Are Bats Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Spotting a bat can be scary, especially if you’ve never faced them before and have pets in your home. There are myths that bats are evil, spooky creatures, but are they dangerous? Learning about bat behavior and the dangers they can cause can help you prepare to take the right action after you spot them. Can a Bat Attack a Human? Healthy bats are not likely to attack you. They tend to avoid people whenever possible. Rabid bats are unpredictable, though, and can bite or scratch. Since you often can't tell just by looking at it whether a bat has rabies, it's best to avoid touching or harassing it. Rabid bats are known to cause the most rabies deaths in the United States. If you accidentally come into contact with a bat, wash your hands with soap and water and get in touch with your doctor. Then call a professional to trap and remove the bats in your residence. Even if you encounter a dead bat in...
Read More

How to Tell if an Opossum Is Dead or Playing Dead

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Opossums are known for their instinctive ability to play dead when threatened. This unique reaction is called thanatosis, and it's a natural defense mechanism — it's usually effective in warding off predators when hissing and growling fail. It's easy to get confused between an opossum that acts dead and one that really is. You shouldn't touch it either way, but here are a few ways to tell what you're dealing with. What Does an Opossum Playing Dead Look Like? At a glance, there's no distinction between a dead opossum and one that's experiencing thanatosis. An opossum pretending to be dead will typically lie on its side with its eyes closed. Its breathing will get shallow and may even appear to stop completely. While opossums don't spray like skunks, opossums smell when they play dead. Sometimes, the opossum will loll its tongue and drool, even excreting waste to exaggerate its catatonic-like state. These signs will usually convince a predator that the opossum is dead, and...
Read More

How to Get Rid of Opossums

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Getting rid of opossums is no easy task. They are resilient, stubborn, and persistent, testing your patience with their tenacity and determination. While professional removal is best for an infestation, there are a few steps you can take on your own to help mitigate issues. Here are a few tips on deterring opossums naturally. What Is the Best Deterrent for Opossums? Opossums can be beneficial to have outside your home, but you may want to take action if they begin getting into areas where they do not belong. No deterrent is guaranteed to prevent opossum activity. However, if you've encountered opossums on your property, you'll want to make certain they are not getting into your home. You can start with these deterrents. Cayenne Pepper The strong, spicy composition of cayenne pepper mixed with water or hot sauce can help deter opossums. Sprinkle or spray it in your garden and around your property to cause mild irritation to their keen sense of smell. Ammonia Mixture Ammonia's potent smell...
Read More

Signs of Opossums in Your Home

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Opossums are highly adaptable and increasingly common in suburban areas. Although they usually live in vacant burrows, dens, and holes, they'll be happy to reside in your home if they find their way in. If you notice signs of an opossum infestation on your property, you should call a wildlife removal company for help as soon as possible. Call Us at (833) 732-0439 Common Areas Opossums Inhabit in Your Home Quiet, poorly lit areas are the preferred choice for opossums seeking shelter in your home. You may notice distinct sounds and even smells coming from the following areas: Attic Walls Garage Crawl spaces Beneath the deck 6 Signs of an Opossum Infestation You'll want to get rid of opossums in your home for numerous reasons. They sometimes carry infectious diseases like tularemia and leptospirosis, which can be dangerous to humans. They won't attack if you encounter them, but opossums do spray a foul odor when threatened and playing dead. Here are six indications opossums may be occupying your space. 1....
Read More

Can Squirrels Pass Diseases to Humans?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
While squirrels look furry and cute, having them living inside your home is not a welcoming sight. Along with damaging your belongings, an infected squirrel can spread diseases to humans and pets through direct and indirect contact. Taking preventive steps and handling infestations right away is crucial to your well-being and safety. What Diseases Can Squirrels Transmit to Humans? Squirrels can pass several diseases to both humans and pets. They can be carriers of all kinds of parasites, like mites, fleas and ticks, that can cause issues for you and your furry friends. Here are a few of the most common: Salmonellosis: Within 12-72 hours after being exposed to salmonella bacteria in squirrel feces, individuals can start experiencing gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. When severe, a salmonella infection could lead to life-threatening complications like meningitis or sepsis. Ringworm: If you come in direct contact with a squirrel that has ringworm, you could become infected as well. This fungal infection causes a...
Read More

7 Places Rats Hide in Your Home

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
If you've been hearing strange scurrying sounds at night or seeing signs like gnaw marks and droppings, you may be dealing with a roof rat or Norway rat infestation. As long as they have access to shelter, food, and water, these critters can take up residence in any home, destroying belongings and putting you and your family at risk for harmful diseases. Where Do Rats Hide in a House? Because rats are nocturnal, you may not actually see them even if you have an infestation. However, there are still ways you can find a rat's nest in your house. While rats can scurry inside through an open door, window, or garage, they can also squeeze through small holes or cracks in your foundation or walls that you may not even be aware of. Anything from poor sanitation practices to leaving pet food out can attract these unwelcome pests into your home. Even when a homeowner has done everything right, these pests will still...
Read More

4 Signs of a Raccoon Problem in Your Home

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
How do you know if a raccoon is in your house? These masked bandits try to be sneaky, but there tend to be a few telltale signs when they've moved in. Be on the lookout for the following clues of a raccoon home invasion. 1. Unusual Sounds Are your nights a bit noisier than they used to be? Raccoons are not quiet house guests. These talkative creatures make a wide range of unique sounds, from chattering and squeals to purrs and snarls. And because they're nocturnal, many raccoons save their conversations for when you're getting ready for bed. Listen for these unusual noises, too: Light footfalls Chewing Scratching Rustling 2. Strong Odors Are there unexplained smells filling your home? Raccoon invasions can be smelly affairs. From animal waste to rotting food, you may start to smell some strong, unexplained odors if raccoons are in your space. 3. Home Damage Raccoons can get into everything. Whether they're forcing their way into your pantry or making a cozy nest in...
Read More

What Diseases Can Raccoons Carry?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
You can find raccoons in many city and suburban settings, but that doesn't mean they're safe to be around. These wild animals can pose a health risk. Even if a raccoon shows no signs of infection, many carry infectious diseases or parasites that can be transmitted to humans and animals. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about diseases known to occur in raccoons. What Viruses, Bacteria and Parasites Do Raccoons Cause? Most people are aware that raccoons can carry rabies. These wild animals also shed a host of viruses, bacteria and parasites that can result in infections or diseases in people. Here are some of the most common health hazards caused by raccoons. Rabies Raccoons are known carriers of the dangerous rabies virus, an infection that causes brain inflammation and other disturbing symptoms. Rabies is easily transmitted via bite, scratch or even contact with saliva. Baylisascaris Procyonis, or Raccoon Roundworm This parasite is found in the intestines of many raccoons. The organism sheds a...
Read More

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
With fuzzy fur, distinctive mask-like features, and bushy tails, raccoons look cute from a distance. This forest creature is a common sight in many neighborhoods and suburbs, but that doesn't make it friendly or safe. Raccoons can be dangerous in certain circumstances. Here are a few of the most common questions about the risks raccoons can pose to your home and family. Do Raccoons Attack Humans? In general, raccoons do not attack people. These naturally shy creatures prefer to flee if they sense humans. However, that fear can dwindle as they adapt to cities and suburbs. Raccoons are most dangerous to humans when they feel threatened or trapped or need to protect their young. Before attacking, raccoons may bluff or try to intimidate you. They might bear their teeth and claws, vocalize aggressively or even charge at you. Displays of aggression mean an attack is likely, so give raccoons a wide berth if you encounter one. Are Raccoons Dangerous to Pets? Raccoons can pose a risk to pets,...
Read More