Wildlife Problems

1. Common Squirrel Problems

Squirrels are one of the most destructive animals that exist. They love to chew into attics and wall areas. They commonly fall down chimneys and end up in fireplaces. Squirrels destroy attic insulation, chew through sheetrock, and chew electrical wiring. If a squirrel becomes trapped inside the living are, it usually chews up window and door frames.

There are Gray Squirrels that come in all variations of color, from gray to jet black. The smaller red squirrel is found near pine trees and is much more destructive than the larger Gray Squirrel. Squirrels have two litters a year and are cute to watch until they become a problem. Please do not feed or encourage them.

Flying Squirrels are mainly nocturnal and tend to live in small groups. They become active at night and can cause a lot of noise. They are small like a chipmunk with tan backs and white bellies. Their eyes are large and black that appear to be bulging. They do not actually fly but glide on flaps of skin that are attached at the ankle and wrist.

2. Common Chipmunk Problems

Chipmunks are cute to watch but are very damaging to rock walls and landscaping. They dig small burrows and often enter homes, sheds, and garages. These animals are small and easy to recognize from their thin white and black stripes. Please do not feed or encourage them.

3. Common Skunk Problems

Skunks love to grub up in yards. They are born ready to spray. They love to den under porches, decks, sheds, and crawl spaces. During the February breeding season, females frequently spray to fend off aggressive males. This often happens under your home. The smell is very offensive and permeates everything. They are usually not aggressive and only spray as a last measure of defense. Skunks are mammals and commonly carry distemper and rabies. Please do not leave pet food outside.

4. Common Raccoon Problems

Raccoons are mostly nocturnal. They often use a chimney as a hollow tree and frequently have their young on fireplace dampers. Raccoons can be very aggressive if cornered. They love to raid bird feeders and pet food left outside. Raccoons become more visible during daylight hours in the late spring as the wander about to get relief from their young in the den sites. A sick raccoon is usually very vocal with continual whines and chattering.

5. Common Groundhog or Woodchuck problems

Groundhogs or woodchucks are both the same critter. They dig extensive burrows under buildings, as well as in open fields and yards. The large dirt mound is a telltale sign of their presence. Their digging can undermine stone walls and foundations. Woodchucks love both flower and vegetable gardens and often eat them to the ground. They usually run away when disturbed but can be aggressive if cornered.

6. Common Fox Problems

Fox are beautiful to watch in the wild but do not belong living in your yard. Usually they are not aggressive by nature but will attack small pets. Fox become highly visible in late spring as the continually wander in search of food to feed a hungry litter of pups. Just because fox is out during the day does not mean it is rabid. Fox commonly carry mange, a disease that causes hair loss, and eventually death. Mange is highly contagious to your dogs and even harmful to humans. Fox are mammals and as such may carry rabies. A fox appearing friendly should be avoided quickly.

7. Common Coyote Problems

Coyotes are the most common large predator in New York. They tend to look like German Shepherds and can weigh from 25 to 60 pounds. They are omnivorous creatures and eat anything from bugs, berries, trash, pets, to deer, and livestock. Small dogs and cats are menu items to the coyote. Coyote found in residential areas often lose their fear of humans. If coyote sightings become common, small children should not be left unattended. The coyote’s excited yips, barks, and howls, are often heard at night.

8. Common Beaver Problems

Beavers are large aquatic mammals that are known for their tree cutting ability. They build stick and mud dams that back up streams and can cause extensive flooding to croplands, yards, wells, and highways. They usually are not an aggressive animal.

9. Common Deer Problems

Deer are a love or hate problem. They destroy landscaping and are a menace to vehicles on the road. A beautiful and graceful animal to watch but they have become overpopulated in many residential areas. Where population areas are high, the area often becomes infested with deer ticks that may cause Lyme Disease. Special permits are needed to handle deer.

10.Common Snake Problems

The three most common problem snakes are Milksnakes, Garter snakes, and Water snakes. Milksnakes can be difficult to get rid of. They are commonly found in conjunction with mouse problems. They are not aggressive and common around stone foundations, barns, and abandoned property. Garter snakes feed mainly on insects and love stone walls and flower beds. They are usually not aggressive. Water snakes on the other hand can sometimes become aggressive and are much longer in length. They are often found around ponds, lakes, docks, and swimming pools. None of these common species are poisonous.

Overall, most wildlife is wonderful to watch from a distance but should not be handled by untrained persons. Animals that appear to have lost fear of humans should be avoided. Any animal bite must be treated by a doctor . PLEASE DO NOT FEED OR ENCOURAGE THE WILDLIFE! If you happen to come across baby animals, do not pick them up, usually their parents are not too far away. IF YOU CARE LEAVE THEM THERE!

Related services that we offer:

1. Chimney cap sales and installation

2. Exclusion work around porches, sheds, and decks.

3. Repairs to animal damage

4. Attic cleanup of animal damage and waste

5. Insulation removal and replacement

6. Habitat modification plans

HAVE A PROBLEM? ASK US – WE CAN HELP. INSURED, LICENSED, EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS.

Call us today for all those unwanted critters!
South of Rt 20: Call Jeremiah Burns @ 315-415-7509.
North of Rt 20: Call John Richer @ 315-263-0855.

References given upon request

Serving Upstate and Central New York

"Customer Alert!! Check the Better Business Bureau before contracting with anyone"