Bats are a key part of a healthy ecosystem; however, they are a significant source of potential rabies exposure for humans and risk spreading the fungal disease, histoplasmosis. Above that they roost in attics or crawlspaces, causing noise and even structural damage.
Common bird species like pigeons, starlings, and sparrows find homes on building ledges and dining areas. While beautiful they can cause disruptions and can become aggressive during nesting seasons. Sanitary issues arise from droppings being hazardous, carrying diseases like histoplasmosis and they can even corrode structures and vehicles. The materials birds use for creating nests can cause havoc blocking drainage systems and fire risks near electrical installations.
Cute and little, but big on damage. Chipmunks burrow under patios and foundations causing structural damage and can nest in walls furthering damage to a home or business. Their constant chewing can decimate plant landscaping, electrical insulation, and food in bird feeders. More of a nuisance on a property’s aesthetics, chipmunks are a health concern with their ability to transmit diseases, parasites and fleas.
Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are problematic with their burrowing behavior. Their complex tunnel systems mar a properties appearance and can jeopardize the structural integrity of foundations, driveways, and embankments. Groundhogs are ravenous eaters, demolishing gardens and flower beds, and can even reduce farmers’ crop yields.
Moles and Voles damage a home’s garden, lawn, and trees. Tunnels, burrows, and mounds created are not only an eyesore but also a safety risk for pets and humans. Moles’ tunneling damage gardens and landscaping from the roots and voles enjoy the gardens and trees as their primary food source. The presence of voles can attract larger predators such as coyotes. Moles are known carriers of rabies resulting in the need for expert removal.
Opossums are generally shy, nocturnal animals that like to establish dens in secluded home areas. Adding to their frequent garbage can tipping and pet food raids, this animal’s den can lead to potential structural damage and odors. Health concerns while sharing spaces with these animals can include diseases like leptospirosis and rabies.
Raccoons encroach in attics and gardens. They bring their savaging habits to human spaces leading to unsanitary conditions and property damage to insulation, electrical wires, and more. Despite being a protected wildlife species in many areas, raccoons are carriers of parasites and potentially rabies.
Mice and rats thrive in residential and commercial spaces. Causing structural damage by gnawing on wires and plumbing and being elusive creatures with rapid reproduction, they are difficult to manage without professional help. Atop of the all-encompassing damage they can cause, mice and rats pose health risks by contaminating food, spreading diseases like salmonella and hantavirus, and even trigger allergies and asthma.
Skunks are nocturnal nuisances and known for their pungent odor that permeates structures and fabrics. They impose themselves into homes and businesses by dining up lawns in search of insects and establishing dens under buildings and structures. In addition to their malodor, skunks are carriers of diseases like rabies.
Snakes assist in controlling rodent populations but can become a nuisance when their habitats intersect with human activities. Some snakes can be poisonous and can pose a threat to small pets.
Squirrels are cute but pesky creatures. Their adaptability to urban areas leads them to be a nuisance by digging up lawns, decimating plants, and even chewing through electrical wiring. Their scavenging can also lead to an undesirable mess.