Wildlife Pests

Bats

Order Chiroptera

Bats have webbed wings as forelimbs making them the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. They are present throughout most of the world except in extremely cold areas. They are beneficial in that they pollinate flowers, disperse fruit seeds, and consume insect pests. Because they hibernate in the winter, they may find their way into your home when seeking a warm environment for the cold season. Trying to remove a bat infestation has the potential to be dangerous – some bats are carriers for rabies. If you think you have bats living in your home, find a local pest control company to provide a safe, effective method of removing them from your home.

Moles

Family Talpidae

Moles are small mammals with cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, very small ears and eyes that are not apparent. They have reduced hind limbs and short, powerful forelimbs with large paws adapted for digging and tunneling below ground. They feed on earthworms, ants, and beetle grubs that live in the ground along with some seeds and nuts. Moles can cause significant damage to your landscape or garden, potentially destroying valuable plants when burrowing. There are a number of methods available for controlling moles but the most effective is trapping. Contact a pest control specialist to learn more about your options.

Opossums

Order Didelphimorphia

Adult opossums or "possums" have long, light gray hair with a scaly tail and are approximately the same size as a large cat. They make their homes near food sources in hollow logs, garages, under buildings, and sometimes in abandoned squirrels’ nests in trees. They are omnivores so they aren’t picky about what they eat. Some areas have local regulations protecting the species, so if you find an opossum near your home contact a pest control company for safe removal.

Raccoons

Procyon lotor

Raccoons or “coons” are approximately 16 to 28 in in length, weighing 8 to 20 lbs. They have a grayish coat, with a “facial mask” made up of white and dark grey markings. They are nocturnal creatures that typically make their homes in forests, but are also found in urban areas where they are considered pests. When foraging for food they will dig through trash cans outside a home or office often spreading the contents all over the ground. They will use existing structures like the area under porches, outbuildings, attics or chimney’s to create a den. Contact your pest control professional to capture or trap this pest safely.

Skunks

Family Mephitidae

The appearance and size of a skunk ranges based on the species, but typically they are black in color with white stripes or spots. They feed on rodents like moles, rats, and mice, while keeping the insect population low. While helpful, they will also dig under foundations and low decks to make a home, and will ruin gardens and lawns. They are carriers of rabies, a serious virus that could result in death if contracted. They release a spray or skunk odor to scare away predators that is difficult to remove. Pain or temporary blindness can occur if any gets into the eyes of humans or pets. If you have noticed a skunk near your home or office, find a local pest control professional to remove the animal safely.

Snakes

Suborder Serpentes

The appearance of snakes varies greatly depending on the species. All snakes however will lack fully developed legs or eyelids. They can be green, red, yellow, dark black or brown in color with distinct stripes or patterns. Snakes help control pest populations – most are nonvenomous and pose no harm to humans. Because they are cold-blooded animals they will hibernate in winter and stay out in the sun during the summer months. If you find a snake near your home and are unsure if it is venomous, contact a professional wildlife management technician to identify and potentially remove any dangerous snakes.

Squirrels

Family Sciuridae

Squirrels make their homes in trees in wooded areas or in the garage or attics of buildings in urban areas. They actively store food in their nests for winter. They are typically small, ranging in size from 4 inches to 21 inches in larger species. They have slender bodies with bushy tails and large eyes. Ground squirrels are known to cause damage to crops and gardens. Many species are protected which makes controlling an infestation challenging. Consult a pest control technician to identify and provide the best method of control available.