What should I do if I find animals in my Buffalo home?

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What Should I Do If I Find Animals In My Buffalo Home?

Buffalo is one of the best places to live a peaceful life. There is a mix of city life and nature, but more wild animals are showing up in the residential areas of Buffalo in search of food and shelter. This happens because the city is growing very rapidly and animals lose their homes. People are seeing raccoons, squirrels, deer, and other animals in their homes and gardens. A lot of times, people call animal trappers in Buffalo because they hear animals moving around in their attic or walls. But the damage these animals cause is not always easy to see. Little critters like squirrels, mice, and rats can chew on the wires in your house, which can be dangerous. Some animals, like raccoons, bats, birds, opossums, and rats, can spread diseases that people can suffer from, like Histoplasmosis, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis. They also leave behind droppings and pee, which can make your attic smelly or even grow mold. Raccoons can damage gardens by digging for food, trampling plants, and knocking over garbage containers. Some animals might even wreck your garden or scare you, like snakes. But do not worry, our experts know how to get rid of raccoons and other unwanted animals and make sure they do not come back.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides a list of common animals that bother homeowners. These animals cause trouble by damaging property, scaring people, or making it hard to enjoy your home. The list includes raccoons, squirrels, bats, rodents, skunks, and others. Let’s explore them.

Raccoons:

What are Racoons?

Raccoons are small, furry animals that are very common in Buffalo. They have a masked face with black markings around their eyes, and they have ringed tails. They are smart and curious creatures that often use their paws to explore and find food. Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals, including fruits, nuts, insects, and even small mammals or birds. They are known for their ability to adapt to different environments and for their mischievous behavior, like raiding trash cans for food. The life cycle of raccoons typically involves several stages:

1. Birth: Raccoons are born in spring, usually in April or May. A mother raccoon called a sow, gives birth to a litter of about 2 to 5 babies, called kits.

2. Infancy: Baby raccoons are blind and deaf at birth and rely completely on their mother for care. They stay in the den for the first few weeks, nursing and growing rapidly.

3. Exploration: As they grow, young raccoons start to venture outside the den, exploring their surroundings under the watchful eye of their mother. They learn essential skills like climbing, hunting, and foraging.

4. Independence: By the time they are 3 to 4 months old, young raccoons begin to become more independent, although they still stay close to their mother for guidance and protection.

5. Adolescence: Around 6 months of age, raccoons reach adolescence. They continue to learn and refine their survival skills, becoming more proficient at hunting and scavenging.

6. Maturity: Raccoons reach sexual maturity at around 1 year of age. They are now fully grown and capable of reproducing.

7. Reproduction: Adult raccoons typically mate in late winter or early spring, with females giving birth to a new litter of kits the following spring.

Raccoons usually live about 2 to 3 years in the wild. But if they are kept in captivity, they can live much longer.

What kind of harm can raccoons cause?

Raccoons can cause various types of harm, both to property and to humans or pets. Here are some common issues associated with raccoons:

1. Property Damage: Raccoons have clever front paws they use to grab things. Sometimes, they mess up buildings, roofs, and attics when they are trying to get inside for food or a place to stay. They might break shingles, rip vents, or mess up insulation.

2. Garden and Landscape Damage: Raccoons are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including fruits, vegetables, and plants. They can raid gardens, causing damage to crops and ornamental plants.

3. Garbage Raids: Raccoons are known as scavengers. They like to go through garbage bins and dumpsters. They make a mess by ripping open trash bags and spreading garbage everywhere.

4. Transmission of Diseases: Raccoons can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites, scratches, or contact with their feces. Some of these diseases include rabies, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm.

5. Aggression: Raccoons usually stay away from people, but they might get mean if they are scared or trapped, especially if they are protecting their babies.

6. Predation on Pets: In some cases, raccoons may attack and kill small pets, such as cats or small dogs, particularly if they perceive them as a threat or as potential prey.

7. Nuisance Noise: Raccoons can be noisy creatures, especially during mating season. Their vocalizations, including chittering, growling, and screeching, can be disruptive, particularly if they are nesting in or around residential areas.

It is important to make sure to have a raccoon-free property to prevent property damage, and potential health risks from their waste, and to maintain the safety of pets and inhabitants.

How to prevent raccoons from entering the home in Buffalo?

1. Secure Trash Bins: Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so make sure your trash bins have tight-fitting lids and are secured to prevent raccoons from accessing them.

2. Remove Outdoor Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food outside, and clean up any fallen fruits or birdseed around your property, as these can attract raccoons.

3. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any openings or gaps that raccoons could use to enter, such as broken vents, gaps in the attic, or holes in the foundation. Seal these openings with sturdy materials like hardware cloth, metal flashing, or wire mesh.

4. Install Chimney Caps: If you have chimneys, install chimney caps to prevent raccoons from entering through them.

5. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Raccoons are skilled climbers, so trim tree branches that are close to your home and could provide access to your roof or attic.

6. Use Deterrents: There are various deterrents you can use to discourage raccoons from approaching your home, such as motion-activated lights or sprinkler systems, ultrasonic devices, or even natural repellents like predator urine.

7. Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed, especially at night when raccoons are most active.

8. Secure Pet Doors: If you have pet doors, consider securing them at night to prevent raccoons from entering.

9. Eliminate Shelter: Remove potential shelter sites such as woodpiles, brush piles, and old furniture where raccoons could hide or nest.

10. Consider Professional Help: If you are having persistent issues with raccoons despite taking preventive measures, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.

Squirrels:

What are squirrels?

Squirrels are small, furry animals that live in trees and on the ground. They are very commonly found in the residential areas of Buffalo. They have bushy tails that they use for balance and communication. Squirrels are known for their quick movements and ability to climb trees with ease. They eat a variety of foods including nuts, seeds, fruits, and even small insects. Squirrels are active during the day, and they build nests, called dreys, in tree branches where they sleep and raise their babies. Squirrels play an important role in their ecosystems by spreading seeds and helping to control insect populations but at the same time, they are also destructive for homeowners in Buffalo. The life cycle of squirrels involves various stages:

1. Birth: Squirrels are born after a gestation period of about 35 days, although this can vary depending on the species. Typically, a litter consists of 2 to 8 babies, though some species may have larger litter.

2. Infancy: Newborn squirrels are blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mother for warmth, protection, and nourishment. They stay in the nest, called a drey, for the first 6 to 10 weeks of their lives.

3. Juvenile Stage: After their eyes open at around 3 to 4 weeks old, young squirrels start to explore the nest and become more active. They begin to develop their characteristic bushy tails and fur. During this stage, they are still reliant on their mother’s care and milk.

4. Independence: Around 8 to 10 weeks old, young squirrels start venturing out of the nest and learning essential skills such as foraging for food, climbing, and socializing with other squirrels. They become increasingly independent from their mother, although they may still return to the nest for shelter and occasional nursing.

5. Adulthood: Squirrels reach sexual maturity at different ages depending on the species, typically between 6 months to 1 year old. Once they reach adulthood, they actively participate in mating rituals during the breeding seasons.

6. Reproduction: Squirrels typically breed twice a year, in the spring and late summer or early fall. Males compete for females, and mating occurs. After mating, females build nests and give birth to a new litter of offspring, continuing the cycle.

7. Life Span: The lifespan of squirrels varies by species, but in general, they live for about 5 to 10 years in the wild, although some may live longer in captivity.

What kind of harm can squirrels cause?

1. Damage to Property: Squirrels may chew on various objects, including electrical wires, wooden structures, and insulation, which can lead to costly repairs and potential fire hazards.

2. Garden and Crop Damage: Squirrels are known to raid gardens and orchards, damaging fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They can also dig up bulbs and seeds.

3. Feeding on Bird Feeders: Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, causing damage to feeders and potentially scaring away birds.

4. Health Risks: Squirrels can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and tularemia, which can pose a risk to humans and pets if they come into contact with contaminated feces or urine.

5. Nuisance Behavior: Squirrels can be noisy, especially when they nest in attics or crawl spaces. Their activity can disturb residents and pets, leading to annoyance and sleep disturbance.

How to prevent squirrels from entering the home in Buffalo?

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps or openings that squirrels could use to enter. Seal these with caulk, wire mesh, or other appropriate materials.

2. Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: Squirrels may enter through chimneys or vents. Installing caps or covers over these openings can prevent access.

3. Trim Trees and Bushes: Squirrels often gain access to homes by jumping from overhanging branches or climbing vines. Trim trees and bushes near your home to eliminate these access points.

4. Secure Garbage Bins: Make sure your garbage bins are tightly sealed to prevent squirrels from accessing food sources near your home.

5. Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders, use ones specifically designed to be squirrel-proof or place them away from your home to draw squirrels away.

6. Use Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels, deterring them from entering your home. Place these devices near potential entry points.

7. Keep Outdoor Food Sources Secure: If you have outdoor pet food or birdseed, store it in secure containers to prevent attracting squirrels.

8. Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers or Lights: Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can startle squirrels and discourage them from approaching your home.

9. Consider Professional Help: If you are dealing with squirrel problems, consider hiring a professional exterminator near Buffalo to assess the situation and provide effective solutions.

Why is choosing a professional animal trapper in Buffalo necessary?

Choosing a professional animal trapper in Buffalo is necessary for several reasons:

1. Legal compliance: Many wild animals are protected by local, state, or federal laws, and removing them without proper permits or inhumane methods can result in legal consequences. Professional trappers understand the regulations and ensure that their methods comply with the law.

2. Expertise: Professional animal trappers have the knowledge, training, and experience to safely and effectively capture and remove wildlife from residential or commercial properties. They understand animal behavior, habitats, and the laws and regulations governing the removal of certain species.

3. Safety: Dealing with wild animals can be dangerous, especially if they are cornered or feel threatened. Professional trappers have the skills and equipment to handle animals humanely while minimizing risks to themselves and others.

4. Humane treatment: Ethical trappers prioritize the humane treatment of animals. They use traps and techniques that minimize stress and harm to the animals, and they often release them back into their natural habitat whenever possible.

5. Prevention of property damage: Wild animals can cause significant damage to property, including chewing through wiring, nesting in attics, and digging up gardens. Professional trappers not only remove the animals but also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations and mitigate damage.

Overall, hiring a professional animal trapper in Buffalo ensures the safe, legal, and humane removal of wildlife while protecting both people and property.

FAQs

What are some common signs of raccoon nuisance?

1. Knocked-over trash cans: Raccoons are known for rummaging through garbage and looking for food. If your trash cans are regularly knocked over and the contents scattered around, it could be a sign of raccoons.

2. Noises at night: Raccoons are active mainly at night, so if you hear scratching, thumping, or other strange sounds coming from your attic, chimney, or walls, it could mean raccoons have made themselves at home.

3. Property damage: Raccoons can cause damage by tearing up shingles, ripping off vents, or even breaking into buildings in search of shelter.

4. Feces: Raccoon droppings, or feces, can be found near their dens or along their regular travel routes. They are usually dark in color and might contain undigested food.

What does a professional exterminator do with animals after they catch them?

When a professional exterminator catches animals, they usually decide what to do based on the type of animal and the situation. Usually, they release animals back into the wild where they would not bother people.

What is the cost to hire a professional animal trapper in Buffalo?

The price for hiring a professional animal catcher in Buffalo can vary. It depends on factors like the type of animals you need to catch, how many there are, and where they are. Give us a phone call at 716-320-7648 and hire the best animal trapping service in Buffalo.

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