Wildlife Pests

The presence of rodents can spread disease as well as cause serious property damage to your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common diseases carried by mice and rats include hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, salmonellosis, and rat bite fever. Their droppings can cause respiratory distress, particularly for those with allergies and asthma.

Rodents also gnaw on wood and build nests in the walls and insulation, which can cause serious structural damage. Mice and rats may nest inside major appliances and chew on electrical wires, increasing the risk of fire. Even the coldest winters in New York can’t deter them; rodents have strong survival tactics and can withstand harsh winter conditions. They may be small, but rodents can become a huge problem once they’ve infested your home or business.

Despite their reputation, bats are a phenomenal asset to mother nature and pose little direct threat to humans.  That being noted, they can cause the following issues:

Health Risks: Bat droppings can harbor fungi that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease. Bats can also carry rabies and other diseases, posing a risk if they come into contact with humans or pets.

 Property Damage: Bats can chew . 

 We offer services not only in bat removal and exclusion, but in sanitation and removal of contamination from these pests.

Squirrels were once the most prolific pest in the US. They are relentless and if there is no opening into your house, they can make one. Some of their favorite places to chew through are the soffits under the eaves of your roof. Fascia board and siding are also no match for their sharp incisors, and the holes they create can allow water penetration which may lead to mold growth, termites, and infestations by other animals. 

Once inside, squirrels head for the attics as they provide many amenities on the squirrel’s checklist. Insulation makes for wonderful bedding and a warm, safe spot to build a nest. Usual damage includes chewing of window and door frames and structural wood.  Their feces and urine can contaminate whatever it touches, creating a health hazard and costly cleanup.  

Incredibly smart and adept, they live up to the "Masked Bandit" nickname. Their intelligence and dexterous fingers allowed them to open 11 out of 13 locks in a 1908 study. 

When ripping through our garbage is not enough; our home is the next stop.  Raccoons can easily make their way in through open chimneys and tear off roof shingles and vents to gain access.  Like squirrels, attics are one of the preferred sources of harborage which they often pursue in late winter to have babies. 

Chimneys offer environmental conditions similar to hollowed-out trees with the added benefit of central heating. Raccoons can tear away the chimney lining for bedding and cause blockages resulting in a fire hazard. The chimney often provides access to other ductwork and insulation which they love for bedding and nesting.  Insulation absorbs urine easily and can result in health hazards for the residents of the home. 

Absolutely beautiful, but these animals can cause the following issues:

  Property Damage: Foxes can dig dens under houses, sheds, and outbuildings, which can damage the foundation and create structural issues.

Garbage and Compost: Foxes are opportunistic feeders and will rummage through garbage cans and compost bins, creating a mess and attracting other pests like rats and cockroaches.

Garden Damage: Foxes can damage gardens by digging up plants, eating fruits and vegetables, and trampling flowers.

Strong Odor: Foxes mark their territory with a strong, pungent odor from their anal glands, which can be unpleasant for homeowners.

Health Risks: Foxes can carry diseases such as rabies, distemper, and mange, which can pose health risks to pets and humans.

Pet Safety: Foxes may pose a threat to small pets, such as cats and small dogs, especially if left unattended outside at night.

Although elusive, these critters can cause several problems:

Lawn and Garden Damage: Moles dig extensive tunnel systems just below the surface, which can cause unsightly ridges and damage to lawns and gardens. Their tunnels can disrupt the roots of plants and grass, leading to wilting or death.

Uneven Ground: The raised tunnels and molehills can create uneven ground, which can be a tripping hazard for people and pets.

Secondary Pests: Moles primarily feed on insects, earthworms, and grubs, but their tunnels can inadvertently attract other pests like voles and mice, which can further damage plants and even invade homes.

Soil Displacement: The excavation of soil to create tunnels and molehills can displace large amounts of soil, which can smother and damage the grass and plants above.

Damage to Equipment: Mole tunnels can interfere with lawn maintenance equipment like mowers and trimmers, potentially causing damage to the equipment or creating a bumpy mowing experience.

Crows, sparrows, starlings, pigeons and much more!  Nuisance birds often nest inside gutters, attics and areas of the roof.  This can lead to water blockages and considerable roof damage.  The mites that reside on many of these birds can further infest homes and cause health issues for the family that lives there.  

Even those that don't move into your home can be problematic if they just choose to frequent it.  The droppings and activity they produce can cause significant sanitary issues.

While rodents are the main cause of structural damage, Skunks can launch a good ground assault.  They are best known for their attacks on our noses, but their focus is typically on the strongest part of our homes.

With powerful front paws and sharp claws, they dig burrows under foundations, leading to structural damage, leaks, compromised footings, and poor air quality.  The costs for foundational repair and decontamination are often in the several thousands of dollars.