In Austin, Texas, many wildlife animals can threaten residential properties. These animals include skunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and birds like pigeons, house sparrows, and starlings. Below is a short description of each of these pests:
- Skunks- black bodies with a white straight down the length of their body from head to tail, grow between 8 to 19 inches and are known for the terrible odor they produce.
- Squirrels- fur can vary from gray to red, with a lighter color underbelly, they grow between 15 to 20 inches long, and they are rodents, so their teeth never stop growing, which is why they constantly need to chew.
- Opossums- have whitish-gray fur and a hairless tail, a narrow face, and are the only marsupials in North America.
- Armadillos- have a football-shaped body, brown or thick gray skin with course, yellowish-white hairs, and will curl into a ball when threatened.
- Raccoons - Raccoons are covered in gray to brown fur and are well known for having a "black mask" around their eyes and black rings on their tails. When raccoons feel threatened they make barking, screaming or growling sounds for a warning defense.
While you may see these animals and birds regularly, they can become a problem if they get too comfortable on your Austin, Texas property. To keep this from happening, you should know more about these pests and what to do when this occurs.
How Is Wildlife Dangerous
While the animal may vary, the problems they cause are very similar. From health concerns to property damage, wildlife can become an issue for any Austin property owner. Below is a comprehensive list of the trouble that comes with these pests:
Health Concerns:
- Many wildlife animals are known to transmit diseases to people and pets. These diseases include, but are not limited to, rabies, plague, giardiasis, tularemia, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and histoplasmosis.
- They can also spread parasites like fleas and ticks, which can cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, along with other health concerns.
- If they get inside a home, wildlife can contaminate food, surfaces, and personal hygiene products, making people sick.
- Many animals trigger allergies and asthma, which can be a significant problem, especially for those with existing conditions.
Property Damage:
- Many of these pests can cause structural damage, especially if they make their way inside the home. This damage can include ruining drywall, pipes, wires, and insulation. They may use materials from your home to make nests.
- Some of these animals burrow, which can damage your yard and the foundation of your home or outbuildings.
- They can damage your lawn and garden when feeding.
- Wildlife will often damage property by leaving waste behind; this is especially true for birds.
How To Handle Wildlife
Many types of wildlife become aggressive when they feel trapped or cornered. It would be best if you did not try to get rid of them on your own. Instead, the safest way to handle wildlife on your property is by contacting professionals for assistance.
Roberts Termite & Pest Control VS. Wildlife
Roberts Termite & Pest Control is a trusted and reliable solution for Austin, Texas residents. We specialize in live trapping for wildlife to humanely remove these pests from your property. With flexible scheduling, you can have a pest-free property when you call us at Roberts Termite & Pest Control! Contact us today to learn more about our wildlife control services and how you can get started.