Maybe You Should Stop Feeding the Squirrels

Squirrel control can be a sensitive subject.  Sometimes one person in the neighborhood likes the squirrels and encourages them to stay, while others would like to get rid of the squirrels.  The same thing happens with pigeons, doves, cats and even raccoons.

If this sounds familiar to you, Allstate Animal Control can help.  We are able to discreetly trap nuisance animals so that your neighbor who feeds them will not ever know it was you who blew the whistle.  The animals will simply disappear.

Of course, you and I will know the truth.  That a wildlife control operator came, set traps or or laid poison, and captured or killed the offending animals and hauled them away to deal with them according to local laws.

Once the animals are gone– whether they be squirrels, pigeons, cats or raccoons– you will be able to rest easy again.  Wild animals and humans usually do not get along very well together for many reasons.  One important one is sanitation.  Wild animals are messy and leave crap and urine everywhere.  They also carry many diseases.  While it is not likely that your squirrels have rabies, it is possible.  Other dangerous health risks that are transmittable from animals to humans include Histoplasmosis and various parasites.

Another reason to get rid of nuisance wildlife is that they attract predators.  Small animals sometimes attract larger ones, such as raccoons, bobcats, pumas, coyotes, and foxes.

If you have a wildlife question or want to request an inspection and cost estimate, call 1-888-488-7720.

Thanks to Brian Crane for another great cartoon!

New Jersey Rabies Concerns create Raccoon Problems

A professional will humanely remove both baby and adult raccoons from your property.

Who would try to burn baby raccoons alive?  Or beat them to death?  Or drown them?  No one in their right mind, but such things happen in New Jersey when people motivated by fear want to get rid of raccoons and take matters into their own hands. 

Since rabies returned to New Jersey, and raccoons are the number one carriers of this always fatal disease, raccoons are more hated and feared than pit-bulls in the eye of the public.  You can read this article from the New York Times for more information.

There are significant dangers from rabid raccoons, and a number of other diseases associated with the animals, but do-it-yourself raccoon removal is not the way to get rid of raccoons.  People who are concerned about wild animals on their property need to contact a wildlife control specialist who can get rid of the animals efficiently and humanely.  Depending on local laws and regulations, the animals will be euthanized or relocated, but they won’t be abused.  Click here for more information about Allstate Animal Control’s Raccoon Removal Services.

One thing the do-it-yourselfers may not have considered is the danger they are placing themselves in.  Wild animals are unpredictable.  Even experienced wildlife control experts have seen very dangerous situations develop unexpectedly when working around raccoons.  The animals will attack without notice and it takes special equipment and quick reactions to defend against such an assault. 

When it is time to get rid of raccoons, and such times do come, hire a professional.  It is safer for you, kinder to the animals, and most likely to result in a successful outcome.

Nationwide raccoon control: 1-888-488-7720

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Bats in Los Angeles, California Apartment Complexes

Bat infestations are common in the Los Angeles, California area.  The climate is perfect and there are so many man-made structures that remind bats of their primeval cave homes that they are glad to move in and make themselves comfortable.  So comfortable, in fact, that professional bat removal is the only way to get rid of them. 

Apartment buildings in particular make for good bat habitat.  The buildings are sometimes surrounded by open space that provides hunting grounds.  There are many nooks and crannies for roosting or colony sites.  Sometimes the buildings are not very well maintained and provide access to the interior of the buildings where the bats encroach on people.  That is when residents begin to make demands: remove bats or I will remove myself to a new apartment and the animals can have this one. 

Sometimes management will try to ignore or hide the problem.  This is very dangerous.  The managers aren’t usually being lazy, they just don’t know their options.  They are afraid that bat removal will be bad public relations, negatively affect the appearance of their buildings and cost too much. 

Hiring professional bat removal shows tenants that their complaints are being addressed and will not cause people to move nearly so fast as a live bat in the bedroom will. 

When bat removal is properly done the appearance of the building will be only slightly altered, if at all.  Most access points used by the animals are very small and can be blocked without even being noticed by the average passerby.  

A single contact between a bat and a human can result in a very ugly lawsuit.  Yes, you have to pay for bat removal.  But, it is much cheaper than the alternative. 

Make the decision to get rid of the bats in your apartment, home or business.  You will be happier.

Nationwide Bat Removal Services: 1-888-488-7720

Rabid Bats in Liberty, Utah

Should you come into contact with a bat, get away as soon as possible and contact a professional.

A few days ago in Liberty, Utah, located within an hour of Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah, two young girls were attacked by a bat that proved to be rabid.  Both are receiving rabies shots and are expected to recover fully.  You can read the full, original news story here: http://www.standard.net/live/news/179903/ 

While it doesn’t appear to be the case with these girls, often such bites occur when people are exposed to wild animals in their own homes.  The animals move in and the people either do not have them evicted or decide to try to get rid of bats on their own. 

I mention this because it is an excellent reminder of the caution that needs to be exercised around wild animals and why it is best to have professionals get rid of bats or other wild creatures that invade human territory. 

When you encounter a wild animal that is not behaving normally, you should leave it absolutely alone.  For bats, this means being out or active during the day.  The same holds true for a number of other creatures, including skunks and raccoons, both of which also are common carriers of rabies. 

Leave wild animals alone.  While animals are fascinating and can be cute or beautiful, they are almost all aggressive when they feel threatened.  At the same time, if an animal is unusually passive, it may be sick.  Either way, you can contact a wildlife control specialist who can get rid of bats or other wild animals safely. 

I wish a speedy recovery to these girls and wish a safe summer to all others and give you an urgent reminder that, for their safety, you should educate your children about the dangers of wild animals.  Should you come into contact with one, get away as soon as possible and contact a professional who will come to get rid of bats or whatever animal is causing the trouble. 

Professional Bat Removal: 1-888-488-7720

Insect Control and Bat Control in Denver, Colorado

There are unintended consequences to placing a bat house on your home or commercial building. It can lead to serious health risks and require professional bat control services.

“Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the BAT bugs bite.” 

Bat bugs?  What are bat bugs?  I only know about bed bugs.  Well, bat bugs are one of the lesser known reasons for bat control, but one that people need to know about.  

Colorado State University has issued warnings to people in the Denver, Colorado against putting bat houses on their homes, as there are unintended consequences that can lead to serious health risks and require professional bat control services. 

People have various reasons for wanting to attract these animals—insect control or as part of the stronger ecological conscience that is growing in the state.  People want to provide shelter for this beneficial species.  

There are problems with this good intention.  While these little houses are advertised in a number of forums as good for bats, one must be very careful in their application.  One of a few things tends to happen: 

1. The house goes unoccupied.  This is discouraging and frustrating for people who have gone to expense with the hope of attracting bats.
2. The bats move in—and so do the bugs.  If you attach a bat house to your house, you are asking for bat bugs.  These are small, parasitic animals similar to bed bugs.  They are more common than bed bugs in Colorado and spread easily from roosting locations to people’s sleeping locations.  The small insects can come in through open windows, small cracks, etc., and end up in your bedroom.  For this reason, bat houses should not be mounted on people houses or businesses. If you start finding bites from an unknown insect, you might want to get checked and explore bat control options including complete fumigation and sanitation of your home.
3. The bats move in—and end up in the house.  If you attract bats to the small, cramped quarters you bought on-line, it is a small step to having them in your attic.  Bat removal specialists are often called in for bat control when the animals make their way inside.   

It is good to care about bats.  You can help them by careful and minimal use of pesticides and insecticides, by spreading the good word about them and the great service they provide to the environment and by using good sense around bats and all wild animals.  If you do end up with bats in your house and need bat control, contact a specialist who will exclude the bats without harming them.

Nationwide Bat Removal and Insect Control: 1-888-488-7720

Confessions of a Wildlife Control Operator

I do animal removal because people and wild animals don't play well together.

I am often questioned about my role as a wildlife control operator.  How do I feel about wild animals?  Why is animal removal the right alternative when people want to get rid of squirrels, raccoons, bats and other critters on their property?  Can people control wild animals?  How are animals changed by the urban environments that people have created? 

Some of these questions are easy to answer. 

I love animals. Some of my favorite times have been spent in nature observing and enjoying wildlife. Just because I believe in removing animals from homes and businesses doesn’t mean I don’t like critters. 

I do animal removal because people and wild animals don’t play well together.  Animals are, well, animals.  They poop where they please, eat what they want and modify homes to suit themselves. I wouldn’t want to live in a poop-filled home, sharing my food with critters that don’t wash their hands and having all the wiring torn out of my attic, for example.  It isn’t safe. It isn’t healthy.  Many people become sick every year from animal borne diseases or from bacterial illnesses associated with animal refuse and waste. 

I am careful when I am doing an animal removal job.  We use humane procedures in wildlife trapping.  Animals are often live trapped and are relocated wherever laws and regulations allow.  Many animals are never handled by humans but removed from the building by venting and kept away by a variety of repellents. 

People cannot control wild animals.  Professional wildlife control operators are in contact with wild animals every day as they do their job of animal removal.  We study animal behavior and learn by education and experience how animals might typically behave in a certain circumstance.  I am, however, frequently surprised.  Animals are often ingenious in their methods of accessing and modifying a home to suit their fancy.  

The last question is more difficult to answer, as the answer is evolving as we watch. 

It is certain that some species of wildlife have been negatively affected by human encroachment.  Approximately 75% of the population of the United States now lives in urban or suburban areas.  As the shift from rural to urban occurs, some species are displaced.  Many species, however, seem to thrive.  The urban population density of raccoons, for example, is higher in many areas than the rural population surrounding that area. 

Urban wildlife control is a changing and expanding field.  As we perform wildlife trapping and animal removal, we must consider ecological principles and legal requirements as well as political, economic and societal issues. Wildlife control operators continue to learn as they manage wildlife in human-created environments. 

It will be very interesting to see what the future holds and how human-animal relationships develop. But, a few things will doubtless remain the same:  conflicts will continue to occur, people should not have to share their living and working spaces with wild animals, and wildlife control operators will be there to provide wildlife trapping and animal removal services to make things right.

Nationwide Wildlife Trapping: 1-888-488-7720

Rabid Bat Danger in Denver, Colorado

Wildlife control operators can control bats without injuring them, and without damaging your home.

Did you know that nearly 10% of all bats in the Denver, Colorado area that are tested by the Department of Public Health and Environment test positive for rabies?  In fact, bats are the number one carrier of rabies in Colorado.

While they are interesting and valuable animals, bat control is necessary.  Bat colonies in homes must be removed.  Wildlife control operators can control bats by removing them without injuring them or damaging your home.  In fact, your home will be better maintained when they are done, because it is usually lack of maintenance that allows bats to take up residence.

What else can you do to control your exposure to bats?  The Health Department recommends avoiding bats that act “abnormally.”  But, what is abnormal? 

1. The animal is active during the day. Healthy bats usually remain quiet and roost during daylight hours.
2. The animal has difficulty flying or cannot fly at all.  It is possible that the animal is injured, but it is likely sick.
3. The animal makes very loud hissing or squeaking noises.
4. The animal is on the ground and/or in an open or exposed area.
5. The animal allows you to approach it without attempting to get away. This does not mean it is a friendly.  It means something is wrong.

 If you see a bat with any of these symptoms, DO NOT handle it with your bare hands.  Most cases of rabies in humans happen when a person initiates contact with a wild animal.  Do not attempt bat control yourself.  Hire a trained professional wildlife control operator.

If there is any possibility you or a family member or pet have come into direct contact with a bat, seek medical help immediately.  The animal should be captured if it is possible to do so without directly handling the animal.  Bats have very small teeth and claws and the bites or scratches may be barely visible or not painful. 

Avoid danger by being careful around wild animals, knowing the symptoms of rabies and other infectious diseases and through careful home maintenance to promote a healthy living environment through sensible, sensitive bat control.

Nationwide Bat Control: 1-888-488-7720

Dead Skunk in the middle of Salt Lake City, Utah

A live skunk under your deck smells really bad. A dead skunk odor is much, much worse.

You got yer
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
You got yer dead skunk in the middle of the road
Stinkin’ to high Heaven! 

(Loudon Wainwright III, 1973)

Nearly everyone has had the experience of driving down the highway and catching a sudden whiff of dead skunk.  Skunks don’t smell great when they are alive, but a dead one gives a whole new meaning to stink. 

Imagine all that smell bottled up in an enclosed space—say, under a deck directly under your back door.  Yep, it happened to me, and I have a whole new respect for the power of those black-and-white critters.

I live in the east Salt Lake City, Utah area and have a deck out back of my house.  We are on a bit of a hill so part of the deck is several feet off the ground, but part is only about 18-inches.

I will probably never know why the animal was there or why it died.  I mean, really, did it HAVE to choose my deck?!

Once we figured out that the dead animal was right up against the house under the center of the deck where there wasn’t much clearance there was a larger problem: what to do about it?

Obviously, we couldn’t just wash the deck in tomato juice, which doesn’t work anyway.  After checking around we found out about wild animal control operators.  I thought they just got rid of live animals, but it turns out that they do dead ones, too.  And, they know how to get rid of dead skunk smell.

I cannot tell you what a relief it was to have these guys show up.  They crawled under the deck and removed the carcass.  They got rid of the smelly thing, which was pretty nasty, and then got rid of the smell.  They have this special enzyme stuff that somehow makes it go away.  I was amazed.  I figured I would be living with dead skunk smell for a long time.

Next time you pass a dead skunk on the road, be very grateful that it is in the road and not under your deck!

Nationwide Skunk Trapping and Odor Control: 1-888-488-7720

No-Kill Options for Urban Wildlife

Nationwide Wildlife Control: 1-888-488-7720

Some wildlife, such as mud swallows, woodpeckers and bats, can be relocated without euthanization.

More and more often people contact me looking for no-kill options for wildlife and even for domestic animals that they have on their property.  These animals might be bats in their garage or pigeons roosting on their office building.  It is hard for people to understand why some animals are euthanized.

The good news is that some wild animals can be removed without euthanization.  Examples are bats, mud swallows and woodpeckers.  We vent the animals out and perform maintenance to prevent them from returning.  They are free to find a new roost or colony location.  We use repellents for mud swallows and woodpeckers, which, again, are free to relocate themselves. 

However, the most common urban wildlife like raccoons, pigeons and feral cats, usually cannot be legally relocated.  The easy answer is “that is the law” and people reply “the law is wrong” or “the law can be changed” or even “To $&%* with the law, I’m going to do the right thing, legal or not.” But, before you act remember that there are reasons why euthanization laws exist.  

Urban wildlife carries more disease than their rural cousins. If we trap a city raccoon, for example, and take it out to the country it is likely to infect the rural population.

Most areas in the United States where each of these animals can live already support a near-capacity population.  If you relocate an animal, it will fight established animals for territory.  Someone will lose. 

Urban animals often do not adapt to rural living.  A fast-food raccoon does not know how to catch fish from a running stream.

Pigeons will return to their original roost from over 500 miles away, making relocation near impossible. Other animals will return from remarkable distances, far longer than you would expect.

I do not like to euthanize animals, but I understand that it is often in the best interest of everyone involved.  I am certain a painless passing in a CO Chamber is more merciful than bleeding to death from a fight or slow starvation.  I can assure you that we do treat the animals in a caring and humane way when we are called in to perform animal removal.

There are things you can do to help.  

1. Feral populations of cats are the result of owners not neutering or spaying their pets.  Be responsible. Don’t contribute to the problem. 
2. Don’t attract wild animals to your property by providing food like trash or dog food. 
3. Keep your home or business well-maintained and secure so the animals can’t get inside and take up residence.
4. If you do find that a wild animal is living on your property, act quickly before they breed and a whole group of animals must be removed. 

Feral Cat Capture

 

Feral cats cause problems when they damage property, spread diseases, make smelly messes, and kill desirable birds and mammals.

We recently had a customer request assistance in removing a feral cat from his home’s crawlspace.  The customer reported that from what he could tell the cat spent most of its days and nights in there, making a lot of racket and sometimes fighting with other cats.  We immediately sent a referral to Shawn, a wildlife control operator in the area who had worked with us before and who had the proper licensing.  

Shawn had a lot of experience with skunks, raccoons, and pigeons, but had never done a cat removal job.  Using coaching, technology, and patience, we were able to walk Shawn through the entire job. 

Since Shawn already had lots of experience in trapping wild animals, he was familiar with many of the trapping methods and products that are frequently used in this business such as traps, lures, and snarepoles.  What he was uncertain about was how this particular kind of wild animal would likely react to him trying to catch it.  Of course, wild animals can behave unpredictably, but they do have patterns and behaviors that they usually follow.  Familiarity with those behaviors makes the trapping process much easier.

Shawn emiled us several digital pictures of the house and crawlspace from all sides.  He included some extra shots of the cat’s access points to the crawlspace area and some measurements of the space.

Our professional wildlife removal coach talked Shawn through the process, and after several attempts he was finally able to catch the cat with a snare pole.  It turned out she was a large female who was getting ready to birth a litter in a few days.  She’d set up a den in the crawlspace for her soon-to-be-born kittens.

After the animal was removed Shawn did some cleanup work under the house and sanitized and deodorized the area.  Then he performed a few repairs to the skirting around the house and sealed up all the potential access points to prevent further animal problems.

Nationwide Feral Cat Control: 1-888-488-7720

Coaching Services for Professional Trappers and Do-It-Yourselfers: 1-888-488-7720