Wildlife Control Plano involves humane trapping, removal, and long-term animal exclusion of nuisance wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, groundhogs, skunks, birds, etc. It differs from pest control because it doesn’t use toxic chemicals and focuses on long-term solutions.
Frightening devices include visual, audio, audio-visual, and biological (e.g., bird hazing with border collies or hawks). Long-term damage management methods also involve changing the environment to make it less attractive to certain species.
Licensed trappers are the quintessential boots on the ground regarding wildlife monitoring and are often the first to notice changes in the landscape. They have a special bond with the land they live on and work to manage abundant furbearer populations at no additional cost to the public. For many, regulated trapping is a family tradition; for others, it is part of their career as accredited wildlife management professionals.
Cage traps are used to capture and transport a wide variety of animals, including rodents (weasels, beavers, rat, opossum) and carnivores (coyote, bobcat, fox, coydog). This method of wildlife control has long been an important tool for reducing wildlife conflicts with humans in rural areas, including preventing costly damage to property and roads, and providing valuable nutrient input to pastures, crops and timber stands.
The use of lethal force is rarely necessary when using cage traps, especially if bait is used effectively. However, when necessary, trappers must be prepared to humanely dispatch the animal. If possible, it is recommended to euthanize the animal at the trap site by means of a gun, bow and arrow or knife. Otherwise, a veterinarian should be called to make the lethal injection.
When trapping on a national wildlife refuge, it is important to set the trap where it will be easily accessible. A trapper should also know that trapping in poor weather conditions can be extremely dangerous. Animals trapped during bad weather may not have enough energy to survive the winter, or they will simply starve to death.
Lastly, it is important to consider the psychological response of the people who trap and the wildlife they kill. Grief and sadness are common reactions, as are feelings of guilt or shame. In these situations, it is important to talk with a counselor for guidance and support. Wildlife rehabilitators can also be a great source of information and support for people who trap and for those who have a concern about the ethical handling of wildlife. They can help people develop realistic expectations about the behavior of trapped wildlife, and may be able to refer them to counseling if needed.
Exclusion
Unlike trapping and poisoning, which take place after wildlife has already invaded your home, exclusion is preventative. It involves sealing entry points and preventing wildlife from coming in in the first place. Depending on your needs, this may involve hardware cloth, weather sweeps, caging, pest-resistant sealants, vent covers or screens, and more. These tools are often less expensive than trapping and poisoning, and they offer a more long-term solution to wildlife problems.
Animals enter homes and businesses through a wide variety of openings, including open foundation cracks and walls, vents, chimneys and other openings in the roofline, open crawl spaces, and more. These openings can be created by squirrels gnawing new holes, raccoons digging under siding, or rodents chewing through pipe insulation. Once inside, animals can damage your property by tearing up insulation and wood, leaving droppings and urine in the attic, and creating a smelly mess throughout the house.
Wild animals are most active in spring and fall, when they’re seeking food, water and shelter. They also are more likely to be searching for places to raise young.
Exclusion is a popular IPM method that is highly effective and friendly to wildlife. It’s one of the best solutions for addressing wildlife damage. It’s a key component of Integrated Pest Management, and can be a valuable addition to your wildlife control toolkit.
The primary benefits of exclusion are that it is a non-lethal control strategy, less expensive than trapping and poisoning, environmentally friendly, provides long-term protection and often works for 100% of customers, and helps to keep wildlife populations at sustainable levels. It’s also a humane method of controlling nuisance wildlife.
The biggest downside of wildlife exclusion is that it’s a labor-intensive process. It requires inspection of your home or business and the proper installation of products, which is why it’s so important to work with a reputable wildlife control company that is licensed and insured. A professional will ensure that all gaps and openings are sealed properly, preventing future animal reentry and ensuring that any existing wildlife populations are kept to sustainable levels.
Dead Animal Removal
Regardless of whether the animal is domestic or wild, finding dead wildlife on your property can be distressing. It can also pose health risks and attract other pests. Therefore, it’s important to remove the animal as quickly as possible. In addition, removing the carcass can also help eliminate foul odors and prevent rodent infestations.
The best option is to contact a wildlife removal specialist for assistance. They can help you to identify the species of the animal, locate it, and perform a clean up. They will also ensure that the animal is properly disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.
If you’d like to try a DIY approach, be sure to wear gloves when handling the carcass and double-bag it before throwing it away. You should also wash your hands thoroughly afterward and disinfect any tools or clothing that may have come into contact with the animal.
You can usually put dead animals in refuse containers (trash cans). However, the disposal process varies by region and some areas require a permit. Some towns also require that the carcass be burned before it is buried. If you’re unsure of how to dispose of the carcass, be sure to contact your town hall for guidelines.
Deceased animals that are found on roadways should be reported to the government agency responsible for maintaining that road. In New York, this is the Department of Transportation, and in Nassau County, it’s the highway departments of the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay.
Dead animals that are found inside homes should be removed immediately to reduce the risk of disease and other threats. Additionally, ignoring the presence of a deceased animal can lead to pest infestations and structural damage. To prevent future wildlife deaths on your property, trim back shrubs and trees, keep pet food indoors, and install motion-activated lights to deter critters. In addition, regular inspections can help to identify potential entry points and seal them. A professional wildlife control service can help with all of these services, as well as provide recommendations for preventing future infestations.
Humane Treatment
Generally speaking, humane treatment is a form of wildlife control that focuses on keeping animals away from your home instead of killing them. This is done through a variety of methods, including live trapping, exclusion, and more.
This type of wildlife control is often preferred by those that are concerned about the welfare of their pets or children, or who simply want a longer-term solution to wildlife problems. Unlike pest control techniques, humane wildlife removal and management methods do not involve the use of poisons or other harmful chemicals.
While many people are unaware of this, there is a wide array of different animal species that can invade homes and cause damage. These include rodents, birds, raccoons, squirrels, groundhogs, and other critters. While some animals are considered pests, others play a critical role in nature, helping to keep insect populations under control and spread tree seeds among other things.
When it comes to humane wildlife control, the goal is to treat the animal with respect and return it back to where it belongs. This may include using one-way doors to allow animals to leave a structure without harm, or hand-catching the animals and releasing them in an area that is safe for them. It also means preventing the problem from happening again in the future by repairing points of entry and creating barriers that animals cannot pass through.
For example, a wildlife control professional may seal up crawl spaces and vents to prevent animals from entering a house in the first place. They will also search the roofline for potential entry points and repair them. This can be a very effective way to stop a problem without causing suffering to the animal in question.
If you are considering hiring a wildlife control company, make sure they employ humans that are trained to handle various animal species in an ethical manner. They should be familiar with the typical birthing and rearing seasons, how to tell if an animal is pregnant or nursing, and be able to recognize an injured or sick animal. It is a good idea to obtain referrals from local wildlife rehabilitators or animal sanctuaries that prioritize humane handling techniques, and to request proof that the company carries commercial liability insurance and the necessary licensing and credentials.