Have you ever found yourself face-to-face with an uninvited guest of the furry, scaly, or feathered variety? If you’re living in Georgia, chances are you’ve had a close encounter of the wild kind. From raccoons rifling through your trash to snakes slithering into your basement, Georgia’s wildlife doesn’t always stay in the wild. Let’s take a tour of some common critters sneaking into homes and why sometimes, it’s best to call in the professionals to send them packing.
Raccoons: The Masked Marauders
These nocturnal bandits are notorious for their dexterity and curiosity. Raccoons can pry open garbage cans, squeeze through small openings, and even enter through pet doors. Once inside, they can cause significant damage by tearing insulation, chewing wires, and leaving behind droppings. The diseases they carry, such as rabies and roundworms, make them particularly dangerous. Professional wildlife removal companies use humane traps and exclusion techniques to relocate these pests safely.
Squirrels: The Nutty Intruders
Squirrels may look cute, but don’t be fooled. They often find their way into attics, where they nest and gnaw on wood and electrical wires, posing fire hazards. Their constant need to chew can cause extensive structural damage over time. Removing squirrels requires sealing entry points and sometimes trapping and relocating the animals, a job best left to experts to avoid injury and ensure they don’t return.
Snakes: The Slithery Squatters
Georgia’s warm climate makes it a haven for snakes. While most are non-venomous, some, like the copperhead and rattlesnake, pose significant risks. Snakes enter homes searching for food, warmth, or shelter. Finding one in your home can be alarming, and trying to remove it yourself can be dangerous. Professionals can safely capture and relocate snakes, ensuring your home is snake-free.
Bats: The Night Flyers
Bats might be beneficial for controlling insect populations, but you don’t want them roosting in your attic. Their droppings, known as guano, can cause respiratory issues and structural damage. Plus, they can carry rabies. Excluding bats involves sealing entry points and sometimes installing one-way devices that allow bats to leave but not re-enter. This delicate process requires professional intervention to comply with wildlife protection laws.
Rats and Mice: The Gnawing Nuisances
Rodents are common invaders, especially in colder months. They enter homes in search of food and shelter, often nesting in walls and attics. Rats and mice can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. Effective removal involves not only trapping but also sealing entry points and addressing attractants, tasks that are best handled by a professional to prevent re-infestation.
Opossums: The Unexpected Guests
Opossums might wander into homes looking for food or shelter. These marsupials are known for their ability to play dead when threatened, but when alive and active in your home, they can be quite a nuisance. They are scavengers, often making a mess and potentially spreading diseases like leptospirosis. Professionals can humanely trap and relocate opossums, ensuring they don’t return.
Birds: The Feathered Foes
It’s common for birds to find their way into attics and chimneys. Their droppings can damage property and spread diseases, while their nesting materials can clog vents and pose fire hazards. Removing birds and preventing re-entry typically involves installing exclusion devices and cleaning up droppings, which is a job for the pros due to health risks.
Final Thoughts
Encountering wildlife in your home can be unsettling and even dangerous. While DIY solutions might seem tempting, handling wildlife often requires professional expertise to ensure both your safety and the humane treatment of the animals. So, the next time you hear scratching in the attic or hissing from the basement, consider calling a wildlife removal specialist such as Attic Kings. We have the skills and tools to handle these uninvited guests effectively.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dealing with Georgia’s sneaky wildlife. Stay vigilant, and when in doubt, reach out to the pros.