home, they also know how and where to release them safely. Professional humane traps are regularly monitored to ensure any animals caught inside aren’t injured and can easily be relocated.
- Save time: When an animal does get inside your home, it can take a long time to pinpoint exactly where they are. Wildlife removal professionals receive specialized training about where to search for different types of animals, and then how to remove them safely.
- Future prevention: Some wildlife, such as mice, raccoons, squirrels, and opossums, can create a network of small holes throughout your home. Wildlife removal professionals are trained in finding any potential access points and blocking the holes before more animals can get through.
- Proper sanitation: Professional wildlife removal services offer the necessary tools to keep your home safe. It’s important to keep in mind that some wildlife may carry rabies or other diseases. Without access to the proper cleaning tools, you and your family may be at risk.
If you are unsure whether you should hire a wildlife removal service, consider the following warning signs:
- Noises in the attic or walls
- Droppings and urine
- Nesting materials
- Strong odours
- Damage to your property
Why hire a professional wildlife removal service?
If you observe any signs that wildlife may be on your property, it’s important to call a professional. Dealing with the situation on your own may be more dangerous, and can result in harm to either the animal, yourself, or both.
A professional wildlife removal service can help you prevent further damage to your home, as well as any potential health hazards. With an advanced, more holistic approach, they will understand how to humanely remove any wildlife threat, releasing them safely into the wild, while also preventing their return.
Ugh, my neighbor recently discovered a family of raccoons has taken up residence in their attic, and the situation has become quite problematic. I can understand that they’re eager to hire a wildlife removal service ASAP to safely relocate the raccoons and prevent further damage to their home. I just hope they know that the first impulse for people who have problems with wildlife on their property is frequently to trap them, as this is thought to be a more humane solution that permits relocation.