Wildlife Removal and Prevention

Love cute and fuzzy animals? Love them even when they’re squatting in your attic? We didn’t think so! In areas like Maine with brutal winters, many homes become unwitting hosts to small mammals during cold temperatures. It’s common to see evidence of mice, squirrels and even larger animals taking refuge in your buildings.

Many of the wildlife residing in Maine have learned to adapt and thrive by living within homes like yours. They have found that attics make good homes, as well as under houses and porches. You might feel tempted to let them hunker down for the season but think again about how best to preserve your own habitat. You might only notice them due to some minor irritation, to begin with, such as scratching in the walls or a strong odor.

While these animals are a nuisance, they can also cause damage to your home. Rodents, like squirrels and rats, like to chew on wiring, which can be a major fire hazard. Another hazard these wild animals pose is health problems. Often these animals leave droppings contaminated with parasites wherever they have set up their new home. Co-existing in close quarters is not sustainable.

But just because you need to remove them, it doesn’t mean you need to hurt an animal. Nor are you doing any harm by returning them to the wild—they are built to withstand the temperatures and will find another safe space to spend their winter hibernation. If it’s time to trap and remove some squirrels in your attic or possums under your porch, reach out to the pest professionals at Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control for a humane and thorough removal process.

Thoughtful Wildlife Removal

If you’re an animal lover and believe humans and animals can coexist, Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control is the perfect wildlife removal expert for you. We respect nature and the wildlife it holds. If we can remove the animal from your home without harm, but still maintain the integrity of your home, that’s what we will do. Our thoughtful process of wildlife removal includes a detailed assessment of your home to determine what kind of wildlife infestation you have. Once that has been determined, we will map out our home-specific plan of removal.

There are many different types of traps that can be left in spaces near animal infestations with bait. These traps are often large and can hold multiple small animals such as squirrels. An internal mechanism lets them climb in after a snack but keeps them from climbing out again. Curious friends will follow them for a snack, too, and also find themselves tucked away inside. These traps should be checked frequently and removed when a successful catch is made. Animals must be released a significant distance from the home—preferably driven away—so they don’t sneak back in. In fact, it’s best to have begun exterior repairs to prevent re-invasion before removing the animals.

Wildlife Prevention

Once our experts have removed the animal and any accompanying droppings or other infestations, it’s time to finish up repairs that prevent re-entry. Only complete these once you are certain all animals are out. Regrettably trapping remaining animals inside your walls not only leads to their deaths, but also potential damage and odors in your home.

Block Access

You can work with your pest expert to determine areas that are vulnerable to furry invaders. A good place to start is repairing any damaged screens, either to windows or doors. If you have vents at the peak of your roof, lining these with screening from the inside can prevent unwanted intruders. Similarly, install chimney caps to close off the chimney when not in use. Chimneys are an oft-forgotten entry point to the home which provides simple access. Check seals around the chimney as well, particularly if it runs up the exterior of your house from the ground. Filling gaps can lessen access.

Keep the ground clear around the base of your home. Do not let leaves or other debris piles accumulate. Overgrown plants at your foundation can also provide cover and access for animals to investigate entry points. Install flashing or repair siding that is closest to the ground to prevent pests of all species. Installing a mulch or stone border can ward off any unwanted visitors.

Be Inhospitable

Trash attracts all sorts of animals from raccoons to bears. Keep garbage secure in a container that can’t be opened by animals. If you are heavily plagued by bears, consider a trash cage that can be easily opened by your sanitation workers but not by Yogi Bear.

Likewise, keep any pet food or water dishes indoors. If you put water out for your dog during the day, bring it in at night regularly. Don’t make your home seem hospitable to rodents and bugs.
Wildlife is mainly attracted to food. If they find food around or in your home, they will continue to infest your home if they believe they will always find free food. Don’t encourage them by leaving food unattended or easy to get to.

At Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control, we are committed to safe, effective, and humane wildlife removal. We want to protect your home as much as help your unwelcome critters find a suitable one of their own. If you find yourself in need of wildlife removal and prevention experts, call Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control at (207) 650-8654 to make your home wildlife-free.