Raccoons are high on the list of things that go bump in the night for property owners. These furry mammals are familiar visitors to Texas properties, and they enjoy a good dig through trash cans. Understanding why raccoons love trash cans helps you create solutions to finding your waste strewn across your yard.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior
If you notice raccoons getting into the trash, they're probably looking for a meal. Raccoons are omnivores with a keen sense of smell that tells them where they can find food, waste, or scraps. As human living areas extend into wildlife habitats, these mammals have adapted their diet to what's available — and that's often our leftovers. When there is food and other resources available on your property, raccoons will make their home nearby, this often means in the attic or crawlspace of the property owner.
Securing Your Cans to Keep Raccoons Out
The best way to prevent raccoons from getting into the garbage is to secure your...
At Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal LLC, we specialize in providing effective wildlife trapping and removal services for skunks and armadillos by using a methodical approach tailored to your commercial or residential property. We go a step further and offer wildlife exclusion and repair services to prevent future wildlife issues.
Understanding the differences between skunks and armadillos is essential for homeowners who wish to keep these animals out of their yards. Our team is dedicated to preventing armadillos and skunks from burrowing under decks, in crawl spaces, and within sheds and providing strategies to deter armadillos.
Identifying the Culprit: Skunk or Armadillo?
Both skunks and armadillos can cause significant disturbances in your yard, but their behaviors and habits differ greatly. Skunks are known for their strong odor and nocturnal foraging for food, while armadillos are notorious for their digging, which can lead to unsightly holes in your lawn.
Armadillos dig to search for insects, grubs, and other small invertebrates. Their burrowing can undermine plant roots and create holes that impact your...
Do you suspect a snake problem in your home? The first thing to note is that if you are frequently seeing or encountering signs of snake activity, then there is likely a steady food source for the snakes (Mice, Rats, etc.). If you handle your snake situation with caution — and respect — you can reclaim your home from your slithery friends.
Recognizing Snake Infestation Signs
Snakes are sneaky, and even if you can't see them, they do leave clues to tell you they are nearby. Look for these indications of a snake infestation:
Snake dens: Most snakes cannot dig well, but they will take advantage of large holes in the ground or other secluded, moist and often cool areas to shelter from predators and to regulate their body temperature.
Snake droppings: Snake droppings resemble bird feces but contain fur or bones. If you discover droppings, inspect the area for further snake activity.
Shed snake skins: You will likely find snake skins near entry points or...
Have you noticed a hole in your roof, siding, or soffit? Your first reaction might be to call a contractor or tackle the repair yourself. Wait! Before dialing that number or grabbing your tool belt, contact wildlife professionals. Holes in your home's exterior could be animal entry points. Sealing these entries can have catastrophic consequences for the creatures and your home. Wildlife removal experts can remove animals, repair damage, and prevent their return.
This in-depth guide covers everything from recognizing entry points to understanding animal intrusions. Explore the benefits of using professionals over contractors for a more secure home.
Call Us at (833) 732-0439
Here's when you should call wildlife removal services:
1. You Notice Roof, Siding, or Soffit Damage
Your roof, siding, and soffit protect your home's exterior. Siding protects against weather and insulates against heat loss. A soffit sits under the roof's overhang, connecting to the siding. These components form a barrier that blocks the elements, retains heat, and deters wildlife.
Damage to roofs,...
While it's always preferable to keep birds from nesting in or around buildings, this is a common occurrence. Many homeowners only discover a nest when they find telltale signs of bird droppings piling up on the ground below.
Wild birds can carry a host of diseases and parasites. If you find an active nest around your home or business, it is important to take safety precautions to protect your health while letting Mother Nature complete her cycle undisturbed.
What to Do if a Bird Makes a Nest on Your Porch
Nest building takes time, so if you notice birds constructing a nest on your porch, take action immediately. There are many ways to make them feel unwelcome and look for an alternative spot. You can wear gloves and remove the nesting material or spray the area out with a hose. Repeat every day until you are sure that the birds have moved away. Only do this during the initial stages of nest construction....
Rat droppings in your house, sounds in your walls and skittering noises at night are indicators of a rat infestation. Deal with a rat infestation quickly to avoid property damage and exposure to dangerous diseases.
Call Us at (833) 732-0439
What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Rats?
There are many ways to deal with a rat infestation — some work faster than others. By implementing a combination of methods, you can get rid of rats quickly. Here are some strategies to try.
Set a Trap
The traditional method of trapping a rat is still effective, especially if you know where your unwanted visitors are nesting, as it's best to place traps close to nesting areas. Rat traps that don't pose any dangers to children and pets are best used in the living space, snap traps are better suited for areas where there is not a concern for children or pets finding the trap. Both are easy to find at various stores and...
According to a recent report by Medical News Today, birds and their droppings can carry more than 60 diseases. While birds are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, bird infestations in and around homes and businesses can have serious consequences. When wild birds nest or gather around buildings, the result is not just messy. It can also be dangerous to human health.
Are Birds a Health Hazard?
Birds in their natural environment are not a health hazard. Problems only arise when wild birds make their homes in and around human habitats. Owners of pet birds and poultry are usually aware of potential health risks associated with birds and take precautions such as regularly cleaning cages, washing hands and using sanitizers.
Do Outside Birds Carry Diseases?
While nesting house sparrows or visiting pigeons might be fun to watch, their droppings may contain parasites and bacteria. In addition, droppings often attract other pests, including rodents, flies and cockroaches. Nests may even contain bird mites and...
You likely already know that rats are a nuisance, but they can cause more damage than chewed wires or a compromised pantry. The risks of rats in your home can also include diseases that may transmit to you or members of your household. Understand these diseases and how they're transmitted, and rest assured that Urban Jungle can help address your home's rat problem.
Common Diseases Carried by Rats
Although the list of diseases carried by rodents is comprehensive, some rat-related conditions are more common than others. Not all rat-borne diseases are the result of direct transmission. Some diseases, like The Bubonic Plague, result from indirect transmission and rats are simply carriers. Common diseases caused by exposure to rat urine, feces or contact with an infected rodent include:
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): Rodents spread this severe respiratory disease, which can be deadly.
Rat bite fever (RBF): People who have frequent contact with rodents are particularly at risk of developing RBF.
Leptospirosis: Humans can...
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. This certainly applies to the popular notion that applying snake repellent to the perimeter of your yard will create an invisible shield that keeps snakes out. It may make you feel more secure in the short term, but if your yard's conditions are an ideal snake habitat, you will likely be disappointed with the results.
Does Snake Repellent Work?
There's a lot of conflicting information about whether snake repellents work. Manufacturers and suppliers of sprays and electronic devices created to deter snakes naturally promote their products to increase sales. To get an objective view of the efficacy of snake-repellent sprays, one must turn to science.
Most snake species have poor vision and use their tongues to collect sensory information about their environment. The problem with dousing areas with foul-smelling or even toxic sprays is that snakes do not perceive odors the same way as humans. They are not tuned in to be offended...
Birds are attracted to exhaust vents because they offer shelter, safety and warmth. The enclosed space of the vent mimics natural nesting environments.
The most common bird entry points in a home are:
Kitchen and bathroom vents
Dryer and furnace exhaust vents
A musty smell or scratching sounds coming from a vent could indicate the presence of a bird. Frequent chirping indicates that presence of hatchlings. When you suspect there is a bird in a vent, it's essential to resolve the situation quickly to avoid potential health and fire hazards.
Call Us at (833) 732-0439
The Danger of a Blocked Vent
Birds nesting in your vents can lead to several issues, including:
Health hazards: Birds carry mites that can bite humans and pets and cause skin irritations. Beyond that, prolonged exposure to bird waste and feathers can cause histoplasmosis, a fungal lung infection.
Fire risks: Birds build their nests from flammable materials like twigs, leaves and feathers. The nests block airflow in dryer vents, leading...
