Types Of Problematic Wildlife In Tampa
Raccoons are a common problem for Tampa residents, as they can be quite destructive and persistent in getting into your home. They typically enter the attics of houses and businesses through small holes, then tear up insulation to make nests for themselves. Raccoons are commonly seen in the evening, as they are nocturnal. They can be quite aggressive when they feel threatened or cornered, so it's important to use caution when dealing with them. Raccoons are also notorious for raiding trash cans.
Squirrels are another common pest in Tampa homes. The eastern gray squirrel is the most common species of tree squirrel, with a gray-brownish coat and bushy tail. Many people think squirrels are adorable and harmless, but they can be quite a nuisance. These rodents are typically found in attics, roof spaces, or within walls, where they build nests and chew on insulation. They can also cause damage to your siding by chewing on it during their nesting period. Squirrels are a problem for Tampa homeowners because they can also carry diseases like rabies and distemper, as well as parasites like fleas.
Opossums are another type of wildlife common in Tampa. These nocturnal scavengers can be dangerous and destructive. Opossums are white or gray marsupials and have a long, prehensile tail that is used for balance. They are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including insects and small animals. Opossums are also known to carry diseases such as rabies. They tend to create messy nests in sheds or under decks and porches.
Bats are also commonly found in attics throughout Tampa. Their droppings contain several different kinds of bacteria that can cause infections when inhaled or ingested by humans or pets who come into contact with them. Bats are attracted to attics because they provide a warm, dry place for them to roost. They are also nocturnal creatures, so they will not be active during the day when people may be in the attic.
Why You Don't Want Wildlife Hanging Around Your Yard
For most people, wildlife is a welcome sight. But when they make their way into your yard, they can cause damage to your property and even be dangerous to your health.
Types of damage nuisance wildlife can cause:
- Destroying a garden by digging or eating plants.
- Damaging trees by chewing on them, stripping the bark off of them, or damaging their branches.
- Damaging an attic by gnawing on the wood and insulation.
- Damaging ductwork by chewing on it or nesting in it.
- Chewing through wires, causing a fire or electrocution.
- Damaging a roof by chewing on it or creating holes in the shingles.
- Destroying a shed or other structure by chewing on it.
- Damaging HVAC systems by chewing on them or nesting in them.
- Chewing through water pipes, causing water damage and flooding.
- Creating nests and burrows that can cause structural damage to your home.
Diseases wildlife can carry or transmit:
- Rabies: Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system. It's transmitted when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or person.
- Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The bacteria are found in the urine of infected animals and on their fur, skin, or mucus membranes.
- Tularemia: Tularemia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans through contact with infected tissue, fluids, or droppings.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans through the air. The bacteria are found in the lungs, sputum, and saliva of infected animals.
- Baylisascaris: Baylisascaris is a parasitic worm that can infect humans through contact with infected animals. The larvae of the worm are found in the brain, eyes, and other organs of infected animals.
- Salmonellosis: Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans through the consumption of contaminated food.
- E. Coli infection: E. coli is a bacteria that can be found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. It can cause severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever if ingested by humans.
- Giardiasis: Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans through contaminated food or water or by contact with infected animals.
- Ringworm: Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated soil. It is characterized by circular patches of hair loss and scaly skin.
- Murine typhus: Murine typhus is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from infected fleas on wildlife to humans. It causes fever, headache, and muscle aches.
- Bartonellosis: Bartonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from infected fleas on wildlife to humans. It causes fever, headaches, fatigue, poor appetite, and brain fog.
In addition to the diseases they may spread and the damage they can cause, wild animals pose a risk of injury from bites or scratches, especially if you are inexperienced at wildlife trapping. If you have children at home who like playing outside but are unaware of potential dangers lurking nearby, keeping nuisance wildlife away from your property will help ensure their safety as well.
Five Practical Wildlife Prevention Tips
When it comes to wildlife control, preventing nuisance wildlife from entering your property is a matter of common sense.
You can prevent wildlife from making itself at home on your property with these practical tips:
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris. This will help prevent wildlife from nesting, living, or hiding in your yard. If they can't find adequate shelter, they won't hang around long.
- Remove food sources, such as birdseed, uneaten pet food, and poorly sealed trash cans. The biggest attractant for wildlife is food. Keeping your yard free of food sources will help keep the wildlife out.
- Trim trees to prevent them from hanging over your home and creating an easy route for wildlife to access the roof. This will help keep the birds, squirrels, and other animals from nesting on your roof or working their way inside from there.
- Clean out gutters regularly so they don't collect leaves, which could provide shelter for rodents or birds, allowing them easier access into your attic or walls. Also, consider using leaf guards on downspouts to prevent too much debris from collecting in those areas, too.
- Install mesh on vents and chimneys to prevent birds and other wildlife from entering your home. Use a high-quality, heavy-duty mesh that is difficult for animals to chew through.
Wildlife encounters can be scary —and sometimes dangerous. If you experience a wildlife encounter, contact a professional immediately for wildlife pest control near you.
The Most Successful Wildlife Control Method For Tampa Homes
If you have an issue with wildlife on your property, it's important to take action as soon as possible. Any wildlife expert can tell you that the longer wildlife is allowed to stay in your yard or home, the more damage it can cause and the harder it will be for you to get rid of them.
Trying to handle wildlife removal on your own can be dangerous and ineffective. If you don't know what you are doing, you could be risking serious injury to yourself and your family members. In addition, you may end up hurting the animal as well. Instead, call in a wildlife removal professional to assist you. These experts have the training, experience, and equipment to safely and humanely remove unwanted wild animals.
If you are experiencing wildlife problems on your property, the best thing to do is contact a professional for local wildlife removal. Haskell Termite & Pest Control is a family-owned business that has been providing pest control and termite treatment to Tampa homes for more than 30 years. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service, so we will do whatever it takes to help you solve your animal problem, whether it is raccoons in your attic or squirrels running rampant in your yard.
We can help you get rid of wildlife living in your attic, and our restoration services include sanitation and replacing damaged insulation in your attic with new, pest-proof material. We provide free estimates and have a reputation for offering fair prices.
To learn more about how we can help with wildlife and pest control on your property, call us today at Haskell Termite & Pest Control.