Wildlife Identification Guide

What is wildlife?

Wildlife is a term used to describe all wild animals. Wild animals live outside and can thrive without the help of people. However, just because they can survive without us, doesn’t mean they want to. Many species of wildlife will take advantage of the food and shelter sources our properties provide to them. Wild animals that live throughout Central New York and often invade our outdoor spaces, homes, and businesses include woodchucks, opossums, skunks, beavers, bats, foxes,  raccoons, and squirrels.

Are wildlife dangerous?

Wildlife can be dangerous to both people and our properties. Listed below are some of the dangers associated with wildlife:

• Wild animals carry and spread a variety of diseases that make people ill.
• Some wild animals like skunks and bats are carriers of rabies.
• Wild animals can cause a lot of destruction by digging through trash, gardens, and lawns foraging for food.
• When burrowing or nesting under decks, sheds, or foundations, wild animals cause structural damage.
• Wildlife nesting inside of our homes and businesses cause damage to our belongings, contaminate food, and their chewing habits can cause fires and water damage.
• When wild animals feel threatened, they defend themselves by biting, scratching, and hissing.

Why do I have a wildlife problem?

You have a problem with wildlife because living near or inside your home or business benefits them. Wild animals are attracted to properties with sheltered locations to hide in and, more importantly, easy access to food and water. Standing water, leaking pipes and hoses, garbage, recycling bins, compost piles, bird feeders, pet food, and outdoor eating areas all attract wildlife to our properties.

Where will I find wildlife?

Wild animals usually live outside, but sometimes will move indoors to escape harsh weather or be near newly discovered food sources. Common indoor hiding spots for wildlife include chimneys, attics, basements, and wall voids. They also take up residence in garages, sheds, barns, and other outbuildings.

Where wild animals nest or burrow outdoors depends on their unique species:

• Woodchucks burrow in the ground to nest. They burrow in fields, pastures, along fence lines, in gardens, under woodpiles, next to building foundations, under decks, and under sheds and outbuildings.
• Opossums live in a variety of sheltered locations. They enjoy taking advantage of preexisting shelters instead of crafting their own. Opossums live in tree hollows, under piles of brush or wood, and in the abandoned burrows of other animals.
• Skunks live along the forest edges, in grassy fields, and areas of dense vegetation. They also will burrow under decks, woodpiles, sheds, and     foundations.
• Beavers live in lakes, ponds, and streams. They build lodges that they live in out of sticks, twigs, rocks, and mud.
• Bats live in caves, rock crevices, hollow trees, attics, and roof eaves.
• Squirrels usually nest up off of the ground in trees. They commonly invade our barns, sheds, garages, and homes.
• Raccoons create dens in the ground, under decks or sheds, in attics, in between rocks, and in hollow trees. Raccoons like to live near wooded areas near sources of water.

How do I get rid of wildlife?

Get rid of wildlife from your Upstate property with the help of local, experienced professionals. At Sweeney’s Pest Elimination, we have been protecting people and properties from our area’s most common pests for over 20 years.

If you are experiencing problems with wildlife, our professionals will take care of the problem and put into place the services needed to stop them from returning. To learn more about our residential or commercial pest control solutions and eliminate wildlife from your Ithaca property, contact us at Sweeney’s Pest Elimination today!

How can I prevent wildlife in the future?

In addition to our effective wildlife control services,avoid future problems with wildlife by putting into place the following prevention tips:

• Remove bird or wildlife feeders from your property.
• Pick up uneaten pet food each evening.
• Keep locking lids on trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins.
• Maintain outdoor eating areas and keep them free of food debris.
• Repair any roof damage and damage to the foundation of your home.
• Place covers over chimney openings.
• Cut back overgrown vegetation, bushes, and tree branches from your home.
• Get rid of standing water from your property.

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